Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Cleavon “JINX” McClendon is proof that passion, resilience, and belief can take you far. Growing up in a single-parent household, his mother worked tirelessly—sometimes juggling multiple jobs—to ensure he had everything he needed. Her determination laid the foundation for Cleavon’s own relentless pursuit of his dreams.
His journey into acting began unexpectedly at just seven years old. One summer, while his mother was working a lot, she enrolled him in Marla Gibbs’ acting school. Cleavon vividly recalls his first time on stage, describing it as the moment he caught the “acting bug.” From that day on, he knew this was what he wanted to do.
His first break came as an extra in Robert Townsend’s 1993 superhero comedy Meteor Man. “It was fun to me being on set,” Cleavon recalls. “The experience was very great. It was different. More fun than anything.” That early exposure fueled his drive, eventually leading to a recurring role on the 1997 sitcom The Good News. “Till this day, that is one of my favorite parts that I’ve done. Everyone embraced me. It was also my first time working with a live audience.”
Cleavon’s talent carried him to guest appearances on shows like Malcolm in the Middle and The Bernie Mac Show. Of his time with Bernie Mac, Cleavon remembers: “That was amazing because he was the star, but he was super cool and down to earth. Before we even started filming, he spoke to everyone and created a cool environment. I remember telling my mom that Bernie Mac was cool.”
His big break came in 2015 with the blockbuster Straight Outta Compton, where he portrayed Jinx. For Cleavon, the role was surreal. “That was a crazy dope experience. I grew up seeing these individuals in the ’80s, so I was star-struck at first. But they were cool. I had auditioned for a different small role, but then I got a call that F. Gary Gray wanted to see me for Jinx. When I landed the part, it became a brotherhood with me and the other actors.”
In 2024, Cleavon starred in Something About Mother, a short film written and directed by his mother. “That was special because it was the first time me and my mom got to work together in that way. It was a dope experience.”
When asked about his biggest challenge, Cleavon pointed to the rejection that comes with acting. “Getting used to hearing the word no. As an actor, you hear no more than yes, but all it takes is one yes to get your foot in the door. Sometimes you feel you were perfect for the part and still don’t get it. That can hit your ego, but I learned that a no today doesn’t mean it’ll be a no tomorrow.”
As for his greatest accomplishment, he doesn’t hesitate: Straight Outta Compton. “Regardless of what happens, I can always go back and look at that film and say I was in it.”
When it’s all said and done, Cleavon wants to be remembered for more than his roles. “That I was true to myself. That I was a good father and husband. That I brought positive vibes wherever I was, and that I cared. I’m selfless. I never hated. I always uplifted others. And I made my parents proud.”
From a boy in South Central to making his mark on Hollywood, Cleavon “JINX” McClendon is a living example that dreams rooted in passion—and nurtured with perseverance—can become reality.
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