Michael Rainey Jr. is an American actor and record producer, born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky.
He was raised in Staten Island, New York, and began his acting career at a young age. Rainey gained early recognition for his role in the Italian film Un Altro Mondo (2010), where he learned Italian fluently for the part.
He is best known for portraying Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power (2014-2020) and its spin-off Power Book II: Ghost (2020-present). His character is complex, navigating themes of loyalty, family, and crime, which has earned him widespread acclaim.
In addition to acting, Rainey is involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting youth programs and advocating for mental health awareness.
Parents
Rainey Jr. is the son of Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small.
His father, Michael Rainey Sr., is from New York, while his mother, Shauna Small, was born and raised in Jamaica before moving to the United States during her teenage years.
Shauna Small has pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/English from the College of Staten Island and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland.
She currently works as a health coach and has founded an organic skincare brand called Relax Be Healthy.
Additionally, she established Our Learning House, Inc. in 2004 to provide training for childcare workers.
Rainey Jr. has often credited his mother for her support throughout his acting career, particularly in managing his finances when he began earning money at a young age.
Career
Rainey Jr. has established a successful career as an actor and record producer, gaining prominence for his role as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series Power (2014-2020) and its spin-off Power Book II: Ghost (2020-present).
He began his acting journey at the age of ten with a notable performance in the Italian film Un Altro Mondo (2010), where he learned to speak Italian fluently.
This early success paved the way for his Hollywood career, including roles in films like LUV (2012) and The Butler (2013), as well as a recurring role in the acclaimed series Orange Is the New Black.
Rainey’s portrayal of Tariq St. Patrick has earned him critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to navigate complex themes of loyalty, family, and crime.
In recognition of his talent, he recently won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on February 22, 2025.
In addition to acting, Rainey Jr. is involved in philanthropic efforts and co-founded Twenty Two Entertainment with fellow Power co-star Gianni Paolo.
The company launched a podcast titled The Crew Has It, further expanding his creative endeavors.