Johnathan Sturgess

Johnathan Michael Sturgess (born April 18, 2011, in Chicago, Illinois) is an Ethiopian-American animator, writer, director, and voice actor. An award-winning young creator, he is best known for developing original stories that emphasize teamwork, imagination, and authentic cultural representation. As a neurodivergent artist, Johnathan channels his creativity and strong pattern recognition into building dynamic, character-driven worlds. His work centers the African diaspora in leading roles, reflecting both his heritage and his commitment to inclusive storytelling. He is the creator of Unstoppable: Evolution, an animated series following three heroes—Max, Leo, and Sam—as they navigate action-filled adventures across Earth and space. The lead character, Max, is directly inspired by Johnathan himself, making him a pioneering Ethiopian-American animated hero in the indie animation space. Johnathan has received multiple nominations at the Nova Star Awards, winning Best Young Director, marking a significant milestone in representation as one of the first neurodivergent Ethiopian creators to achieve this honor. Through his work, Johnathan continues to inspire emerging creators to tell their own stories, with a focus on diversity, creativity, and cultural pride.