Jonathan Aryan Jafari, known online as "JonTron," is an American comedian, reviewer, and internet personality. He was born on March 24, 1990, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Jafari attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where he was actively involved in musical theater productions until his graduation in 2008. During his high school years, he met future collaborators Jirard Khalil, Michael Barryte, and Barry Kramer—several of whom would later become associated with prominent online projects, including "Game Grumps."
In 2003, Jafari established an early online identity by creating an account on the animation platform Newgrounds under the name "BirdmanXZ6." There, he uploaded five animations featuring anthropomorphic onions, showcasing his interest in both animation and quirky humor. In 2006, he further expanded his online presence by creating his first YouTube account, also under the name "BirdmanXZ6."
On August 31, 2010, Jafari launched the "JonTronShow" on YouTube. He debuted with a two-part review of the Nintendo 64 game "Daikatana," setting the tone for his future content, which blends video game reviews with sketch comedy. The format quickly resonated with audiences, and the channel gained popularity thanks to its combination of humor, critique, and creative presentation. Jafari’s channel became known for featuring retro and obscure games, often incorporating themed elements to enhance episodes.
Following the success of his channel, JonTron co-created the Let's Play web series "Game Grumps" alongside animator and content creator Arin Hanson in 2012. Although he left the series in 2013, his involvement helped it gain significant early traction. In addition to "Game Grumps," Jafari also co-founded the video game entertainment website NormalBoots, which brought together various creators to share content related to gaming, reviews, and digital entertainment.
| Net Worth 2021: | 1.4 million |