Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Leon Thomas III

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Leon Thomas III made an impact.

Leon Thomas III is a multifaceted American entertainer recognized as a singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor. He launched his career as a child actor on Broadway, starring in prominent musicals like The Lion King, Caroline, or Change, and The Color Purple. He also voiced Tyrone in The Backyardigans and achieved wider recognition for his role as Andre Harris in the Nickelodeon series Victorious. Thomas has demonstrated versatility across various entertainment mediums.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Broadway Debut

In 2003, at the age of 10, Leon Thomas III made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in "The Lion King".

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2004: Caroline, or Change

In 2004, Leon Thomas III appeared as Jackie Thibodeaux in the original Broadway cast of Tony Kushner's "Caroline, or Change". He also toured with the company during its five-month run in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California.

2006: The Backyardigans

In 2006, Leon Thomas III provided the singing voice of Tyrone on the Nick Jr. animated series "The Backyardigans".

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2007: Film Debut and Nickelodeon Deal

In 2007, Leon Thomas III appeared in the film "August Rush" as Arthur, performing the song "La Bamba", and briefly after signed a development deal with Nickelodeon appearing as the singing voice for Tyrone in the animated series "The Backyardigans".

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2008: The Backyardigans

In 2008, Leon Thomas III ended his role as the singing voice of Tyrone on the Nick Jr. animated series "The Backyardigans", after two years in the show.

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March 27, 2010: Victorious Premiere

On March 27, 2010, Leon Thomas III played Andre Harris, a main character on "Victorious", which premiered on Nickelodeon.

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2010: Victorious Debut

In 2010, Leon Thomas III played Andre Harris on the Nickelodeon series "Victorious".

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August 2, 2011: Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show Soundtrack Release

On August 2, 2011, the soundtrack album "Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show" was released, featuring Leon Thomas III in the songs "Song 2 You" and "Tell Me That You Love Me".

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June 5, 2012: Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show Soundtrack Release

On June 5, 2012, "Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show" was released, with Leon Thomas III featured in the songs "Countdown" and "Don't You (Forget About Me)".

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July 2012: Victorious Ended Production

In July 2012, the Nickelodeon series "Victorious", where Leon Thomas III played Andre Harris, ended production.

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August 1, 2012: Metro Hearts Mixtape Release

On August 1, 2012, Leon Thomas III released his first mixtape called "Metro Hearts", which included songs like "Forever", "Bad", "Moving On", "Vibe", "Like Clay", and "Never Look Back". It also featured a cover of Drake's "Take Care" with Ariana Grande.

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February 2, 2013: Victorious Last Episode Air Date

On February 2, 2013, the last episode of "Victorious" aired. Leon Thomas III played Andre Harris in the show.

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September 24, 2013: "Hello How Are You" Single Release

On September 24, 2013, Leon Thomas III released a new single, "Hello How Are You" featuring Wiz Khalifa.

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2013: Collaboration with Stooshe and Ariana Grande

In 2013, Leon Thomas III co-wrote the song "Ain't No Other Me" for the British girl group Stooshe. Thomas also co-wrote four songs on his former co-star Ariana Grande's album "Yours Truly". He also co-produced four songs on the album, in addition to the song "Last Christmas" from Grande's EP "Christmas Kisses", as a member of production duo the Rascals.

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2013: Victorious Ended

In 2013, Leon Thomas III ended his role as Andre Harris on the Nickelodeon series "Victorious".

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January 1, 2014: V1bes Mixtape Release

On January 1, 2014, Leon Thomas III released a new mixtape, "V1bes", under the name Leon Thomas, via DatPiff. He also announced that a music video for "Hello How Are You" was in the works.

2016: Before the Beginning Mixtape Release

In 2016, Leon Thomas III released the mixtape "Before the Beginning" via SoundCloud, which compiled eight songs which he had "[held on] for a long time".

2016: Co-Production for Post Malone's Stoney

In 2016, Leon Thomas III served as a co-producer for Post Malone's album "Stoney".

2017: Appearance in Detroit

In 2017, Leon Thomas III appeared in the Kathryn Bigelow-directed film "Detroit".

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2018: Genesis EP Release

In 2018, Leon Thomas III released his debut EP "Genesis", which featured guest appearances from Buddy and Tayla Parx.

May 2022: Signing with EZMNY Records and Motown

In May 2022, Ty Dolla Sign signed a joint venture deal with Motown for his newly launched EZMNY Records imprint, announcing Leon Thomas III to be the label's first artist.

2022: Signed with EZMNY Records and Motown

In 2022, Leon Thomas III signed with Ty Dolla Sign's EZMNY Records and Motown.

February 10, 2024: Release of "Burn" and Grammy Win

On February 10, 2024, Leon Thomas III was one of the writers and producers on the track "Burn" by ¥$ (Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign) from their album Vultures 1. Furthermore, in 2024 Leon won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for his contribution to SZA's hit song "Snooze".

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2024: Mutt Album Release and Chart Success

In 2024, Leon Thomas III's second album, "Mutt", and its lead single "Mutt", became his first solo entries on the Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot 100, with the latter peaking at number 12.