C.J. Sanders, born September 18, 1996, is a former child actor and a football player. Sanders has acted in some television series and films produced by Hollywood.
In addition to portraying a young Ray Charles in the 2004 American biographical musical drama film Ray, which focused on 30 years in the life of soul musician Ray Charles, C.J. Sanders is also known for his work in episodes of Six Feet Under in which he starred as Anthony Charles-Fisher. In the film, First Sunday, he also portrayed Ice Cube’s son Durell Jr.
For his role in Ray, Sanders received nominations for multiple honors, including the Young Artist Award, the OFTA Award, the NAACP Image Award, and the Black Reel Award. He went on to make several television appearances as a guest star, including Saved, Judging Amy, Cold Case, and Grey’s Anatomy.
C.J. Sanders comes from a line of sportspeople. Chris Sanders, C.J.’s dad is a former NFL wide receiver Corey Harris, his stepfather, was a 12-year NFL player. Stacie McCall Harris, the mother of C.J., played point guard at the University of Michigan.
For his first three seasons, Sanders went to Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee. After relocating there with his family, he moved to Sherman Oaks, California, to attend Notre Dame High School for his senior year.
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With 35 catches, C.J. Sanders amassed 562 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition, he ran 41 times with the ball for 437 yards and nine touchdowns. He added four touchdowns overall on special teams, two on punts, and two on kickoffs.
Rivals.com rated him a four-star recruit and the 37th-best wide receiver prospect in his class. He committed to playing college football at the University of Notre Dame after accepting a scholarship offer.
Aiming to “promote self-esteem and self-worth among disadvantaged and at-risk youth and their parents,” C.J. Sanders’s Gift Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to finding and connecting with families who have been forgotten, disregarded, and excluded from opportunities that lead to positive change and inspire hope.
