Tyriq Withers is now a familiar name thanks to Atlanta, Him, and Reminders of Him. But fans keep asking the same question: who raised the man behind these roles? Here is what is publicly known about Tyriq Withers’ parents, Kimberly Hart-Johnson and Leon Withers Jr., plus his siblings, heritage, and the family moments that shaped his career.
Quick Bio Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Tyriq Leshon Withers |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Mother | Kimberly Hart-Johnson |
| Father | Leon Withers Jr. |
| Siblings | Kionte (late older brother), Cayla (sister) |
| Education | Florida State University |
| College Football Position | Wide receiver (walk-on) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known For | Atlanta, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Him, Reminders of Him |
| @tyriqwithers |
Who Are Tyriq Withers’ Parents?
Tyriq’s parents are Kimberly Hart-Johnson and Leon Withers Jr. They had two sons together: Kionte, born in January 1995, and Tyriq, born in July 1998.
The couple later separated. After that, Kimberly raised both boys in Jacksonville, Florida.
| Family Member | Role | Key Detail |
| Kimberly Hart-Johnson | Mother | Raised Tyriq and Kionte after the separation |
| Leon Withers Jr. | Father | Has publicly cheered on Tyriq’s career |
| Kionte Withers | Older brother | Died in a car accident in 2021 |
| Cayla Withers | Sister | Listed among Kionte’s surviving family |
Kimberly Hart-Johnson: The Mother Who Encouraged His Ambitions
Kimberly is the steady presence in Tyriq’s story. She was the primary parent through his childhood and teenage years.
Tyriq has often credited her with pushing him to chase his interests. He has also said that, for years, he wanted to make her proud and that this feeling drove much of his effort in sports.
How Kimberly Supported Tyriq’s Artistic and Athletic Interests
Kimberly backed both sides of her son. She supported his time on the field, and she paid attention to his creative streak.
Here is how that support showed up:
- Sports: Tyriq played soccer as a kid, then moved to football in high school.
- Home videos: He and Kionte shot comedic clips and online videos together.
- Acting: His mother helped him explore early auditions and casting opportunities, according to his interviews.
- Public support: She joined him on the red carpet for Reminders of Him in March 2026.
Leon Withers Jr.: A Complicated Father-Son Relationship
Leon Withers Jr. is Tyriq’s father. Tyriq has spoken openly about a difficult childhood connection with him.
In interviews, the actor has described a father who was around but not fully involved. He has also said that, as a kid, he hoped sports success might bring his parents closer.
That honesty matters. It shows a relationship shaped by real struggle, not a polished celebrity story.
Has Tyriq Withers’ Relationship With His Father Improved?
Public signs point to a warmer bond today. Leon has shared messages online celebrating his son’s wins and encouraging him as his career grows.
Still, only the family knows how close they really are. Social media posts show support, but they do not tell the whole story.
Tyriq Withers’ Parents and His Mixed Heritage
Tyriq’s father is of African-American descent, and his mother is of English descent. Tyriq has said he grew up in the Black experience and identifies as a Black man.
He has also acknowledged that his lighter appearance comes with a different kind of privilege. This view of identity added depth to his Atlanta role, where his character navigates race and belonging.
The Role His Parents Played in His Football Journey
Football was a huge part of Tyriq’s early life. He joined the Florida State Seminoles as a walk-on wide receiver and was on the team when it won the Orange Bowl in 2016.
He has been candid about why he played. In his words to Variety, sports became a way to prove himself to his mother and keep his parents happy. That motive, more than the game itself, kept him going.
Why Tyriq Withers Chose Acting Over Football
Tyriq could have kept playing and possibly gone pro. Instead, he chose acting.
He described the shift as a kind of ego death. Without football setting his schedule, he faced feelings he had pushed aside, and acting gave him a place to work through them.
Key reasons behind the switch:
- He wanted to play for himself, not for approval.
- Acting let him process emotions that sports never allowed.
- His love of storytelling started long before college, with home videos and school plays.
Kionte Withers: The Older Brother Who Shaped His Life
Kionte was more than a big brother. Tyriq has called him a major teacher and protector in his life, and he helped raise Tyriq alongside their mother.
