TREY PARKER
Birthdate: May 30, 1972
Not to be confused with the South Park creator, Donald “Trey” McKay Parker III was born and raised in Auburn, Alabama. At a very early age, Trey found that he had the desire to become a part of the entertainment industry. He began to work his way into the spotlight at the age of seven when he was named the baby mascot for the football team at Auburn University. As crowds adored the little mascot, his desire for entertaining grew. At age ten, his acting career began when he landed the role of Christopher Robin in the school play, Winnie the Pooh. He also acted in the play Mr. Scrooge.
From that point on, he was known for his practical joking, and even becoming the first male to join his high school cheerleading squad! At the age of fourteen, his gymnastics coach introduced him to her brother, who was currently living in New York. He was very impressed with his talents and offered to let him stay the summer with him in New York to study acting and dancing. Trey told his parents, and he and his mother flew to New York. He began his studies at the Broadway Dance Center. These studies improved his talents, and he began to act in theater and television commercials.
He remained in New York throughout the next semester at the High School of the Performing Arts, and then transferred to Professional Children’s School for a more flexible schedule. However, being separated from his family was difficult, and he returned home. Because PCS didn’t want to let such a talented student leave, they sent him assignments through mail. His longing to graduate early caused him to work extra hard, and this proved difficult for him and his family. But fortune smiled upon him when his family moved to California so he could continue to pursue his career. He was fifteen years old, and made his first TV appearance on ABC's afternoon special, "Straight at Ya!"
The Parker family moved near Hollywood, where Trey was instantly hired by a number of talent scouts. The talent and looks of this aspiring actor were major factors in his hirings. His first jobs included dancing and modeling in advertisements for Adidas, Levis, Ocean Pacific and many other companies. He also appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial with a then-unknown Jerry O’Connell. This later led to television appearances, where he appeared in TV shows such as Baywatch, Doogie Howser, MD, Thirtysomething, and a lead role in the short-lived series Hull High as one of the Hull High “Devil Rappers.” During this time, he also appeared in the film Caddie Woodlawn, playing the role of Tom, Caddie’s older brother.
In 1989, shortly after he graduated, Trey and two friends, Damon Butler and David Loeffler, formed a band under the name of EYC, Express Yourself Clearly. Together, they began to write their own songs, shoot their own music videos, choreograph their own dances and even recorded a demo tape. They were later approached by the president of Gasoline Alley/MCA Records. After playing a demo for him, they were signed to a recording contract! However, they also had a request for the company. They told them: "Please don't tell us what to sing or how to dance. We didn't want to be manufactured. This is our sound. This is our look." The company agreed. EYC began recording and soon kicked off by touring worldwide with artists such as Prince, New Kids on the Block and Tiffany. During the Tiffany tour, Trey danced with Dee Caspary, who he would later reunite with on the set of Newsies. Unfortunately, the band had begun to interfere with Trey’s career and they temporarily disbanded.
In 1991, during the filming of Hull High, Trey became acquainted with the resident choreographer, Kenny Ortega. He had decided to direct a movie and cast Trey and fellow EYC bandmate Damon in the movie Newsies, along with a few other actors and dancers from Hull High. He landed the role of Kid Blink, known for the eyepatch over his left eye. According to Trey, the filming of the movie was “a great experience,” and that he would be very disappointed when they had to stop and continue on with their careers.
After EYC disbanded, Trey began acting in theater again and appeared in many commercials, including a few for Doritos, Dr. Pepper and Ford, and a guest appearance on the short-lived show Buddy Faro. In late 1998, EYC formed again and began touring. In March of 1999, they released a single, “The Thing called Love,” followed by their latest album: I Feel It. They hit the charts as one of the internationally hottest boy bands of the year. This led to a world-wide tour, their song "I Feel It" appearing on a Coca-Cola commercial, and they even opened for the Backstreet Boys.
Later in 2000, EYC disbanded again, and he began pursuing a solo career. He and Damon reunited for a short time in 2001 to help write the song "Why Did You Lie to Me?" for Latin pop star Anastacia. Trey is now involved with a new band called the MPVs, and has aspirations to produce films. He has also married a woman named Jennifer, their wedding date is unknown. Trey is pursuing a solo career but will still be touring with the MVPs, and was featured on VH1's "I Love the 90s" special.
The MVPs
The MVPs
Trey McKay Parker
Trey McKay Parker!
EYC: Express Yourself Clearly
Trey Parker Shrine
CONTACT
Mailing Address:
TREY PARKER
c/o Agency West
6255 W. Sunset Suite 908
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Know Your Newsies!
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