Frederick Jay Bowdy, a multifaceted individual, was born in San Antonio, Texas, as the first of two children to Lisa (Felton) and Frederick Eugene Bowdy, and the fifth of nine biological and step siblings, including Tanya (Calloway). His childhood was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, with periods spent in south Arlington and predominantly in South Fort Worth, Texas.
As a student, Jay attended Trimble Tech High School, situated in the southern part of Fort Worth, where he developed a passion for basketball. This interest led him to pursue higher education, enrolling at Southwestern Christian College and later the University of West Georgia, where he earned an Associate's and Bachelor's degree, respectively. Subsequently, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue his Master's degree.
Despite his academic achievements, Jay's basketball career was hindered by recurring injuries. However, his life took a dramatic turn in the summer of 2014 when he met Fred Tee, who introduced him to the idea of performing in a short film. Bowdy was captivated by the concept and saw an opportunity to transition into acting.
With his newfound passion, Jay began to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, taking on over 15 projects to date. He also competed as a finalist on reality shows The Island on NBC and Big Brother 17 on CBS. In the summer of 2015, he secured the lead role in the independent feature films Prepper and Social Path, marking a significant milestone in his acting career.