Michael Epps is an American television and film actor best known for his breakout role as Jake Taylor on the Showtime coming-of-age drama The Chi. Born on a U.S. naval base in Virginia and raised in Chicago, Epps developed an early interest in acting and began pursuing professional roles as a teenager. He first gained on-set experience with a background appearance on Empire, which helped launch his acting career before he landed the role that would make him widely recognizable.

Epps rose to prominence in 2018 when he was cast as Jake Taylor, a fan-favorite character navigating adolescence, family pressures, and gang influences on Chicago’s South Side in The Chi, created by Lena Waithe. His performance across multiple seasons earned praise for its emotional authenticity and helped establish him as one of the standout young actors on the series as it grew into one of Showtime’s most successful dramas.

Outside of his flagship role, Epps has expanded his résumé with guest appearances on NBC’s Chicago-based drama franchise, including Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, where he continued to build experience alongside veteran television performers. He also appeared in the independent sports drama Primary Position, further demonstrating his ability to transition from television to film roles.

In addition to acting, Epps has explored music, releasing his debut single “Drip” in 2019 and continuing to develop his sound while balancing his screen career. By early 2026, he remains best known for his long-running portrayal of Jake Taylor on The Chi, a role that has positioned him as one of the most recognizable young actors emerging from modern prestige television centered on life in Chicago.