Mufasa: The Lion King Star Surprises Compton Early College HS Scholars
Media Release
Compton Early College students experienced an unforgettable moment when Kelvin Harrison Jr., the voice of Scar in Mufasa: The Lion King, made a surprise visit. More than 350 middle school scholars gathered in the auditorium after watching the movie, only to be greeted by the award-winning actor himself for an exclusive Q&A session.
Harrison, known for his roles in Euphoria, Elvis, Cyrano, and Chevalier, shared insights into his acting journey, offering valuable advice to students interested in the arts. He encouraged scholars to embrace creativity, remain youthful, and find joy in storytelling, emphasizing that acting is about freedom and escapism. He also urged them to sing, create funny videos, and play—reminding them that creativity can lead to incredible opportunities.
Harrison’s visit was more than just a celebrity appearance—it was a powerful example of the importance of mentorship and real-world role models in education. When students hear directly from accomplished professionals, they gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to pursue their dreams. Seeing someone who has achieved success in a competitive industry makes those aspirations feel more tangible and attainable. Encounters like this help students envision their own futures.
By sharing personal experiences, challenges, and successes, mentors like Harrison provide inspiration, guidance, and encouragement that can shape students’ career choices and ambitions.
This inspiring event was made possible by Disney, whose commitment to education and storytelling brought this incredible experience to Compton Early College.
Compton Unified remains dedicated to exposing students to real-world opportunities, industry leaders, and career pathways that help them dream big and achieve even bigger. Whether in film, science, or technology, today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators—and experiences like this remind them that their future starts now.