Christopher Jamaul Jones – ACTOR

CJ Jones,
By Donny Tidmore Photography

Interview with actor Christopher Jamaul Jones —

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Christopher Jamaul Jones, mostly known as CJ Jones, and I am an actor, model, and musician- newly introduced to the world of writing.

2. Why acting?
Since I was a little boy dancing and singing in my bedroom before being called to the table for dinner, I remember going through several outfits in my closet. Pretending to be different characters from television. Over time I just grew to love the art of this particular illusion. On stage and on a screen.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an actor?
I was about 9 years old when my mother had a birthday party for herself in our families’ living room. She wanted to have a performance from her kids (we were and all still are very talented) and I was the first one to raise my hand. I went to my closet, grabbed a nice hat and some biker gloves. I created the illusion of Michael Jackson right there in the living room. From the iconic sounds to the moonwalk.

4. What are your favorite subject(s)/genre(s)?
I really do enjoy comedy! Along with that, I certainly love a little horror, action, and suspense. I haven’t had the chance to work on a horror or suspense project yet. I would defiantly be in love with it when I do.

5. How do you work and approach your subject/character?
Now I have to tell my secrets (laughs). Actually, I make out a schedule depending on how much time I have before starting the project. Throughout that designated time I live my life as if I were that character. For example, I went to Christmas dinner at my godparents place in a wig, dressed as a hippie because I had an important audition the following week. I wanted to live as that character to receive all possible vibes. This method also takes a load of anxiety off of you when it is time to either audition or film.

6. What are your favorite performance(s), actor(s)?
I am a fan of theatre. The musical, Caroline, or Change is one of my all-time favorites. The Wiz is another great! Currently I am obsessed with the movie and Broadway show called One Night Stand. As for actors, I love Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard from the FOX series Empire.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
It is always interesting to hear the people I grew up with comment on the things I do. Some of them always knew I would go into entertainment and some of them are very surprised that I can do the thing I do. Most importantly, I have already inspired so many young people to get up and at least try to make their dreams come true. That is really the only response that matters to me. Actions! I want to see people try to do things they feel are impossible because they see me trying to do the “impossible”.

8. What do you like about your work?
That question ties into the last question. I can go further into details: I do like working with well-off and established actors. Earlier in 2014 I had been an extra and a few films done in Texas. That experience humbled me. Knowing that mostly all of those actors with a script in their hands had been in my position once upon a time. I loved the idea of that possibility. I love the idea of breaking through the doubts.

9. What advice would you give to other actors?
Wow. That’s a great question. I really do think you have to have the motivation to hang in there and fight through the tough times. You won’t always hear “YES”, but you have to remember that you won’t always hear “NO”. Everyone has a different calling. Yes, we are actors and that may be the primary calling, but you have to remember that there are different circuits. For example, I feel like I am supposed to be in the urban circuit. I feel that is where I shine the most. Urban scenes and dialogue. Someone else may feel as if they fit better playing the role of a suburban mother or father. You just have to believe that your direction is golden and stay the course.

“The Struggle: Breaking Through” – BOOK COVER

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In 5 years I see myself on a hit series going into season two. In between those 5-10 years, I plan to have at least 3 major box office films circulating. My first book will be released spring time 2015, so I plan to convert that into a script and produce my own project for the big screen. Who knows? Only time will tell. Right?

CJ Jones

LINKS —

Website: http://www.chrisjjones.com
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6729484/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjjonesactor

2014 Film/Television:

The Big Spoon (post-production)
Role: Theatergoer
Street Stories (TV Series)
Role: Donald Price
– Episode #1.7

2015

Hot Air ( post-production)
Role: Hipster Bar Patron
Results ( post-production)
Role: NYC Restaurant Customer
Billy and the Bandit  ( post-production) (TV Movie)
Role: Funeral Worker 2

2014 Theatre:

Caroline, or Change at VLA Theatre (Killeen,Texas)
Directed By: Toshia Moffit
Role: Jackie Thibodeaux
Rehearsal Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y6lS_1GLUs&list=UUmFqrjad9goZEuZ0OLzz-lg

2014 Other Material:

Currently editing my first memoir/novel – “The Struggle: Breaking Through” 
The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, starting in the late 90’s.