Willie James Warren Jr., a second-born of three daughters and two sons, was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, to Willie James Warren and Tracey Anne Warren. Prior to his academic pursuits, Willie embarked on a journey of self-discovery, traveling and studying abroad as a U.S. Student Ambassador to Australia, New Zealand, and as an exchange student in Haibara, Japan. His educational endeavors continued at Beachwood High School, where he eventually graduated.
The University of Miami, Florida, welcomed Willie with a partial academic scholarship, allowing him to transfer and join the Miami Hurricanes football team as one of two players to walk onto the team that year. Upon graduating with a double major in International Finance and Marketing, Willie and his closest friends made the bold decision to leave behind their possessions and purchase one-way flights to Los Angeles, driven by their passion for acting.
In pursuit of his new vocation, Willie invested in his craft by completing training at various acting studios in Hollywood. His first four years in the city were spent honing his skills at the Margie Haber Studio for Audition Technique, where he mastered each level of the program. Additionally, Willie spent two years studying Meisner technique at the renowned Baron Brown Studio Conservatory, refined his Sitcom Comedy skills at the Lesly Kahn studio, and trained in stunt, performance martial arts, and basic acro at XMA Studio. Furthermore, Willie delved into the world of script analysis and scene study at the Aquila Morong Studio, where he was mentored by Stella Adler.
