Woody McClain is an American actor, dancer, and comedian, best known for his role as Cane Tejada in the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost. Born on May 14, 1989, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Before pursuing acting, McClain was a professional dancer, performing with artists like Chris Brown and Fifth Harmony. He gained fame through his comedic skits on social media platforms such as Vine and Instagram, which led to collaborations with Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network.
McClain’s acting career took off when he portrayed Bobby Brown in BET’s The New Edition Story in 2017, a performance that earned him a nomination for a NAACP Image Award. He later reprised this role in The Bobby Brown Story. In Power Book II: Ghost, McClain plays Cane Tejada, the ambitious and volatile son of Monet and Lorenzo Tejada, navigating the complexities of the drug world while attending university. His portrayal has been central to the series, which concluded in October 2024.
Beyond acting, McClain has expanded his creative endeavors. He served as an executive producer and starred in Stories with Kev, a series on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network, bringing Hart’s stand-up routines to life . Additionally, McClain has expressed interest in exploring music, film, and publishing projects.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Woody McClain was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, during his senior year of high school. Raised in a supportive environment, Woody’s parents encouraged his artistic pursuits from a young age. He has a younger sister named Mercedes Cheyanne McClain, who has occasionally been mentioned in public profiles.
Education
After completing high school, Woody enrolled at Florida A&M University in 2008. During his time there, he was a member of the university’s marching band, playing the tuba. His involvement in the band not only honed his musical skills but also earned him a scholarship, which facilitated his college education. However, in 2012, Woody made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance, thus pausing his formal education.
Career Beginnings
Transition to Los Angeles
Upon relocating to Los Angeles in 2012, Woody immersed himself in the city’s vibrant entertainment scene. His dedication and talent quickly garnered attention, leading to opportunities as a backup dancer. He performed alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown and Fifth Harmony, showcasing his exceptional dance skills and stage presence.
Rise on Social Media
Parallel to his dancing career, Woody leveraged social media platforms to showcase his comedic talents. He gained significant popularity on Vine with his humorous skits, particularly his rendition of Kevin Hart’s “Permission to Cuss” routine. This viral success caught the attention of Hart himself, leading to a collaboration with Hart’s production company, HartBeat Digital, in December 2015. This partnership allowed Woody to further develop his comedic content and reach a broader audience.
Breakthrough in Acting
Portrayal of Bobby Brown
Woody’s transition into acting was marked by his portrayal of the legendary R&B singer Bobby Brown in BET’s biopic series The New Edition Story (2017). His performance was met with critical acclaim, earning him a nomination for a NAACP Image Award. The success of this role led to his reprisal of the character in The Bobby Brown Story (2018), further solidifying his standing in the entertainment industry.
Role in Power Book II: Ghost
In 2020, Woody joined the cast of Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost, portraying Cane Tejada, a complex character entangled in a web of family dynamics and criminal activities. His portrayal added depth to the series, contributing to its success and expanding his fanbase. The show concluded in October 2024, marking a significant chapter in Woody’s acting career.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Woody McClain is in a relationship with model Charli B. The couple is expecting twin girls, and they celebrated this joyous occasion with a baby shower in Atlanta in late June 2025. Woody expressed that the event filled them with immense joy and anticipation for the arrival of their daughters.
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond his professional endeavors, Woody is passionate about music production. He is part of a group called ‘BandGeeks’ with his friend Damon, stemming from their shared experience in the marching band at Florida A&M University. In his leisure time, Woody enjoys playing basketball and is an avid supporter of LeBron James, often expressing his admiration for the basketball star.
Net Worth
As of 2022, Woody McClain’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million. This wealth is attributed to his diverse career in acting, dancing, comedy, and social media influence. His multifaceted talents have enabled him to build a successful and sustainable career in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
What is Woody McClain’s real name?
Woody McClain’s full name is Edward Woody McClain.
How old is Woody McClain?
Born on May 14, 1989, Woody McClain is 36 years old as of 2025.
Where is Woody McClain from?
Woody was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida.
What is Woody McClain’s height?
Woody McClain stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.
Who are Woody McClain’s parents?
His father is Edward Allen McClain, and his mother is Rosetta Robinson.
Does Woody McClain have any siblings?
Yes, Woody has a younger sister named Mercedes Cheyanne McClain.
What was Woody McClain’s first acting role?
His first major acting role was portraying Bobby Brown in BET’s The New Edition Story (2017).
What character does Woody McClain play in Power Book II: Ghost?
Woody portrays Cane Tejada in the series Power Book II: Ghost.
Is Woody McClain married?
As of 2025, Woody McClain is not married but is in a relationship with model Charli B.