The two made funny Vines and YouTube videos as teens. That creative spark helped plant the idea of performing.
What Happened to Tyriq Withers’ Brother Kionte?
Kionte Withers died in a car accident in 2021 at age 26. He was survived by his young son, Royce, his fiancée, and his close-knit family.
The loss hit Tyriq hard. He has said he stayed involved in his nephew’s life.
How Kionte’s Death Changed Tyriq’s Career
Grief changed how Tyriq approaches acting. He has said he started looking for his brother in every script.
That bond showed up on screen. While making Reminders of Him, which features a character helping raise a late friend’s child, Tyriq drew on his own loss. During Him, he even asked co-star Marlon Wayans to push his buttons for a more honest scene.
How Kimberly and Leon Remember Kionte
Both parents have honored Kionte publicly. Kimberly posted a tribute on Facebook in January 2026, nearly five years after his death.
Leon has also used social media to keep his son’s memory alive. These posts show that Kionte remains central to the family.
How Tyriq Withers’ Parents Support His Acting Career Today
Both parents cheer him on, each in their own way.
- Kimberly attended the Reminders of Him red-carpet event in March 2026.
- Leon posts messages celebrating Tyriq’s milestones.
- Tyriq credits his family, especially his mother, for his drive.
Tyriq Withers’ Education and Move to Atlanta
Tyriq grew up in Jacksonville and later attended Florida State University. He played football there before turning fully to acting.
After college, he built his career in Atlanta. The city’s busy film and TV scene gave him the break he needed.
Tyriq Withers’ Acting Career and Rise to Fame
Tyriq started with short films and TV work, including Legacies, Tell Me Lies, and The Game. His breakout moment came in 2022 with the Atlanta episode “Rich Wigga, Poor Wigga.”
| Year | Project | Role |
| 2022 | Atlanta | Aaron |
| 2025 | I Know What You Did Last Summer | Teddy Spencer |
| 2025 | Him | Cameron “Cam” Cade |
| 2026 | Reminders of Him | Ledger Ward |
He is also set to appear in Love Love alongside Isabel May.
Social Media Presence and Audience Engagement
Tyriq is active on Instagram at @tyriqwithers. He shares film updates, red-carpet looks, and glimpses of life off set.
His posts often show how much family means to him. Fans have also seen his mother at major premieres through his feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Tyriq Withers’ parents?
His parents are Kimberly Hart-Johnson and Leon Withers Jr. Kimberly primarily raised him and his brother in Jacksonville, Florida.
2. Does Tyriq Withers have any siblings?
Yes. He has a sister, Cayla, and had an older brother, Kionte, who died in a 2021 car accident.
3. Where was Tyriq Withers born?
He was born on July 15, 1998, in Jacksonville, Florida.
4. What is Tyriq Withers’ racial background?
His father is of African-American descent and his mother is of English descent. Tyriq identifies as a Black man.
5. How did Tyriq Withers’ parents influence his career?
His mother encouraged both his sports and creative interests from an early age. His family dynamics also shaped how he approaches identity and emotion in his roles.
6. Did Tyriq Withers play football?
Yes. He was a walk-on wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles before leaving the sport for acting.
7. What is Tyriq Withers’ Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @tyriqwithers.
8. Is Tyriq Withers in a relationship?
He has not publicly confirmed a current relationship. He keeps most of his personal life private.
9. What movies has Tyriq Withers starred in?
He has starred in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025), Him (2025), and Reminders of Him (2026).
10. How did Tyriq Withers start his career?
He began with homemade videos alongside his brother, then moved into short films and TV roles after college.
Conclusion
Tyriq Withers’ story starts with family. His mother, Kimberly Hart-Johnson, raised him and backed his big dreams, while his father, Leon Withers Jr., has become a more visible supporter over time. The loss of his brother Kionte added depth and purpose to his work.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: Tyriq’s success on screen grows out of the people behind him. As his career moves forward, his family will likely remain at the heart of it.
James Anderson is a passionate English grammar writer at GlobalMegzine, sharing simple language tips, word meanings, slang guides, and easy grammar knowledge for everyday readers.