For eight seasons, Shamon Brown Jr. has grown up in front of audiences as Stanley “Papa” Jackson, evolving from the neighborhood’s comic relief into one of “The Chi’s” emotional anchors. As the groundbreaking Showtime drama enters its final season, Brown is saying goodbye to the character that introduced him to millions while preparing for a future that extends far beyond acting.
From voicing Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to launching music, building businesses, and developing stories of his own, the Chicago native is embracing a new chapter with the same confidence that has defined his career.
After eight seasons of playing Papa, what do you understand about him today that you couldn’t have understood when you first stepped into the role?
What I understand today, and probably couldn’t have fully understood when I first stepped into the role, is that Papa is just human. Like all the characters on “The Chi,” he’s a human being. Papa is an amazing soul, but especially in this season—and even in previous seasons—people had certain expectations of him. They’d say, “Papa can do no wrong,” or, “He’s just this cute kid.”
But as the years went on, Papa made mistakes. He said things he shouldn’t have, did things he isn’t proud of, and had to deal with the consequences. That’s part of the human experience. So I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned is that Papa is human.
Fans have watched Papa evolve from comic relief into one of the show’s emotional centers. Which storyline challenged you the most as an actor, and how did it change your approach to the character?
I’d say when my father passed away in Season 6. Up until then, I had never really done an emotional scene on “The Chi.” Everything before that was more lighthearted, funny, or playing scared—whatever the scene called for. Then I had that entire storyline, knowing I’d have to deliver the eulogy and cry on camera. That was my first time crying on camera, and it was probably the most challenging moment of my career on the show.
The final season marks the end of a chapter for both the characters and the cast. What emotions came with filming those last scenes, knowing this journey was coming to a close?
I’d describe it as bittersweet. I was proud, but I was also sad watching castmates I’ve known since I was 12 years old film their final scenes. Overall, it’s been a beautiful experience. This show has given me an amazing platform and an incredible family that I’ll never forget. Honestly, I’ve been going through the same emotions the fans have. It’s a mixture of excitement, gratitude, and sadness knowing it’s coming to an end.
Growing up on camera isn’t something most actors experience. Looking back over nearly a decade, how do you think you’ve grown alongside Papa, and where do your paths differ?
I think one of the biggest ways I’ve grown alongside Papa is through the community around me. A lot of people don’t have that. They don’t have positive role models helping guide them through their careers and through life. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many incredible men on this show, both on and off screen, and they’ve helped shape the young man I am today. That’s probably the biggest similarity between Papa and me—the importance of community. Where we’re different comes down to our interests and our personal lives. We’re both kids from Chicago’s South Side, but our families are different. Our relationships with our mothers are different. Our friendships are different. There are things Papa would do that Shamon wouldn’t do. Those are probably the biggest similarities and differences.
“The Chi” has always explored community, family, faith, and survival on Chicago’s South Side. What conversations have fans shared with you over the years that reminded you just how much this series meant to them?
Honestly, I’d say just filming out in public every day. A lot of people don’t realize that we actually film in Chicago. Whenever we’re shooting on the streets, or even when we’re at sporting events or concerts, fans come up to us and tell us how much the show means to them and how much certain characters remind them of themselves. To receive that kind of love from the city I’m from is a beautiful feeling. I’ve had parents tell me, “I let my kids watch your scenes with Kevin and Jake. ” It’s rewarding to know they have characters they can look up to and see different paths in life instead of the stereotypical street route.
Jake started out as a kid from the streets, but he evolved into someone interested in fashion and business. Papa has always tried to be a good kid, even though he’s going through his own struggles right now. Kevin found success through gaming and technology. It’s a beautiful thing knowing parents can share those stories with their children and that kids can watch our journeys and see different possibilities for themselves.
You switch between dramatic acting and voice work as Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. How does recording in a booth challenge you differently than performing in front of the camera?
I don’t think people realize how challenging voice acting really is. It’s every bit as demanding as acting on camera. With Michelangelo, I can’t use my normal voice or my “Papa” voice. I have to raise my pitch, speak a certain way, and capture his personality. Even though it’s voice acting, there are cameras recording our performances so the animators can match our body language and facial expressions.
If I do a dance move or make a certain facial expression, they want Michelangelo doing that same movement on screen. It’s definitely a challenge, but we have incredible directors, producers, and coaches who help us every step of the way. They make the process enjoyable, and I think people are really going to enjoy the movie and what’s coming next.
Beyond acting, you’re building businesses, creating music, producing projects, and leading your Shamasta brand. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur so early in your career, and what legacy are you hoping to build beyond entertainment?
I’ve always had interests outside of acting. I’ve always loved music. I’ve always loved fashion. As I started thinking about the future, I wanted to build something I’d still be proud of 10, 15, or even 20 years from now. That’s really what my company is about. I want it to become a platform that helps future generations, especially people trying to break into the entertainment industry. Whether someone wants to pursue acting, music, modeling, or another creative path, I want to provide a healthy foundation and a blueprint they can come back to throughout their careers. When people think about my legacy, I hope they can say, “Shamon created something positive that helped people grow.”
I recently saw the teaser with Genesis Denise Hale. Tell me about the song. What inspired that project?
I just released a new song and music video called “Juke in the Club.” It’s a Chicago record through and through, tapping into the city’s culture of juking, footwork, and everything that makes Chicago unique. The track was produced by D-Lo, who also produced Lil Moo’s “On Top of Cars.” For the video, I knew I wanted to shoot in Chicago. I brought together my friends, including my guy Wizard, who directed it, and we wanted the video to feel like more than just a music video. The song is only about two minutes long, so I added a skit at the beginning and another at the end to give it more of a cinematic feel. The intro features my friends Gio Johnson, Genesis Denise Hale—who fans know from The Chi—and actress Taronda Jones. It’s a funny skit, and I hope people watch the entire video, stream the song, and see what’s coming next.
If someone discovers your work for the first time through the final season of “The Chi,” what do you hope they walk away understanding not just about Papa, but about you as an artist?
I hope people understand there really isn’t a limit to what I can do.
I’ve always believed in myself and my abilities. Over eight seasons, I think “The Chi” has allowed people to see a lot of my range. They’ve seen the comedy, the emotional moments, and different sides of my acting. More than anything, I want people to recognize how talented this entire cast is. I’m excited for fans to see how the season ends because I truly believe we gave it everything we had. I hope they’re just as proud of the work as we are.
With one major chapter ending and so many new opportunities ahead, what’s one goal or dream you’re chasing that audiences may not know about yet?
Creating my own stories. One of my biggest goals is to follow in the footsteps of filmmakers like Ryan Coogler and Spike Lee. Of course I want to continue acting in films, but I also want to create stories of my own and open doors for other people. I believe there’s room for all of us to succeed, so I want to create projects that give others opportunities and have the same kind of longevity that “The Chi” has had—or even longer, if possible. I don’t want to be limited to one genre, either. I want to make fantasy films, horror films, dramas—I want to do it all. I can’t wait for the world to see what comes next.
Be’n Original
