How old was Bow Wow in Lottery Ticket?

Table of Contents

Introducing Bow Wow, the Child Rap Star Turned Actor

Bow Wow‘s Early Music Career

Hey friend! Before we dive into Bow Wow‘s role in Lottery Ticket, let me give you some background on his earlier career. Born Shad Gregory Moss in 1987 in Ohio, Bow Wow burst onto the music scene as a kid rapper called "Lil Bow Wow." When his debut album Beware of Dog came out in 2000, he was just 13 years old!

The album was a huge hit, selling over 3 million copies. It included catchy songs like "Bounce With Me" featuring Xscape that topped the rap charts. For a child rapper, it was unprecedented success! Over the next few years, Bow Wow continued having hits like "Take Ya Home" and "Let‘s Get Down."

Transitioning to Acting

After a few albums, Bow Wow, then still known as Lil Bow Wow, started getting into acting. In 2002, he co-starred in the movie Like Mike alongside NBA stars like Allen Iverson. Although his role was small, it foreshadowed an acting career to come! He also appeared in several other films in minor roles such as Roll Bounce in 2005.

But it wasn‘t until 2010‘s Lottery Ticket that Bow Wow really got his chance to shine on screen as a leading man. This comedic film would prove pivotal in transitioning him from child rapper to mature, multi-talented entertainer!

Lottery Ticket: Bow Wow‘s Big Breakout Role

About the Film

Lottery Ticket was produced by Warner Bros. and hit theaters in 2010. It‘s the story of a young man named Kevin Carson, played by Bow Wow, who lives in the projects of Atlanta and wins a $370 million lottery prize.

The cast also included funny and talented actors like:

• Brandon T. Jackson as Kevin‘s best friend Benny
• Naturi Naughton as Kevin‘s love interest Linda
• Loretta Devine as the neighborhood Grandma
• Ice Cube as the bully Sweet Tee

Bow Wow as Leading Man

In Lottery Ticket, Bow Wow showed off his skills as a leading comedic actor! Even though his character was a teen, Bow Wow was actually 21 when filming took place in 2009. But he looked young enough to convincingly play a high schooler.

As Kevin, Bow Wow got to portray a full range of emotions – joy when he wins, frustration dealing with jealousy from neighbors, fear of losing the ticket, and pride when he finally claims the prize. His charismatic performance got noticed by critics as a highlight of the film.

Box Office Success

Lottery Ticket was a big commercial hit, grossing over $24 million on just a $17 million budget. That‘s a profit of $7 million! This proved that Bow Wow could draw audiences as a leading man. After years as a musician, this movie cemented Bow Wow as a bankable actor who could carry a Hollywood film.

The Making of a Multi-Talented Star

Critical Reception

So how did reviewers feel about Bow Wow‘s performance as Kevin in Lottery Ticket? The overall critical reception was mixed, with Lottery Ticket getting a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many thought the plot felt formulaic and predictable.

However, most agreed that Bow Wow‘s charismatic acting made the movie worth watching. As one review put it, he "possesses an uncanny blend of boyish charm and maturity." His dynamic screen presence elevated otherwise mediocre material.

More Leading Roles

Thanks to the success of Lottery Ticket, Bow Wow was able to land more leading roles that showcased his talents. In 2011, he starred as the main love interest in the dance sequel film Step Up 3D. And he got to work with comedy legend Tyler Perry in Madea‘s Big Happy Family.

These new starring roles proved Lottery Ticket was no fluke – Bow Wow had the acting skills to continue on as a Hollywood leading man.

Focus on Acting

After firmly establishing himself on the big screen, Bow Wow started focusing more on acting and less on music. He officially retired from rapping in 2017 to devote himself fully to acting projects.

In 2015, he landed a main role on the TV series CSI: Cyber that he held for several seasons. And he continues taking on new film roles that challenge him and allow him to grow. Lottery Ticket gave him the credibility as an actor to have that choice!

The Verdict: A Defining Role for Bow Wow

Lasting Impact

So in the end, how important was Lottery Ticket for Bow Wow‘s entertainment career? I‘d argue VERY!

Prior to this, he was known primarily as a musician. Lottery Ticket proved he could successfully crossover into acting and carry a major Hollywood film. It marked the turning point where he was taken seriously as an multi-talented performer, not just a child rapper.

All Grown Up

At just 21 during filming, Bow Wow perfectly straddled the line between youthful charm and mature acting chops. Lottery Ticket marked the transition out of his "Lil Bow Wow" phase into simply being Bow Wow, a grown up, bankable actor.

It was a gamble for him to aim for leading man status. But the payoff was huge in terms of credibility and career longevity. Lottery Ticket proved that with talent and drive, child stars CAN grow up to have serious adult acting careers!

One to Watch

With his natural charisma and work ethic, Bow Wow overcame the stigma of being a musician turned actor. Wherever his career takes him next, Lottery Ticket will always be the film that cemented him as an acting force to be reckoned with!