Michael B. Jordan’s high school mentors reflect on his talent and compassion

As Michael B. Jordan celebrates his first Oscar nomination for Sinners, those who knew him as a teen at Newark Arts High School remember a young man already showing the focus, leadership, and heart that would define his career.

Jordan, 39, earned a Best Actor nod for his dual performance as twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore in Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed drama. 

Longtime collaborator Coogler has been key to Jordan’s rise, but his former drama teacher, Carl Gonzalez, says the signs of greatness were evident long before Hollywood took notice.

“His relationship with Ryan Coogler is not to be dismissed — not at all,” Gonzalez told People. “Those two may end up being like Scorsese and De Niro. The sky is the limit for this guy.”

Even as a junior, Jordan was balancing high school with filming HBO’s The Wire, impressing teachers with his discipline and maturity. 

Gonzalez recalls helping set up a plan with the principal to ensure Jordan could keep up academically while acting. “He’d ask, ‘How can I do better at an audition? Do you have any material for me?’ He was empathetic, focused, and beyond his years.”

Superintendent Roger León recalls Jordan’s passion extended beyond the arts. “His love for basketball was comparable to his love for acting,” he said. “The compassion, the focus, the energy — he gave his all to everything.”

Former basketball coach Kennis Fairfax added, “Michael worked as hard in the gym as he did in the classroom and on stage. 

He was always focused. He had a presence when Michael spoke; people listened.”

Jordan also mentored peers, staying grounded even as his fame grew. Prophet Kates, a former student, remembers Jordan checking in after Kates’ father fell ill. 

“It shows the type of person he is. A lot of people see the star now, but the person he is today — that’s the same person he was back then.”

Returning to Newark Arts High years later, Jordan paid tribute to his roots, even funding students to see the opening of Creed. 

Gonzalez says aspiring performers often ask to follow in Jordan’s footsteps. “You have to do what Michael did. You have to do the work,” he said.

León believes Jordan’s trajectory reflects years of dedication. “His evolution from those early days to now shows why his Oscar nomination is so deserved. We’ll all be watching.”

“The best may still be ahead,” Gonzalez adds. “He’s just getting started.”

The 98th Academy Awards air live on ABC and Hulu on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET.