Background:

American child actor C.J. Sanders first received recognition for his portrayal of a young Ray Charles on the critically and commercially hit biographical movie “Ray” (2004). The role also brought him nominations at the Black Reel Awards, Image Awards and Young Artist Awards. He netted another Young Artist nomination for his turn in the television series “Saved” (2006). Sanders is also known for playing a recurring role in HBO's “Six Feet Under” (2005).

Sanders established a non-profit organization named CJ’s Gift Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to “promote self-esteem and self-worth among disadvantaged and at risk youth and their parents” and “to purposefully seek-out and reach-out to families who have been forgotten, overlooked and left out of opportunities that produce positive change and inspire hope.”


Christopher Dwayne

Childhood and Family:

Christopher Dwayne Sanders, Jr., who would later be popular as C.J. Sanders, was born on September 18, 1996. He is the son of former NFL wide receiver Chris Sanders.


Six Feet Under

Career:

C.J. Sanders made a promising feature film debut on “Ray” (2004), a  biopic centering on 30 years of the life of rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles. Directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Jamie Foxx in the title role, the film gained mostly positive reviews, with Foxx bringing home an Academy Award for Best Actor for his outstanding performance. The film was also a box office success by grossing over $125 million worldwide against an original budget of $40 million. Playing a young Ray Charles, Sanders was nominated for a Black Reel Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture and a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor.

In 2005, Sanders enjoyed further success on television when he landed the role of Anthony in the HBO drama series “Six Feet Under.” He appeared in the episodes “Eat a Peach,”  “The Rainbow of Her Reasons,” “The Silence,” “Singing for Our Lives,” “Ecotone,” “All Alone,” “Static” and “Everyone's Waiting.” The same year, he also made guest appearances in “Judging Amy” (as Ricky Reynolds), “Cold Case” (as Patrick Bubley - age 9) and “Grey's Anatomy” (as Justin Davidson).

Sanders was cast as Cam in the TNT medical drama series “Saved,” which premiered on June 12, 2006. The role brought him a Young Artist nomination in the category of Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Young Actor Age Ten or Younger. Still in 2006, he starred as Thomas in the short film “Thomas in Bloom,” which won Jury Award for Best Family Short Film at the 2007 Garden State Film Festival.

In 2008, Sanders appeared in John Nolte's comedy/drama film “Beautiful Loser,” which starred Adam Lamberg, Laura Breckenridge and Lenny von Dohlen, and David E. Talbert's “First Sunday,” starring Ice Cube, Katt Williams and Tracy Morgan.    


Awards:

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