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Local teen actor stars in 'Proud Mary' alongside Taraji P. Henson, talks new movie!

Jahi Winston is an Atlanta native, currently residing in Marietta, and got his start in the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King. He rose to fame in his recent portrayal as a young Ralph Tresvant in BET'S The New Edition Story, which was a huge success! Following his role in PROUD MARY, he will star in a new Netflix drama, as well as a comedy with funny man Kevin Hart.

Jahi Winston is only 14 years old but he's taking Hollywood by storm! He's now the star in Screen Gem's 'Proud Mary' hitting theaters on Friday! The native ATLien says when he found out the movie also starred Taraji P. Henson, he knew he had to give the audition his all!

Winson made his acting debut as “Young Simba” in the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King. From there, he received widespread praise for his portrayal as “Young Ralph Tresvant” in BET’s The New Edition Story. His 2018 projects also include the lead role in a new Netflix series Everything Sucks!.

In the film Proud Mary, Taraji P. Henson plays the character of Mary. Mary is a hit woman working for an organized crime family in Boston, whose life is completely turned around when she meets a young boy whose path she crosses when a professional hit goes bad.

According to original casting notice on baskstage.com, Danny is an "independent and combative pre-teen who has been forced to grow up too fast. After his parents were killed, Danny took to the streets, eventually taken in by an abusive drug lord. When he's rescued by Mary; Danny is a far cry from the innocent young boy he was a year ago."

The listing goes on to say that Danny's hard life is hard to put down despite Mary's caring hospitality.

"This pivotal, demanding, co-starring role of Danny, which will be opposite Taraji P. Henson as Mary, requires a young actor capable of exceptional depth, substance and range. Danny possesses a great inner-strength, and has an old soul."

All qualities that the southeast Atlanta native, Jahi Winston showed throughout the film. Take a listen to his interview with Entertainment Reporter Francesca Amiker above.

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