Johnathan Sturgess is an actor, animator, filmmaker, voice performer, and music artist based in Chicago. His work emphasizes creativity, representation, and self-advocacy.
From a young age, Johnathan has been captivated by cartoons and superheroes, especially fast-paced, action-packed stories. He loved watching his favorite shows in various languages, including Spanish, which helped him develop a broad appreciation for storytelling and visual culture. A lifelong collector of action figures, he spent his childhood immersed in heroic worlds that fueled his imagination and fostered his love for diverse characters.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnathan began his film career, starring in two short films: "Drawing John" and "Ice Cream." He played the lead roles of John and James in both projects, which were crafted specifically for him. These early performances established him as a young actor whose voice, personality, and lived experiences greatly contributed to the stories being told. In addition to acting, he also explored voice impressions and character sound work, expanding his range as a performer.
During the pandemic, Johnathan became increasingly aware that many kids like him were often underrepresented in the stories they watched. Wanting to hear his own voice and see himself reflected onscreen, he began advocating for greater visibility and authenticity. Rather than waiting to be included, he took the initiative to create those stories himself so that other kids could see characters they could relate to.
In 2021, Johnathan began animating, marking a new chapter in his development as a creator and director. His work has since received recognition within the film community, earning him two Best Actor nominations and the Best Young Director in Film Animation award at the 5th Annual Nova Star Awards in 2025.
In addition to film and animation, Johnathan creates original music, which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and other major streaming platforms. Across all mediums, his work reflects a commitment to storytelling that is personal, imaginative, and focused on creating space for voices that are often overlooked.
