Dylan Gilmer (born March 4, 2009), known professionally as Young Dylan, is an American actor, rapper, and television host. He rose to prominence after his rap videos went viral when he was six years old, and he has since appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, performed at NBA All‑Star Weekend, and starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom Tyler Perry's Young Dylan (2020–2025).
Early life Dylan Gilmer was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, to parents Damon and Deaundra Gilmer. He developed an early interest in music and grew up listening to Drake. At age 6, his parents posted a home video of him rapping Bryson Tiller's "Don't", which went viral.
Career
Viral sensation & early media appearances He first gained national attention after appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show multiple times, and performing during the NBA All‑Star Celebrity Game halftime shows. In 2019, at age ten, he competed on Season 14 of America's Got Talent and advanced to the Judge Cuts, though he was eliminated before the quarterfinals.
Tyler Perry's Young Dylan (2020–2025) In 2020, Dylan was cast by Tyler Perry to star as a fictionalized version of himself in the Nickelodeon sitcom Tyler Perry's Young Dylan, which aired from February 29, 2020, through April 30, 2025, for five seasons and 85 episodes.
Dylan has recorded and released original music, including singles like "Tik Tok" and "Get Litty", and has made frequent appearances on children‑oriented television, including hosting NFL Slimetime and co‑hosting Peacock’s The Kids Tonight Show in 2021.
Filmography +YearTitleRoleNotes2019America's Got TalentHimselfParticipantThe Ellen DeGeneres ShowGuest2020All ThatEpisode; "Episode 1118" Musical guestTyler Perry's Young DylanYoung Dylan / DylonLead role2021NFL SlimetimeHimselfHostThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonGuest; episode 1531The Kids Tonight ShowHost2022Side HustleYoung DylanEpisode; "When Worlds Collide"That Girl Lay LayEpisode; "Dylan and Rebecca's Cleve-Land-Land Adventure"Play-Doh SquishedHimselfEpisode; "Planes, Trains, Cars"2023The Jennifer Hudson ShowEpisode; "Episode 105" GuestNickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2023Musical performerThe Tiny Chef ShowGuest star2025ElioBryce
Discography
Tik Tok (2022) Get Litty (2023) I Just Wanna (2023) Bet It (2024)
Awards YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)Result2021Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV StarDylan Gilmer 2022Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV Star (Kids)Young Dylan 2023Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV Star (Kids)Young Dylan
References
External links