Cornell Young IV (born February 14, 2000) is an American actor. He gained recognition for portraying Shaquille Johnson in A Different World (2026).
Early life Young IV was born on February 14, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He was raised in St. Louis as one of seven children. Young IV has a twin brother, David Vann, who is not his identical twin, and four sisters. He is African American with reported Native American ancestry.
Young IV attended Kirkwood High School, where he played American football as a running back, cornerback and wide receiver, and was part of the team that won the Missouri state championship in Class 6A. He continued his football career in college, first at Westminster College and later at McKendree University, where he played as a wide receiver wearing number 14. While at McKendree, he studied marketing and became involved in university theatre.
Career Young IV made his television debut when he appeared as Jameel in one episode of Mind Your Business, as Todd in two episodes of Forever, and as Photographer in two episodes of Beyond the Gates.
In 2026, Young IV appeared as Darius in one episode of Dream House, as Maurice 'Mac Machine Mo' Jackson in two episodes of D.O.P.E. Unit, and Shaquille Johnson in 10 episodes of A Different World. He appeared as Donovan in the Tyler Perry drama film Doing Life.
Filmography Film +Key Denotes productions that have not yet been released
+ Year Title Role Notes2026 Doing Life DonovanTBA Israel Coleman Short; post-production
Television + Year Title Role Notes2025 Mind Your BusinessJameel 1 episodeForeverTodd 2 episodesBeyond the GatesPhotographer 2 episodes2026 Dream HouseDarius 1 episodeD.O.P.E. UnitMaurice 'Mac Machine Mo' Jackson2 episodesA Different WorldShaquille Johnson 10 episodes
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