Colleyville 12-year-old shines as Michael Jackson’s brother in ‘MJ’ tour

Bryce Holmes designs roller coasters as a hobby and posts them on social media. Meanwhile, the Colleyville 12-year-old’s acting career is only going up.

Holmes is playing the young version of Michael Jackson’s older brother, Marlon, in the stage production of the musical “MJ,” which comes to Bass Hall May 13-18 as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series.

“I randomly started looking up roller coasters and found some apps on which I can design my own on,” Bryce said. “Since I’m on tour, I can hit all these different amusement parks and see all kinds. My two favorites are Valravn at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens in Tampa.”

He also mentioned that he’s interested in orthodontics — he wears Invisalign braces — but makes it clear what interest is above all others, as he wants to “act through it all.”

Which brings us to his No. 1 career goal.

“I want to be in Hamilton, either on Broadway or on tour,” he said.

Given how far he’s come in such a short time, it certainly seems like an achievable dream.

Credits include ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’

Bryce began acting at the behest of his second-grade teacher, Taylor Wallace, at age 7.

“She saw me doing warm ups,” Bryce said. “She contacted my parents, who got me and agent, and I started doing commercials.”

His first commercial was for Casey’s General Stores. His portfolio has gone on to include stints for Chuck E. Cheese and Nickelodeon, along with playing Jacob in an episode of Taylor Sheridan’s “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.”

“I’m the young boy who sees Bass Reeves tying up a bad guy and asks him some questions,” Bryce said. “[The series] was one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. Everything was so exciting.”

Bryce had his photo taken with the series’ stars David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid, along with receiving some serious praise.

“David told me I’m going to find an acting career, and that’s what I want to do,” Bryce said.

Cast in ‘MJ’

Bryce was in New York for a production for Broadway Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for young talent like himself. It was there he was asked to audition for the role of Marlon, which he has been playing since November of 2023.

“I knew little to nothing about Marlon and not even much about Michael,” Bryce said, noting that being in the show has also been an educational experience. “I knew a few of Michael’s songs and the year he was born.”

Bryce said his favorite Michael Jackson song is “Off the Wall,” from the album of the same name and which was released in 1979 before his fame as a solo artist began to soar.

“I like the beat. It’s a party song. You can do just about anything to that song,” Bryce said.

As for his character Marlon, Bryce sees him as Michael’s older brother who “kept everything together.”

“He was also the danciest Jackson,” Bryce said, a phrase Marlon used to describe himself once.

Bryce also noted the closeness of Michael and Marlon, who had a twin brother die at birth.

“I watched multiple interviews and Michael talked a lot about Marlon and how close they were,” he said. “Even as a kid they were always there for each other.”

Bryce is also the understudy for young Michael in the production, a role he will soon move into full-time after the Fort Worth run. He will also perform the role in at least one performance at Bass Hall, his father, Shannon Holmes, said.

“He’s excited about that, but he also loves playing Marlon,” Shannon said. “He told me when he was cast, ‘Dad, I want to own this role.’”

Juggling work in Grapevine-Colleyville school district

Shannon and Bryce’s mom, Jeane, take turns traveling with him on the road. Bryce’s twin sister Bailee — who is more into lacrosse, basketball and playing saxophone in the school band — joins him during the summer months.

“I tell everyone this is a faith walk,” Shannon said, noting that both he and Jeane are able to work remotely. “He’s divinely talented.”

As for school, Bryce attends online classes from noon-3 p.m. each weekday .He’s still officially registered in the Grapevine-Colleyville school district and the tour provides him a tutor/guardian to monitor his work.

Performing at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall

Ironically, Shannon said when Bryce was cast in “MJ” the show was in Dallas. With youths only allowed to sign six-month contracts, they were hoping for a return to the Metroplex in Fort Worth.

“We saw it on the calendar and got excited,” Shannon said. “We got to Austin and San Antonio last year, but weren’t sure about Fort Worth. Now that it’s here, we can’t wait.”

Bryce said he’s thrilled about performing in front of his friends, many who stay in touch with him on the road.

“My friends and family are so supportive,” he said. “To be able to perform for them is fantastic.”

Bryce admits that sometimes when he stops and thinks about it all, it can feel as if his head is spinning.

“I get that feeling, but I just soak it all in,” he said.

He added that he also reminds himself regularly to never forget folks who helped him get where he is.

“I give a special thanks to my second-grade acting teacher Taylor Wallace and my agent Jill Lord,” he said. “And my family is so great.”

He also showed appreciation for the Black Academy of Arts and Sciences in Dallas that had a big impact on his career.

“I wasn’t all that great a dancer and they really helped with that - and they introduced me to Broadway Dreams,” he said.

And now that dream may actually lead him to perform on Broadway some day—where perhaps he can ride a roller coaster he designed at Coney Island on his day off.

This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 7:00 AM.