Meet Jamari Wright | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamari Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamari, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I’ve always known that I wanted to be an actor. That was something that has always sparked my interest and it’s something that I’m truly passionate about. I chose an artistic and creative career path because it’s something that has always allowed me to fully express myself in the most authentic way possible, while simultaneously doing something that I love. I’ve been performing since the second grade, whether that was singing, dancing, or acting, I was always involved and I’m happy to say that my passion only grew from there. Honestly, I couldn’t see myself being truly happy with my career if it wasn’t within the performing arts, and I don’t regret my decision one bit. Creating and bringing characters to life has allowed storytelling to evolve in ways that mean so much to the world. The performing arts are so imperative to the society we live in today and I’m just glad to be a part of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I’m a second-year undergraduate, in the School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) program here at USC. I’m an actor, I’ve been training for the past almost 6 years now, but I’m also a student. It’s been interesting balancing the social and academic life of being in college, while also at the same time, working to kickstart and elevate my career. Last semester, I did my first show here at school entitled Once on This Island, and I was a lead. Currently, I’m working on expanding my craft and getting my name out there. I’m taking advantage of the fact that I am located in Los Angeles, so I’ve been applying and auditioning for projects as well. It’s definitely a process, but I’ve worked so hard to get here so I can’t stop. I tell myself to keep going because it’s impossible to know when you’re going to get that one role, that one opportunity, that could change your life forever. As a black young man in a predominately white space, I know that I must work twice to get to where I want to be, and I intend on doing that. I’ve learned over the course of college so far that there is no such thing as “slow progress”. Whether it’s a step forward or a sprint ahead, I know that progress, whether slow or fast, is still progress.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the perks of growing up in Miami is that it’s everyone’s dream to visit. If I had a friend visit Miami for a week-long trip, we would definitely go to the beach. Even while living in LA right now, Miami beaches are truly something special. We would go to some nice beaches to watch the sunrises, we would go to some nice restaurants in areas like Miami Beach, Brickell, and Coconut Grove. We would 100% do joyrides around town. It’s a must to stop by the mall, preferably at Aventura Mall. I would also take my friend to do things like Top Golf, Dave & Busters, movies, and things of that nature. We would definitely have a great time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few people I would like to shout out that have been so important in my career path. Firstly, I would like to shout out my sister, Kashia. She’s a professional dancer living in New York right now, but she’s one of my main inspirations. We’re five years apart and maybe it’s a sibling thing to always want to follow the oldest around, but if it wasn’t for her urging me to dance and perform when I was younger, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now. My family, in general, has always been so supportive, especially my mom. She’s the backbone, she’s the “momager”, and she never fails to provide the support and encouragement we need. My older sister, Kiani, has shown me how to persevere through the hard times, which is going to be very important for my career. My close friends, the people who’ve always been there and had my back, constantly push me to greater heights. The Overtown Youth Center, an afterschool and summer program that I have been at since the first grade is the main reason I was able to find my passion in the performing arts. They’ve introduced me to so much at a young age that I was fortunate enough to find what I love. Lastly, I would like to shout out Leo Arteche and Michele Perkins, my high school theater directors. They pushed me in so many ways regarding my acting and I wouldn’t be a student at the University of Southern California (USC) without their training, empathy, and love. I just want to shout out to anyone who has been there for me, showing nothing love and support!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamarixwright/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamari-wright-555112235/

Other: Backstage Profile: https://www.backstage.com/u/jamari-wright/

Image Credits
Erin Newsom