From the heart of New York City, McKinzie J. Scott is quickly carving out his own lane. This Jamaican-American actor, singer, and all-around creative is about to drop a powerful lead performance in Manhood, a TV show directed, written, and produced by Tyson Anthony that’s anything but your usual coming-of-age story.
You might remember him from Hulu’s #Right2RemainSilent campaign, where his presence hit hard and made an impact. But Manhood feels like the real deal, a chance for McKinzie to show a more raw, vulnerable side of masculinity. The story follows two young guys growing up in very different ways, one mostly on his own, the other with some help. Life’s messy and there are no do-overs. The stakes feel real, the kind of story that doesn’t sugarcoat the tough parts about growing up, especially when you’re facing stereotypes and pressure from all sides.
McKinzie puts it best: “Manhood, to me, is about transformation. It’s not about bravado or performance, but about accountability, vulnerability, and truth. This project gave me the space to challenge the stereotypes often placed on young Black men and redefine what strength really looks like.”
He adds, “It means stepping into the uncomfortable, embracing emotional honesty, and unlearning what we’ve been told masculinity should be.” For McKinzie, Manhood isn’t just another role. “For my career, Manhood is more than a credit, it’s a statement. It reflects the kind of work I want to do: bold, personal, and rooted in something real.”
And with the seven-chapter series dropping on August 12th, the wait’s almost over. This is the kind of project that makes you sit up and take notice, and McKinzie J. Scott is definitely someone to keep on your radar.