Christopher Jackson

Christopher Neal Jackson born September 30 1975 is an American actor singer musician and composer He began his career in 1995 starring in the OffBroadway musical Time and the Wind by composer Galt MacDermot when he was just 20 years old He made his Broadway debut in 1997 as an ensemble member in the Original Broadway Cast of Disneys The Lion King He remained with the show for several years ultimately taking over the role of Simba He went on to perform leading roles in several more Broadway musicals and plays including After Midnight Bronx Bombers Holler If Ya Hear Me and Memphis He drew critical acclaim in several projects with LinManuel Miranda originating the roles of Benny in In the Heights and George Washington in the smash hit Hamilton For the latter role he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical He also collaborated with Miranda on the Disney film Moana in which he provides the singing voice of Chief Tui His other film work includes secondary roles in AfterLife and Tracers