BIO

Justin D. Key is a Los Angeles–based actor working across film, television, and national campaigns.

Rooted in Memphis and shaped by Los Angeles, his work is defined by presence, precision, and a long-view approach to a modern creative life. His on-screen credits include appearances on Netflix, BET, Comedy Central, PBS, and Amazon Prime, along with national campaigns for Walmart, Ross, and Burlington.

With nearly two decades in the industry, Justin has built a body of work grounded in discipline and range, approaching each role with the same intentionality that has guided his career beyond the screen.

In addition to his work as an actor, Justin is the founder of Black Theorem Co., where he partners with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and startups on leadership, mindset, and culture. He also serves as a professor at the University of Southern California and is the bestselling author of Mind Control, with his latest book, The Pursuit of Curiosity, released in 2025.

His work has been recognized by Forbes, Black Enterprise (2019 Man of Distinction), the UNCF Hall of Honor, and Memphis’s 40 Under 40. His hometown of Rossville, Tennessee, honored him with the Key to the City for both his professional success and philanthropic contributions.

At the core of his work is a simple belief: curiosity isn’t a distraction; it’s direction.

Training

  • Associate’s — Acting, AMDA College of the Performing Arts

  • Professional Training:

    • Acting, American Conservatory Theater (ACT)

    • Howard Fine Acting Studio

    • Killian Commercial Workshop

    • Scott Sedita Acting Studio

Professional Context

  • Actor, SAG-AFTRA

  • Founder & Principal, Black Theorem Co.

  • Professor, University of Southern California (USC)

Education

  • Doctorate — Business, Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Master’s — Entrepreneurship, Mount Saint Mary’s University

  • Bachelor’s — Mathematics, LeMoyne-Owen College

  • Language Immersion — French, Middlebury College Language Schools

Selected Affiliations

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

  • United Negro College Fund

  • National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)

  • Black Doctoral Network

  • Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals

  • Benjamin Banneker Association, Inc.

  • MSMU MBA Alumni Professionals (MAPs)