Michael Rainey Jr Net Worth 2026: How He Earns
Michael Rainey Jr Net Worth explained with verified details on acting income, business ventures, and recent career developments.
Author:Chloe AndersonApr 09, 2026693 Shares10K Views
Michael Rainey Jr. was born on 22 September 2000 in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the son of Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small. Through his mother he has Jamaican ancestry. When he was an infant, his family moved to New York, and he was raised in Staten Island. During his childhood he was educated at home by his mother.
Rainey has described his early years as “a normal, simple life”. He spent much of his childhood playing basketball and football at the local YMCA and riding bicycles for fun. He also took occasional family trips to Jamaica, which connected him to his Caribbean heritage.
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Michael Rainey Jr. |
| Birth Date | Sept 22, 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Jamaican roots |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Known For | Power, Power Book II: Ghost |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed (2026) |
| Income Sources | Acting, business, endorsements |
Early Career And Entry Into Acting
Michael Rainey Jr. began acting as a child. A chance encounter led to a woman named “Gina” spotting him and his mother when he was about eight or nine, which launched his audition process.
That opportunity quickly turned into on-camera work. He appeared in commercials and print campaigns, even landing small roles (including a brief Sesame Street segment), while balancing sports and school.
His first film role came in 2010 at age 9 in the Italian drama Un Altro Mondo. Early on he demonstrated a natural affinity for the camera: as a teen he recalled, “I always would watch TV like Nickelodeon, Disney… and just be like, ‘Dang, these kids [are] probably having so much fun just on set filming’,” and after being discovered, “the acting thing kind of just took over after a while.”
Michael Rainey Jr.’s Start As A Child Actor
By age 12–15 Rainey was booking significant roles. He co-starred opposite Common in the Sundance-featured drama LUV(2012) and played the young Cecil Gaines in Lee Daniels’ historical drama The Butler(2013). Around the same time he landed a recurring part on television: he portrayed Michael Burset, the son of a prison nurse, in Orange Is the New Black(2013–2015).
He also continued in film for example, he joined Ice Cube’s franchise in Barbershop: The Next Cut(2016), playing Ice Cube’s on-screen son. These projects in his early teens added to his resume of supporting and ensemble parts, showing he could hold his own alongside established stars.
Breakthrough Role In Power
Rainey’s big break came in 2014 when he was cast as Tariq St. Patrick on the STARZ drama Power. Starting around age 12, he was introduced as the young son of the show’s protagonist.
Over the six seasons of Power(2014–2020) Tariq evolved from a sweet child into a complex figure, and Rainey moved from recurring status to main cast by season 3. The role required him to grow up on screen alongside co-stars like Omari Hardwick.
In interviews he has reflected on this decade-long run: he quipped that doing “one thing for 10 years” made him feel “really old,” but added “it’s a great thing because I’ve learned so much.” His portrayal drew strong audience reactions, fans alternated between loving and hating Tariq, which Rainey noted even helped the writers craft the story.
Rise To Fame In Power Book II: Ghost
After Powerended, Rainey continued as the lead in its spinoff series Power Book II: Ghost, which premiered in 2020. The new show focused squarely on Tariq (now a college student balancing studies with criminal schemes) and solidified Rainey as a leading man. Over four seasons on Ghost, he carried the franchise forward, portraying Tariq’s internal and external struggles.
He described the fourth season, which began airing in mid-2024, as the “beginning of the end” of Tariq’s story. Reflecting on the long run of both shows, Rainey called the series finale “bittersweet,” noting that after “10-plus years working with these great people… it’s just like we became family… at the end of the day… it’s still a blessing.”
He also teased fans that Ghost’s final chapters would be packed with action and high stakes, promising that each episode would “shake the room” as Tariq and his ally faced mounting dangers.
Expansion Into Film And Television Projects
Alongside the Powerfranchise, Rainey kept busy with other film and TV work. He appeared in the ensemble crime thriller 211(2018) starring Nicolas Cage, portraying a teenager caught in a bank robbery.
His Barbershoprole gave him experience in a major comedy-drama franchise, and he joined various indie projects that broadened his range. Industry press noted that by his mid-teens he had credits in many popular titles: in addition to Powerand Ghost, he had worked in Orange Is the New Black, Barbershop: The Next Cut, The Butler, and the Sundance drama LUV. Rainey has also maintained visibility through appearances at press events and interviews, often promoting the Poweruniverse and discussing future roles.
Major Career Milestones And Achievements
Rainey’s career has been marked by steady milestones. In 2022 he took a major professional step by co-founding Twenty Two Entertainment, a production company launched with Power Book IIcostar Gianni Paolo.
