Walter E. Jones was raised on the west side of Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent home was just one of the many obstacles that Walter would beat. Provided with love and strong family values, Walter overcame the drugs and violence of the neighborhood; has defied all odds of an oppressed environment, and developed a talented and successful presence in the entertainment industry. He is truly a compassionate person and it’s easy to see and feel his enormous zest for life. With a vibrant grin, Walter says “I love to make people smile. When they smile I smile”.
Walter was recently made an Honorary Ibo Chief by His Majesty Igwe P.N. Anugwu, JP, OFR Ezeukwu Mbaukwu in Nigeria. He was given the Ibo name Ugomba, which means “The National Eagle.” Walter is also part of “The Motherland Group.” This African American company is in the process of creating a historical resort development in the city of Badagary, Nigeria. Walter has spent the last three years building international relations in the continent of Africa and hopes to help bring fresh water to villages that need it.
Walter’s training has developed him into a “triple-threat”. He has proven himself successful as an actor, dancer, and singer. Walter is internationally known for his creation of the character Zach, The Black Ranger from the children’s action-adventure phenomenon, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He has been featured as a series regular or guest star in over 150 episodes of various shows and has been featured in 7 films. Some of his credits include: The Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning police drama The Shield, the top-rated series drama CSI, the long-running comedy hit Moesha and the upcoming action feature Speed Demons. Walter works regularly as a voice actor lending his voice to radio television, film, and video games. Walter’s recent voice-over acting jobs include work on Step up 4, Death Race 3, and GI Joe 2.
Walter’s dance credits prove to be equally as impressive. He has been trained in Salsa, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Tap. Walter has worked as a teacher and a choreographer and has shared his love for dance both in the United States and abroad. He was chosen as one of fifty dancers to represent the United States in the 1992 Olympic Closing Ceremonies in Barcelona and has traveled much of the world as a dancer and singer for Princess Cruises.
In the Salsa World, Walter made his presence known as he captured the title of the 2004 Mayan World Champion. He has been a salsa instructor in some of the most prestigious salsa clubs in Los Angeles, including the world-famous Conga Room, The Mayan, the Rumba Room, Stevens Steak House, and the popular Mama Juana’s. He can be seen showcasing his talents at ESPN’S First Annual World Salsa Competition. Walter’s belief is, “To teach someone to dance is to give them a gift that lasts a lifetime.” Walter has shared this gift with some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Some of the Celebrities include Jennifer Love Hewitt, Van Diesel, Jada Pinkett Smith, Eric LaSalle, Sheila E, Mario Van Peebles, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabrielle Union, Jacob Vargas, and Essence Atkins. Walter is developing his own celebrity line of salsa and stepping shoes and is also developing a traveling dance show for television.
Walter resides in Los Angeles, California, and spends his free time salsa dancing, camping, scuba diving, snowboarding, and traveling. Walter Emanuel Jones is the new generation of entertainer, teacher, and action adventurer.