Johnathan Michael Sturgess (born April 18, 2011, in Chicago, Illinois) is an Ethiopian-American animator, writer, director, and voice actor. An award-winning young creator, he is best known for developing original stories that emphasize teamwork, imagination, and authentic cultural representation.

​

As a neurodivergent artist, Johnathan channels his creativity and strong pattern recognition into building dynamic, character-driven worlds. His work centers the African diaspora in leading roles, reflecting both his heritage and his commitment to inclusive storytelling.

​

He is the creator of Unstoppable: Evolution, an animated series following three heroes—Max, Leo, and Sam—as they navigate action-filled adventures across Earth and space. The lead character, Max, is directly inspired by Johnathan himself, making him a pioneering Ethiopian-American animated hero in the indie animation space.

​

Johnathan has received multiple nominations at the Nova Star Awards, winning Best Young Director, marking a significant milestone in representation as one of the first neurodivergent Ethiopian creators to achieve this honor.

​

Through his work, Johnathan continues to inspire emerging creators to tell their own stories, with a focus on diversity, creativity, and cultural pride.