Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalen Ards.
Jalen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always wanted to be an actor since I was a kid and growing up with a single parent wasn’t easy because I and my older brother had different things that we like abs wanted to do. So my mom and stepdad would take me to auditions and model casting calls and I would get casted but I couldn’t do it because we couldn’t afford it at the time and I really didn’t know other ways to go about it. My acting career is not the best but I have worked with and met some amazing people and I have just learned a lot from my mentor Brandy S., Courtney W., and Jessica D., just to name a few I have been to acting classes and also improve. Acting for me is my escape it’s how I express myself through pain, hurt, Anger and depression. Actually, action saved my life. It had been one of the most wonderful journeys that I have ever been on and I am nowhere near done.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been that easy. I am not the best actor but I can not be that bad and sometimes that gets in the way. You don’t get the character description, etc. and sometimes that can bring you down, but that is was being an actor is about, overcoming challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone. I had a mental breakdown and I felt that I had nothing and no one to turn to so I pull all of those emotions into my acting and it had been doing so far it’s my creative way of expressing myself or delivering a message.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor, writer, and producer but out of all of those I love to act. It’s a great feeling when you get to be someone or even yourself. I am proud of the fact that I have played characters that I can’t relate to or that don’t fit the description and a director has seen something else and given me a role and made me step out of my comfort zone. I love that I can express myself. I can be free.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I have learned that no matter what to keep my head up and don’t be afraid to try new things. Also, be yourself, be who you know to be follow your dream, and let nothing and no one tare you down.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Iam_jalenj_
- Facebook: Jalen J Ards
