
RJ Cyler
United StatesAlso known as: Ronald Cyler II, RJ
Birthday
March 21, 1995
Birth Sign
Aries
Birthplace
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Age
31 years old
Height
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
About
Ronald "RJ" Cyler II is an American actor known for his breakout performance as Greg "Earl" Jenkins in the 2015 indie hit Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he transitioned from a local dance enthusiast to a recognized face in Hollywood within a few years. His career has since expanded to include major studio franchises like Power Rangers and Netflix originals such as Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.
Cyler brings a grounded authenticity to his roles, often portraying young men navigating complex emotional landscapes. As of 2026, he continues to work actively in film and television while exploring production opportunities. His recent collaborations with industry veterans like RZA highlight his commitment to blending hip-hop culture with narrative storytelling.
Early Life & Background
Ronald Cyler II grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, as the youngest of three boys in a working-class household. His father worked as a truck driver while his mother, Katina, worked as a cook. Despite the modest background, entertainment became a central part of his life early on. At just twelve years old, he co-founded a dance team with his older brother, an experience that honed his physical expressiveness and stage presence.
Unlike many aspiring actors who moved immediately to Los Angeles after high school, Cyler balanced his local life with his growing passion for performance. In 2012, he attended an open audition in Jacksonville that would serve as the catalyst for his professional journey. This pivotal moment allowed him to enter the industry without leaving his support system behind. His family remained instrumental throughout these early years, providing the stability needed to navigate the competitive world of acting.
Career Growth
The year 2015 marked a turning point when Cyler starred as Greg "Earl" Jenkins in Richard Linklater's Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the Audience Award, establishing Cyler as a compelling voice in independent cinema. His nuanced portrayal of a teenager hiding behind a camera lens earned widespread critical praise.
Following this breakthrough, Cyler quickly landed roles in high-profile projects. He appeared alongside Brad Pitt and Topher Grace in David O. Russell's satirical war film War Machine in 2016. That same year, he joined the cast of HBO's Vice Principals, showcasing his comedic timing in a recurring role. In 2017, he took on the iconic role of Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, in the Power Rangers reboot. Although the film received mixed reviews, his earnest performance helped maintain fan engagement during a challenging period for the franchise.
Cyler also headlined the Netflix teen comedy Sierra Burgess Is a Loser later in 2017. More recently, he has collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan member RZA and Shameik Moore on the musical-drama hybrid One Spoon of Chocolate. Reviews from April and May 2026 indicate the project's successful release and festival circuit presence, marking a bold step into genre-blending storytelling.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Cyler presents himself as a grounded and authentic figure in Hollywood. His style often leans towards casual and approachable, reflecting his down-to-earth personality. On social media, he balances professional updates with glimpses of his personal faith, creating a connection with fans that feels genuine rather than curated.
Media outlets frequently describe him as a versatile actor capable of shifting between drama and comedy. His willingness to take risks, such as collaborating with RZA or starring in the controversial Power Rangers reboot, has cemented his reputation as someone unafraid to challenge himself creatively.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person, so no current global ranking can be provided. The engine evaluates millions of public signals but has not yet compiled a published placement for Cyler in its October 2026 rankings. Regarding the flagship list, he is not on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.
Fans who follow Cyler typically refer to themselves simply as supporters or fans of his work. There is no official fandom name documented in available records. The community tends to be modest but dedicated, particularly those who discovered him through his early indie work or the Power Rangers franchise. Fans often celebrate his birthday on March 21 by sharing clips of his most emotional scenes online. Cyler engages with this audience through occasional Instagram posts and Q&A sessions, though he does not host large-scale meet-and-greets regularly.
Interesting Facts and Legends
RJ Cyler's journey began on the dance floor rather than a movie set. Before his acting career took off, he formed a dance team with his older brother at age twelve, which significantly influenced his physical acting style. His middle name "II" indicates he shares his name with his father, Ronald Cyler I.
Faith plays a significant role in his public persona. He frequently uses the hashtag #YawehStrong on social media, reflecting a strong Christian perspective that guides his career choices. This spiritual focus distinguishes him from peers who might prioritize celebrity lifestyle over personal values.
His collaboration with RZA represents a unique cultural bridge. The project One Spoon of Chocolate blends hip-hop culture with traditional narrative filmmaking, a rare combination in mainstream cinema. Critics have noted this bold artistic endeavor as a standout moment in his evolving career.
Notable Quotes
“It was a very special experience. Playing Earl allowed me to explore the complexity of hiding your true self.”
“I wanted to make sure Billy felt real. He wasn't just a robot in a suit; he was a kid trying to find his place in the world.”
“#YawehStrong”
Family & Personal Life
Ronald Cyler II was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, as the youngest of three boys. His parents provided a stable foundation despite their working-class jobs; his father worked as a truck driver and his mother as a cook. Cyler often credits his family's unwavering support for his ability to succeed in the entertainment industry.
He maintains close ties with his siblings, particularly his older brother with whom he started a dance team in his pre-teen years. While he keeps his romantic life private, his family remains a constant source of grounding as he navigates the demands of Hollywood.
Notable Connections
Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RZA, Shameik Moore, Brad Pitt
Relationships & Dating History
RJ Cyler maintains a notably private stance regarding his romantic life. As of 2026, there are no widely publicized records of him being married, engaged, or in a long-term public relationship. Unlike some of his contemporaries who frequently share details about their partners on social media, Cyler keeps his personal affairs out of the spotlight.
No verified public relationships have been documented in credible sources up to this point. While tabloids occasionally speculate on celebrities' dating lives, no specific partner has been confirmed by Cyler himself or multiple reputable outlets. He appears to be focused on his career and creative projects, such as his ongoing collaboration with RZA. His Instagram account features updates on his work and personal interests but does not include details about a romantic partner.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$3 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates RJ Cyler's net worth at approximately $3 million. This figure reflects his steady work in both independent cinema and major studio productions over the last decade. His primary income streams come from acting salaries for feature films and television series, including notable paydays from Power Rangers and Sierra Burgess Is a Loser.
Residuals from streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video contribute significantly to his financial portfolio. Recent ventures into production, specifically his collaboration with RZA on One Spoon of Chocolate, suggest additional revenue through backend participation or production fees. While he has not publicly disclosed real estate holdings or major endorsement deals, his consistent output in the industry points to a healthy and growing financial trajectory.
Awards Won (1)
RJ Cyler has received significant recognition for his early work, most notably winning the prestigious Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. This win shared with the cast and director highlights the film's impact on audiences worldwide. While he has been nominated for several awards including Saturn Awards and Critics Choice Association nods, the Sundance win remains his most prominent accolade to date.
2015 · U.S. Dramatic Competition
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Known For
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
2015 · Greg 'Earl' Jenkins
Power Rangers
2017 · Billy Cranston / Blue Ranger
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
2017 · Sierra Burgess
Vice Principals
2016 · Recurring Role
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Movie Actor
- Born
- March 21, 1995
- Birthplace
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Birth Sign
- Aries
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Ronald "RJ" Cyler II
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Unknown
Filmography
15
Total
10
Film
5
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
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