The Lion King is a timeless movie that can make anyone cry. I think it’s Simba who introduced me to the five stages of grief when he lost his dad.
But our young hero also showed us youthful arrogance and how to take it easy. And props to Jason Weaver, the singing voice behind Simba, for bringing so much sass to the beloved Disney character.
But just how much has he made from the movie?
Today, let’s talk about Jason Weaver’s net worth and explore his other sources of income.
How Much Is Jason Weaver’s Net Worth?
Jason Michael Weaver sits comfortably on a $4 million fortune.
A huge part of that is thanks to Disney setting him up financially for life. Initially, the studio threw a jaw-dropping $2 million talent fee on the table for him to lend his singing voice to Simba. And $2 million was some serious bread back in the 90s.
But instead of taking the massive one-time payout, he settled for a measly $100,000 talent fee and a share of future royalties to last his lifetime and maybe his heirs’ too.
The gamble turned out to be a gold mine, bringing in passive income decades after the movie’s release.
Jason gets a big, fat check each time Disney re-releases “The Lion King.” In fact, he’s made way more than the first offer he passed up on. However, he’s pretty mum about exactly how much he has earned since recording the songs.
So far, the movie has had several re-issues, including:
- Home video (1995)
- IMAX format (2002)
- Platinum edition (2003)
- 3D format (2011)
- As part of Disney’s 100th anniversary (2023)
To give you a glimpse of the numbers, “The Lion King” has amassed $1.5 billion from video sales and rentals alone. “The Lion King 3D” also made $185,542,001 worldwide.
So, it’s no surprise that Jason and his mom were absolutely floored when he got his first royalty check. The best part is that he can pass down those payments to his son Jaylen Zylus and his children.
On top of that, he still makes money making music and nabbing roles in TV and film.
Jason Weaver’s Beginnings
Born in 1979, Jason Weaver practically grew up in showbiz.
His mom, Marilyn “Kitty” Haywood, was the lead singer of the soul group Kitty and the Haywoods. It’s safe to say that music is in his DNA.
But Jason’s mom was more than a musical influence; her business savvy also played a crucial part in his career.
Kitty urged him to turn down Disney’s offer and negotiated a more lucrative royalties deal since he was a minor. He was only 15 when he recorded “Hakuna Matata” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” for “The Lion King.”
Image source: Pinterest
Early Acting Career
Even before his iconic part in the well-loved Disney movie, he was already sharing the screen with big names like Whoopi Goldberg, Angella Bassett, and Sissy Spacek.
Jason Weaver made his TV debut in “Brewster Place” alongside Oprah Winfrey in 1990. Although the series got axed after its first season, it was only the beginning for young Jason.
Shortly after, he landed a role in two movies: “The Long Walk Home” and the TV flick “The Kid Who Loved Christmas.”
He then played a pre-teen Michael Jackson in the Emmy-winning mini-series “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” for which he won a special Young Artist Award.
From there, he continued to bag major TV gigs throughout the 90s, including starring roles in “Thea” (1993–94) and “Smart Guy” (1997–99).
More TV and Film Projects
Jason Weaver’s acting career took off in the 2000s as he landed roles in several popular films from that time. You might remember him from the following comedies:
- Drumline (2002)
- The Ladykillers (2004)
- ATL (2006)
- Lottery Ticket (2010)
He’s also appeared in minor films, including:
- Love for Sale (2008)
- Jada (2008)
- Dysfunctional Friends (2012)
- Infidelity (2015)
- AM Radio (2021)
Jason got another big break when he scored a main role in the series “The LeBrons,” which ran from 2011 to 2014.
Following this, he made repeat guest appearances on well-known shows like:
- Let’s Stay Together (2014)
- The Chi (2021–22)
- Sistas (2023)
Image source: Instagram
Music Career
Jason Weaver won audiences over as the singing voice for Simba and for performing “Kansas City” and “I Wanna Be Where You Are” for “The Jacksons” miniseries. Like many actors, making an album was the next logical move.
In 1995, he dropped his debut album, “Love Ambition,” which included standout tracks like “Love Ambition (Call on Me)” and “I Can’t Stand the Pain.” The album enjoyed five weeks on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts, peaking at number 69.
Unfortunately, “Love Ambition” wasn’t a commercial success, so he switched back to acting. The lukewarm response to his debut album put plans for a follow-up on hold for a while.
Ultimately, Jason released his second album, “Stay with Me” in 1996. You can listen to his songs on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
In 2004, Jason returned to the music scene. He collaborated with rap artist Chingy on the smash hit “One Call Away,” where he went by the nickname J-Weav. He sang the chorus for the album and radio versions of the song.
The track reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart for three weeks. Also, it peaked at numbers 3 and 6 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Mainstream Top 40 charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Jason Weaver Up to in 2024?
Jason Weaver hasn’t been on screen since Season 6 of “Sistas.” The show got picked up for Season 7 in 2024, but Jason was no longer in it.
Sadly, I have no updates on what he’s been up to lately.
Why Did Jason Weaver Turn Down His $2 Million Payout for The Lion King?
Jason Weaver passed up on his hefty talent fee for “The Lion King” because his mom, who had a good grasp of the music industry, saw the bigger picture.
She noticed Disney’s habit of re-releasing classic films and realized that Simba’s story could keep making money for years to come.
Worried about her son’s financial future, she renegotiated the deal. Instead of going for a quick cash grab, they opted for a much smaller pay and royalties.
How Much Does Jason Weaver Earn in Lion King Royalties?
Jason Weaver makes a good chunk of money from his royalties for “The Lion King,” especially since the movie continues to make millions of dollars in re-releases.
However, Jason has yet to disclose the exact figures.
Is Jason Weaver Married?
Yes, Jason Weaver is happily married to Myra Weaver. The couple dated for a long while before tying the knot.
Together, they’re proud parents to Jaylen Zylus.
Who Is Jason Weaver’s Mother?
Jason Weaver’s mom is Marilyn “Kitty” Haywood. She was the lead vocal of the all-female Chicago soul group “Kitty and the Haywoods.”
Her band backed the late Aretha Franklin on the movie score of the 1970s film Sparkle.
How Old Is Jason Weaver?
Born July 18, 1979, Jason Weaver is 44 years old.
Final Thoughts
Jason Weaver’s net worth proves that sometimes you have to give up short-term gains for long-term success.
And, for this American actor and singer, playing the long game has paid off big-time. It’s a wise move that continues to yield substantial returns over time.
It also helps to have a mom in your corner, looking out for your best interest. I’m calling it: mothers indeed know best!
