Trai Byers Biography

An American actor and singer, Trai Byers, widely recognized for playing Andre Lyon in musical drama “Empire.” Having active in this entertainment industry since 2009. Also, he has appeared several TV series, such as Selma, Jayhawkers and 90210.

Trai Early Life & Education

Trai Byers was born on July 19, 1983, in Kansas City, Kansas. Growing up in a military family, he traveled all over the country and the world for the majority of his formative life. Trai was auditioning for Antwone Fisher in high school but didn’t get the part, so he went to school.

Paul wanted to actually go to Hollywood, even when he didn’t get the part, but his mom said, “Give me two years [at school].” He is the oldest of six children, and he wanted to be an example.

Trai went to three various high schools in three different towns. Firstly, he attended Andrew College, a religious two-year institution and received his Associate’s Degree in Theater. He then accompanied Prairie View A & M University, a historically black college, for a year.

Later on, Trai then transferred to the University of Kansas and obtained his Bachelor’s in Communications. He also went to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for two years. Finally, he attended Yale School of Drama and obtained his Master’s Degree in Acting.

Trai Career

Trai began his acting career in Dave Campfield’s comedy-horror film “Caesar and Otto’s Summer Camp Massacre” playing Chip in 2009. Then, he made his recurring role on the ABC daytime soap opera, “All My Children“. There he played Mookie in 2011. The series was created by Agnes Nixon and title of the series refers to the bonds of humanity.

In 2011, he starred in the teen drama television series “90210” playing Alec Martin in the six episodes. He has described as a “young, hot Ivy League educated ‘tech’ guy who is Max’s (Josh Zuckerman) business partner.

Alec is characterized as very protective and all business. It is the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. The series was designed by CBS Television Studios.

Trai also played civil rights activist James Forman in Ava DuVernay’s the 2014 historical drama film “Selma,” starring Oprah Winfrey and Tom Wilkinson.

The series earned four Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director and Best Actor and won for Best Original Song. It was also nominated for Best Picture and won Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.

Trai Current work

Trai is currently starring in the musical drama television series “Empire” since 2015, where he plays Andre Lyon, oldest son of hip-hop mogul Lucious (Terrence Howard) and his ex-wife Cookie (Taraji P. Henson). The series was created by Danny Strong and Lee Daniels.

The sexy boys Bryshere Gray, Trai Byers and Jussie Smollett, heat up on the June 2015 issue of Essence Magazine. The handsome boys- Jamal, Hakeem and Andre Lyons in the series “Empire” were all in white display off washboard abs, tamed facial hair serving the cutest faces for the cover shot.

Trai Byers on ESSENCE Cover
Source: Wetpaint

The good looking trio dished on working together, unique experience and new extensions and interesting turns and faces to require in the second season.

Controversy

Trai faced the controversy when the rumors began to circulate that he who plays Andre Lyon on the Fox hit series ‘Empire‘ is tired of his character and wants out.

According to some reports, he had issues with his paycheck meaning he was not satisfied with what his character was earning comparing to his other brothers, Hakym and Jamal Lyon.

He has come out to remind his fans just how much he loves his role in the award-winning series, telling his 708,000 followers on Instagram on March 4, 2017, that he is still a tremendous part of the show which enters season three soon.

He shut the rumors by saying,
“I don’t normally spend my time dismissing rumors, but there is something I’d like to address. He has nothing but love and respect for “Empire” and all who are connected to the show. I have a fabulous relationship with FOX and hold myself to the highest standards professionally.

“How could I think of needing something larger than Andre, where I get to reveal a man with Bipolar disorder, who is on a pure journey to find his identity? I’m so proud, so happy, and so lucky to be a part of this cast. This show has started my career. See you in Season Three!”

Trai Personal Life

Trai hit the media when he got married to his co- star Grace Byers in an intimate beachside wedding on Thursday, April 14, 2016, on Grand Cayman. The costars celebrated with close friends and family at the small reception on the Caribbean island but didn’t invite any of their Empire costars.

Trai Byers with his wife
Grace Gealey
Source: Ameyaw Debrah

Guests dined on style steak and lobster and danced to hip-hop, disco and, of course, reggae. According to Us Weekly, on July 2015, the couple got engaged on Greeley’s 31st birthday. The two started dating in 2014 after they met while shooting the hit Fox series, on which Byers, plays Andre Lyon and Gealey portrays Anika Calhoun.

Besides that, the actor revealed that he hates pop legend Michael Jackson’s one of the most popular tracks “Man in the Mirror” because his father used to listen to the song on a loop which made him allergic to it.

“I hate Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror.’ The songs are great, but my father performed it for 12 hours straight on a car trip. To this day, that song makes me itch,” Byers said.

Net Worth

The 6′ 2″ actor, holds an American nationality and belongs to black ethnicity. After making his appearance in the several series, he has already won million heart through his act. His most of income source hails from his acting career. Trai’s estimated net worth has $1.5 million whereas his wife Grace Gealey’s  estimated net worth has $2 million.

• actor
• singer
• Trai Byers