Frederick Jay Bowdy was born in San Antonio, Texas, as the first of two children to Lisa (Felton) and Frederick Eugene Bowdy. He is the eldest of nine biological and step-siblings, including Tanya (Calloway). Growing up, Jay resided in various areas, primarily in south Arlington and south Fort Worth, Texas. His early years were marked by frequent moves, which he later attributed to his parents' efforts to provide a better life for their children.
Jay attended Trimble Tech High School, located in the southern part of Fort Worth, Texas, where he developed a passion for basketball. His talent on the court led him to pursue a basketball scholarship at Southwestern Christian College, followed by a transfer to the University of West Georgia. During his time at these institutions, he earned an Associate's and Bachelor's degree, respectively.
However, despite his academic success, Jay's basketball career was plagued by recurring injuries, which ultimately forced him to reevaluate his priorities. It was during this period that he met Fred Tee, a film enthusiast who recognized Jay's potential as an actor. Tee proposed a short-film project that leveraged Jay's unique physical attributes, including his height and striking looks. Intrigued by the idea, Jay embarked on a journey to become a legitimate actor.
Since his debut, Jay has appeared in over 15 projects, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He was also 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.
