Biography brandon hammond

Brandon Hammond is an actor/writer/director and creator with almost three decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Hammond became a fixture on the big and small screen with television and film credits that include Menace II Society, The Fan, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Waiting to Exhale, Tales from the Hood, Space Jam, Mars Attacks!, to name a few.

Brandon’s acting talent were put on notice by tv and film critics alike when he starred in the CBS half-hour sitcom The Gregory Hines Show (TGHS) and in Twentieth Century Fox’s release of the feature film Soul Food. Hammond won the NAACP Image Award for Most Outstanding Youth Performer for his portrayal as the film’s narrator “Ahmad Sims” and for TGHS, TV Guide named him The Best Child Performer of 1997.

Today Brandon is a writer, director and producer with several web shows and podcasts. His directorial debut was with the film “Summer Blame” that premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in 2006. He is also a winner of the 2020 John Singleton Script Competition.

Follow Brandon Hammond’s journey from childhood stardom to successfulfilmmaker in Hollywood. Learn how he has paved the way for Black actors.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Brandon Hammond embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him transition from an iconic childhood actor of the 1990s to a passionate filmmaker. His early years in the entertainmentindustry were marked by his move to California and a series of roles in TVshows and films that left a lasting impact. 

Hammond’s name became synonymous with classic films such as “Menace II Society,” “Tales From The Hood,” “Waiting To Exhale,” and “Space Jam.” However, it was his role as Ahmad in the film “Soul Food” that catapulted him to stardom. Critics hailed him as the standout actor, and he earned the NAACPImageAward in 1998 for OutstandingYouth Actor.  Reflecting on his experience in “Soul Food,” Hammond credited director George Tillman Jr. for making a genuine connection with him and his family before even reading lines. 

This personal touch set the tone for a successful career and a lasting relationship with the cast, especially Vivica A. Fox, whom Hammond still considers a motherly figure.  In “Menace II Society,” Hammond’s journey took an unexpected turn when he initially auditioned for one role but ended up portraying the young version of Caine. He cherished the opportunity to work alongside acclaimed actors like Jada Pinkett, Larenz Tate, Tyrin Turner, and Samuel L. Jackson. 

His role in “Tales From The Hood” was very important. The film dived  into serious societal issues like police brutality, child abuse, racism, and gang violence. Hammond admitted that as a child, he may not have fully grasped the film’s themes, but as an adult, he appreciates its significance.  

Despite the challenges that often accompany child actors, Hammond att

Actor

Brandon La Ron Hammond (born February 6, 1984) is an American former child actor who appeared in several movie and television roles mainly during the 1990s. He appeared in the feature films Waiting to Exhale (1995), Mars Attacks! (1996) and Soul Food (1997). He won an NAACP Image Award for his work in the latter.

On television, Hammond recurred on Western series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1996−98) and sitcom The Gregory Hines Show (1997−98). He earned a Young Artist Award nomination after performing in Gregory Hines. He also played the ten year old Michael Jordan in the 1996 family film Space Jam.

Hammond's latest performance was in the television film Our America (2002). In adulthood, Hammond is a filmmaker who writes and directs short films.

Early life

Hammond was born as Brandon La Ron Hammond on February 6, 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Alfreda Williams, who managed her son's acting career.

Career

He made his acting debut at the age of 6, appearing in commercials for Chevrolet and public service announcements. Hammond's first film role was in Menace II Society (1993) where he played the younger version of the main character Caine. He followed this up with roles in Strange Days and Waiting to Exhale, both released in 1995. Hammond appeared in the horror anthology Tales from the Hood (1995) as Walter, a young boy who is scared of his abusive stepfather. Hammond performed as Marcus Jr. in 1996 television film The Road to Galveston.

In 1996, Hammond appeared in three feature films. Hammond portrayed Sean Rayburn in The Fan,