Lonnie Alcide Gardner hails from the vibrant city of Vallejo, California, where he grew up in a small, close-knit family with a mother who worked as a sales associate and a father who proudly served as a retired veteran. As the only child, Lonnie often found himself alone, which inadvertently fostered his creativity. From a very young age, he was drawn to the arts, spending countless hours honing his skills in drawing, crafting lyrics, and conjuring innovative ideas.
As a student at a private Christian school, Lonnie was encouraged to strive for academic excellence, which he did with ease. His family, comprised of successful business owners, instilled in him the notion that entrepreneurship was the key to achieving success. However, Lonnie never felt a strong affinity for this path, instead opting to explore his creative side in modeling and acting.
His foray into the world of entertainment began with appearances in music videos and student films, which ultimately led to his passion for the craft. The story of his uncle, the renowned singer Johney Mathis, who chose to pursue his passion over financial gain, had a profound impact on Lonnie. Inspired by his uncle's tale, Lonnie made the bold decision to relocate to Southern California to pursue his dreams, all while maintaining his academic prowess.
