Emjay Anthony Salazar is a burgeoning actor and model, recognized for his roles in prominent films such as “Bad Moms” and “It’s Complicated.” Despite his youth, he’s made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, garnering widespread fame.
So who is the man behind this success and what is he up to today? Let’s find out as we take a closer look at his life and career so far.
Early Personal Life
Born on 1 June 2003 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, United States, Emjay Anthony Salazar is the son of Trisha and Michael Salazar, and has an older sister named Saga.
However, beyond these familial details, there is a deliberate veil of privacy surrounding his family and childhood. Emjay appears to value keeping these aspects of his life shielded from public scrutiny, maintaining a boundary between his personal and public lives.
Education
Regrettably, specific details about Emjay’s educational journey, including the high school or university he attended, remain undisclosed. However, we do know that the young actor took a year and a half off from acting after his role in “It’s Complicated”, to finish high school.
Career
Emjay’s journey into the entertainment world began during his childhood when he ventured into child modelling. At the tender age of four, he marked his debut in the industry by featuring in a Werther’s candy commercial.
His early start paved the way for further opportunities, and by the age of five, Emjay had already secured roles in several movies.
His notable entry into the film industry came with a role in “It’s Complicated,” in which he shared the screen with luminaries such as Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep.
The movie revolves around the intricate romantic life of Jane, a divorced woman whose complications escalate when she encounters her ex-husband at their son’s graduation ceremony. The encounter reignites the sparks of their past love, leading to the rekindling of an affair. Adding to the complexity, Jane finds herself being courted by a charming architect who’s involved in the remodelling of her house.
Emjay’s breakthrough moment came with his role as Percy in the movie “Chef,” a pivotal step in his growing career. The year 2012 saw him featuring in “Applebaum.” He further expanded his repertoire with appearances in projects like 2013’s “No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie.” 2015 saw him starring in “Incarnate” and “Krampus.” Emjay then portrayed the character of Hector in the well-known “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” 2015.
Also, he lent his voice to the character of Grey in the acclaimed “Jungle Book” in 2016.
In 2018, Emjay took on a role in “Replicas,” showing the world his versatility as an actor. Continuing his trajectory, he assumed the character of Theo Perry in the 2020 series “Council of Dads,” solidifying his presence in the entertainment landscape.
He was part of the first season of “Physical,” which aired between 2021 and 2023. His latest finished project was “The Kiss List,” which he worked on in 2023. This coming-of-age comedy film revolves around the experiences of high-school student Camille Varma, who becomes entangled in a social media frenzy when her crush, Dylan, spreads rumours about her being a bad kisser.
In response, the young Camille devises a ‘kiss list’ with the aim of disproving Dylan’s claims and finding her true love. However, her well-intentioned plan encounters numerous hurdles, including social media meltdowns and backlash from classmates. She also faces challenges with her best friend, Liam, played by Emjay, as well as her single mom, who grapples with accepting her daughter’s bisexuality. The film is adapted from Sara Jo Cluff’s young-adult book of the same name, and delves into the humorous journey of self-discovery and teenage relationships.
Emjay is currently working on “Hysteria!,” a supernatural thriller that is still in the production phase.
Interesting Facts
Emjay has earned recognition for his contributions to the entertainment industry, receiving nominations for the Young Artist Award on two occasions, his noteworthy performances in “Krampus” and “Applebaum” garnering him these nominations. However, despite these accolades, he has yet to secure a win in the Young Artist Awards category.
“Krampus” is a horror film that has gained popularity among enthusiasts of the genre. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, typically associated with magic and joy, the movie delves into ancient European folklore that introduces Krampus—a horned creature known for punishing naughty children during Christmastime. Emjay’s character, young Max, experiences a loss of festive spirit due to dysfunctional family conflicts, inadvertently triggering the wrath of the fearsome monster.
As the family home becomes the battleground for Krampus’ menacing siege, the family members—mom, dad, sister, and brother—must unite to confront the impending monstrous fate and strive to save each other from the clutches of this malevolent force. The film tells a tale of horror within the festive season, exploring the consequences of fractured familial bonds in the face of a supernatural threat.
“Applebaum” tells the story of a former public defender turned stay-at-home mom, who seeking a bit of excitement, decides to embark on a new path as a private investigator. This TV film served as a platform for Emjay to show his acting skills to a wider audience. The story explores the protagonist’s journey of reinvention, transitioning from a domestic role to the thrilling and unpredictable world of private investigation.
Later Personal Life
There is no official information available about Emjay’s romantic encounters, but he recently shared a post on Instagram that had fans thinking that he’s dating a lovely young lady named Mallory Kidwell. Emjay is yet to confirm or deny these speculations.
Physical Characteristics
Emjay isn’t the tallest guy around, reaching 5ft 4 ins (162cms) and weighing about 127lbs (58kgs). He has dark brown curly hair and matching brown eyes.
Net Worth
Thanks to his dedication and hard work, Emjay’s made a modest amount of money for himself through his acting career. He’s still young, but has an impressive estimated net worth of $1 million, as of early 2024.