This venture, backed by Kenan Thompson’s Artists For Artists fund, aims to develop new content, starting with a self-hosted podcast called The Crew Has It. He has also branched into fashion; in 2023 he teamed up with the retailer boohooMAN to create a ’70s-inspired menswear collection reflecting his personal style.
On the awards front, Rainey earned industry recognition for his acting. Notably, he won a NAACP Image Award in 2025 (his first) for his role on Power Book II: Ghost. These achievements highlight his growing status as both an actor and creative entrepreneur.
Acting Style And On-Screen Presence
Rainey is known for portraying characters with intensity and depth. Tariq St. Patrick is a quintessential example: an initially innocent boy who becomes a calculating, morally conflicted young man. Rainey brings nuance to such arcs. He has said that Tariq’s story is “literally a battle every day” between his better instincts and a dangerous legacy.
This ability to convey internal conflict gives Tariq an on-screen presence that drew passionate fan reactions and critical notice. Rainey himself has signaled that he does not want to be boxed into one type of role.
In interviews he has joked about wanting to break out of the “dark sociopath” image by doing comedy or romance: “I’m really excited to just tackle things that are very different from what I’ve been doing,” he said, mentioning interests in action films and even rom-coms.
His confidence off-screen matches his screen persona; he’s spoken candidly about the respect he earns on set as a young leading man and about learning from veteran co-stars who mentored him. Overall, Rainey’s acting style blends intensity with a readiness to evolve, and he carries himself with the confidence of someone comfortable under pressure.
Current Work, Recent Projects, And Professional Activities
Most recently Rainey has been engaged in wrapping up the Powerfranchise and launching new endeavors. Power Book II: Ghostconcluded in 2024, and he even made a surprise special appearance in the third season finale of its sequel Power Book IV: Force(2026) to help tie up storylines.
Industry reports indicate he is set to co-star with Joseph Sikora in the upcoming Power: Legacyseries, continuing the franchise in 2026. Beyond acting, Rainey is expanding his portfolio: he continues to run Twenty Two Entertainment and hints at more content development in film and digital media.
He also remains active in promotions and fan engagement for example, he recently commented that he’d love to try a romantic comedy to show a different side of his craft.
In interviews he remains upbeat about the future. He summed up his current outlook by saying he’s “super excited for what’s to come” after a decade on Power, and he is consciously preparing for diverse projects that break new ground. Whether on screen or off, Rainey is clearly intent on building a multifaceted career beyond his Powerlegacy.
Michael Rainey Jr Net Worth
As of 2026, Michael Rainey Jr's net worth has not been publicly disclosed, and no official figure has been verified by credible financial sources. He earns income primarily through his acting career and related ventures. His notable roles include portraying Tariq St. Patrick in the Starz Powerfranchise (Powerand Power Book II: Ghost), from which he receives acting salaries.
In 2022, he co-founded an entertainment production company, Twenty Two Entertainment. He also generates income through fashion partnerships, including serving as a Tommy Hilfiger brand ambassador since 2022. However, specific details regarding his salary and total earnings from these ventures have not been publicly released.
FAQs
Who Is Michael Rainey Jr?
Michael Rainey Jr. is an American actor known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick in the Starz Powerfranchise. He began acting as a child and has built a career in both television and film.
When Was Michael Rainey Jr Born?
Michael Rainey Jr. was born on September 22, 2000. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Staten Island, New York.
What Is Michael Rainey Jr Famous For?
He is best known for playing Tariq St. Patrick in Powerand its spinoff Power Book II: Ghost. The role significantly raised his profile and established him as a leading actor.
Did Michael Rainey Jr Start Acting As A Child?
Yes, he began acting at a young age after being discovered around 8 or 9 years old. His early work included commercials, television appearances, and film roles.
What Are Michael Rainey Jr’s Notable Roles?
His notable roles include Power, Power Book II: Ghost, The Butler, LUV, and Barbershop: The Next Cut. He has worked alongside several established actors in both film and television.
Chloe Anderson
Author
Chloe Anderson is a passionate explorer of the world of celebrity finance, known for her keen insights and captivating storytelling. With a background in finance journalism, Chloe has a knack for unraveling the financial mysteries behind the stars.
Her journey into the fascinating realm of celebrity net worth began with a deep curiosity about how fame and fortune intersect. Chloe believes that understanding the financial lives of iconic personalities adds a unique layer of intrigue to their captivating stories.
With a commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content, Chloe takes you on a journey through the financial successes, investments, and philanthropic endeavors of influential figures. She combines her expertise in finance with her love for storytelling to create articles and features that both inform and entertain.
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