If you’ve seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, you probably remember the father and little boy who went through a really tough time together. They had no home, no money, but they had each other — and they never gave up.
That movie is based on a true story. The man is Chris Gardner, and the little boy is his real-life son, Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner.
In this article, we’ll talk about who Christopher really is. We’ll look at his life as a child, his parents, what he does now, and how his story is just as powerful as the movie. Let’s get started.
Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner Quick Bio
| Full Name | Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner Jr. |
| Known As | Chris Gardner’s Son |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1981 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Parents | Chris Gardner & Jackie Medina |
| Sibling | Jacintha Darlene Gardner (Sister) |
| Education | Johnson C. Smith University (Psychology) |
| Profession | Businessman, Fitness CEO |
| Company | Founder of pursuFIT |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Jara Gardner |
| Children | 2 (a son and a daughter) |
| Current Location | Greater Chicago Area |
| Net Worth (2025) | Around $25 million |
Who Are Christopher Gardner Jr.’s Parents?
Christopher’s dad is Chris Gardner, a famous speaker and businessman. His life story is known all over the world.
Many people think Christopher’s mom is Sherry Dyson, but that’s not true. His real mom is Jackie Medina, who was a dental student when she met Chris.
Chris was still married to Sherry when Jackie got pregnant. A few years later, he left Sherry to live with Jackie and baby Christopher. But soon, Jackie left and took the baby with her. After four months, she came back, and they both agreed that Christopher would stay with his dad.
That’s when the real journey began — a father and son facing the world together.
Christopher’s Early Life and Childhood Struggles
When Christopher was just a little boy, he and his dad had no home. They slept in shelters, on buses, and sometimes even in public bathrooms.
But even with all that pain, Christopher says he never felt homeless. Why? Because his dad was always there beside him. His father made sure he was safe and loved.
At the same time, Chris Gardner was working very hard — trying to get a job, going to interviews, and studying for a better future. He did all this while carrying his little boy on his shoulders, both in real life and in his heart.
This part of their life was shown in the movie, but in real life, Christopher was only 2 years old during this time, not 5 like in the film.
The Truth About The Pursuit of Happyness and Christopher’s Role
The movie The Pursuit of Happyness came out in 2006. It tells the story of Chris Gardner and his little son. In the film, Will Smith plays the dad, and his real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays Christopher.
The movie shows how hard life was for them — no home, no money, and so many problems. But it also shows how love, hope, and never giving up helped them win in the end.
In the movie:
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Christopher is shown as older than he really was.
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Some scenes were changed to make the story easier to follow.
Even with those changes, Christopher Jr. says he’s proud of the movie. He thinks it shows the truth of their story in a beautiful way.
Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner’s Education
Even though his childhood was hard, Christopher worked hard in school. He wanted to learn and grow.
He studied psychology at Johnson C. Smith University, a school in North Carolina. He was always curious and wanted to understand how people think and feel.
His love for learning helped him build a better life. His dad’s support and life lessons were also a big part of his success.
What Does Christopher Do for a Living?
Today, Christopher is not just “Chris Gardner’s son.” He has built his own path.
He is the CEO and founder of a fitness company called pursuFIT. It helps people get stronger, healthier, and feel better in life.
He also runs Christopher Gardner International Holdings, a business with offices in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.
Christopher has turned the pain of his past into power. He works hard, leads his company, and helps others feel better — just like his dad helped him.
Is Christopher Gardner Jr. Married?
Yes, Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner is married. His wife’s name is Jara Gardner. Not much is known about her, as they both like to keep their personal life private.
They seem to enjoy a quiet life together, away from cameras and public attention. Even though he is the son of a very famous man, Christopher chooses to stay out of the spotlight when it comes to his family.
This shows that family means a lot to him. Just like his father put family first, Christopher is doing the same in his own way.
Does Christopher Gardner Have Kids?
Yes, Christopher and his wife have two children — a son and a daughter.
He has never shared many photos or details about them, which shows that he wants to protect their privacy. But it’s clear that he loves being a dad.
Just like Chris Gardner was there for him during hard times, Christopher is now doing the same for his kids. He wants to give them a happy and stable life — something he had to fight very hard to get when he was young.
Christopher’s Relationship With His Father, Chris Gardner
Christopher and his father have a very close bond. In interviews, Christopher has called his father his “mentor and best friend.” He respects the journey his dad went through and feels proud to be his son.
Even though they faced many hard times together, those struggles made their connection stronger. Chris Gardner was not just a father — he was a teacher, protector, and role model.
Their relationship is a beautiful example of love between a father and son. It’s the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime.
Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner’s net worth is around $25 million.
He made this money through his companies, smart business moves, and years of hard work. He didn’t just use his dad’s name — he built his own name with passion and purpose.
His fitness brand pursuFIT continues to grow, and people respect him for his positive mindset and leadership. He turned a tough beginning into a bright future.
Where Is Christopher Gardner Jr. Now?
Right now, Christopher lives in the Greater Chicago Area. He runs his companies and lives a peaceful life with his family.
Even though he has money and success, he doesn’t show off. He lives quietly, works hard, and sometimes gives motivational talks — just like his father.
He believes in helping others and staying humble. His story proves that you don’t need to be loud to make a big impact.
Final Thoughts
Christopher’s life teaches us some powerful lessons.
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First, your beginning does not decide your future. Even if you go through pain, you can still win.
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Second, having just one person who believes in you can change your whole life. For Christopher, that person was his dad.
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Third, hard work, kindness, and never giving up will always take you far.
Whether you know him from the movie or just learning about him now, Christopher Jarrett Medina Gardner’s story is real, strong, and inspiring.
He shows us that with love, faith, and action, anything is possible.











