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As Showtime’s hit series The Chi enters its final season, the characters audiences have grown with are being pushed into their most defining chapters yet. At the center of that evolution is Shamon Brown Jr., who has brought fan-favorite “Papa” to life since the very beginning.
Brown transforms the character from a sharp-witted kid with a signature bowtie into one of the show’s most emotionally layered and relatable voices. Catch our exclusive sit-down interview with Brown as he opens up about Papa’s evolution, filming the final season of The Chi, and the emotional journey behind one of the show’s most beloved characters.
The Evolution of “Papa”
Shamon Brown Jr. is more than just a rising star; he is a product of the very city he portrays. His journey began at age five on the Chicago theater stage, long before he ever stepped in front of a camera. After honing his craft in commercials and music videos, Shamon landed a guest role on Chicago Fire, setting the stage for his breakout.
In 2018, creator Lena Waithe cast him in The Chi, a role that would define his adolescence. Across nearly 50 episodes, fans have watched him grow from a comedic sidekick into the “moral compass” of the series. But in an exclusive sit-down with The Hype Magazine, Shamon reveals that the steady version of Papa fans know is about to be tested like never before.
For years, “Papa” has been one of the most recognizable voices in The Chi — outspoken, funny, loyal, and full of heart. Behind the character’s evolution is Shamon Brown Jr., whose performance has grown into one of the series’ most compelling transformations. As Papa steps into a more mature and emotionally layered chapter, Brown continues to bring a raw authenticity to the role, giving audiences a version of the character that feels more reflective, challenged, and human than ever before.
“This season isn’t about being the group’s anchor anymore,” Shamon explains. “It’s about Papa finally looking out for himself.”
Tapping Into Personal Grief
Perhaps the most defining moment of Papa’s journey this season is the tragic loss of his father, Pastor Stanley Jackson. For Shamon, filming the eulogy scene wasn’t just another day on set—it was a deeply personal mission.
The shift is unmistakable. After seasons of serving as the moral compass and grounding voice for Kevin and Jake in The Chi, Papa is now stepping into a deeper, more personal transition into adulthood, one shaped by growth, pressure, and profound loss.
According to Shamon Brown Jr., this chapter also carries a heavier emotional weight as Papa continues to process the death of his father, a storyline that reshapes how he sees himself, his faith, and the world around him.
“I had to tap into real loss,” Shamon shares. “It was my first time truly being that vulnerable and emotional on screen, and I wanted to make sure I did it justice.”
From the South Side to the Big Screen
While The Chi remains his home, Shamon’s talent has recently taken him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood. In 2023, he made his big-screen debut as the voice of Michelangelo in the blockbuster reboot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Co-starring alongside industry heavyweights like John Cena, Maya Rudolph, and Seth Rogen, Shamon brought a modern, youthful energy to the iconic “party dude” turtle—a role he continues to reprise in the spin-off series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Whether he’s delivering a powerful eulogy or shouting “Cowabunga,” Shamon remains grounded in his roots. Between acting and managing his own clothing brand, “Shamonsta,” he is building a legacy that extends far beyond a single role. Shamon’s journey from a five-year-old on a Chicago stage to a global voice for Michelangelo and a cornerstone of The Chi is a testament to his versatility.
As the final chapter of The Chi unfolds, one thing is certain: Shamon Brown Jr. is no longer just a child actor. He’s a leading man ready to leave a lasting legacy on the streets of Chicago and beyond. Fans won’t want to miss seeing the best of Papa yet as he navigates his most challenging season to date.
“Whatever you’re used to from seasons one through seven, just throw it out. Expect the unexpected,” he says.
All The HYPE | Culture & Entertainment
The HYPE Magazine is a leading voice in urban culture, covering music, entertainment, lifestyle, sports, and cultural storytelling. Dedicated to spotlighting influential voices and emerging talent, The HYPE Magazine delivers original editorial content at the intersection of culture and conversation.
Instagram: @shotthechi / @paramountplus
Production: Cofounders Tramone Tate @tramonetate and Nadir Omari @reynadir
Instagram: Kzuna Studios @Kzunastudios
Set Location: Oak and Honey – 3124 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Instagram: @oakandhoneychicago
Media Contact:
Fatima Johnson
Instagram: @thefatimajohnson
Email fatimajohnson@thehypemagazine.com
fatimajohnson.com
The post Shamon Brown Jr. on “Papa’s” Evolution in the Final Season of ‘The Chi’ appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
