Tray Chaney has spent more than 30 years navigating the entertainment industry, carving out a career that has taken him from the innocence of childhood talent shows to the gritty streets of Baltimore as “Poot” on HBO’s groundbreaking series The Wire.
Now, as an actor, director, producer, and musician, Chaney continues to evolve, proving that longevity in Hollywood is possible with passion and perseverance.
“Most people know me from playing the character Malik Carr, aka Poot, on the HBO series The Wire,” Chaney said. “I was only supposed to do the first two episodes in the first season, but of course, it ended up lasting five seasons.”
His portrayal of Poot, one of the few characters to survive the show’s entire run, cemented him as a household name. Since then, he has expanded his repertoire with roles such as Kendrick Murphy on Saints & Sinners and Bleek on BMF, adding depth to his growing legacy in television and film.
Music remains a core part of Chaney’s life, but his ambition has pushed him beyond performance into the director’s chair. His directorial debut, Truthless, is available on his YouTube channel, and he also serves as an executive producer on projects like Hidden Lies, which features an all-star cast including Clifton Powell, JD Williams, and Lil Zane. “I’m happy to step behind the camera, behind the scenes, as well as in front of the camera,” he said.
One of his latest ventures, The Wire Reunion: Live from the Nostalgia, taps into the cultural significance of the series that helped launch his career. “I just wanted to bring my cast members together in Baltimore City, in the trenches, in the projects, on an orange couch, and have regular candid conversations,” he explained. The series has featured castmates like Anwan “Big G” Glover, Tristan “Mack” Wilds, and Hassan Johnson, offering fans raw, behind-the-scenes reflections on a show that continues to inspire generations.
Despite his success, Chaney remains driven by a deep sense of purpose. “What keeps me going? Just knowing that all of this could one day end,” he said. “It’s a blessing just to wake up each and every day. That means we’ve won more than half the battle.”
This philosophy fuels his latest project, Gems by Tray Chaney, a series dedicated to sharing motivational insights drawn from his own life experiences. “At the end of the day, I’m a human being just like everyone else,” he said. “It’s not about the title, position, accolades, or rewards. I go through struggles like anyone, and I want people to know that if I never gave up, they shouldn’t either.”
With over three decades in the industry, Tray Chaney has proven that reinvention is the key to longevity. Whether acting, directing, or making music, he remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding others that success isn’t just about where you start—it’s about how you keep moving forward.
