Meet Jeremiah Caleb | Actor, Author, Activist

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

Hi Jeremiah, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My view of balance in life has evolved over the years. As a little boy, I was obsessed with finding a way out of the trap of the predictable evangelical upbringing that kept me in a box. As a young artist in New York City, I became consumed with getting opportunities in my craft, as a young professional, I devoted most of my time to creating content and leaving an artistic legacy. Then, last year, I became a father. Since then everything I do and hope to be centers around my son. In light of that, I have finally come to see how a balance of work, spirituality, play and rest create a healthy lifestyle I want to model for my him. Finding balance between my calling and the living of my life has taken the pressure of my obsession with succeeding. Rather I have come to realize that by waking up every morning, loving well, serving well and working hard, I am already succeeding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, author and activist. In essence, I think of myself as a storyteller. My journey was by no means an easy one. I grew up in the Bible belt in a rather conservative and evangelical community. It became clear to me that to answer the call in my soul and life the life I felt I was called to, I needed to leave the comfort of my home and small town, and take a leap of faith. So I moved to New York City shortly after my 21st birthday, to train at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Upon my graduation, I discovered that in addition to the development of my craft, I had to figure out the art of survival in a city that could be cold and harsh. Still, rather than discouragement, my empty pockets, hungry belly and failures only motivated me to press harder and commit myself to excellence. Eventually, I saw fruit in my countless auditions and began rising in my industry as an actor. My actor community and aspirations led me on a passion journey to India to film a documentary, which in turn led to the start of my work with the Caleb Hope Foundation which empowers slum orphans through education. As I grew in my work, I found I had a lot to say to the world. So my words began to come to life on paper, leading to the publication of my books. My three very passionate missions compliment one another and now leans on one another. All three are driven by the same values and the common desire to encourage and empower everyone around me. I strive to be a man for others, and in turn I find that my existence if filled with meaning and purpose. It wake up everyday and feel contentment in whee I am is the greatest success I continue to experience.

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?
I would take him Hollywood and Highland to step where the dreamers and most acclaimed walk yearly on award nights in hopes of inspiring them to dream big. I would the take them to experience the majesty of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. I would take them on breathtaking hikes in the Malibu mountains so that they can feel close to their creator and experience stillness even in the midst of a hectic city. We would experience art and street food in Venice, fine dining in Beverly Hills, authentic ethnic foods, and cherish the evenings at the rooftop bar of the Shang Rilla Hotel in Santa Monica, siping cocktails and coffee by the fire pits, listing to the crash of the ocean waves.

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?
Apart from my wife and partner in life, I owe my success to my community of artists. We first met at an acting class years ago and named ourselves the Charmin Ultra. Our motto is to wipe off the negative in our lives and live our best potential. They have been my anchor during seasons of doubt, my strength in times of hardship, and my encouragers pushing me to always think outside the box and reach for the stars. They remind me that I am never along on this journey and it spurs me forward.

Website: www.jeremiahcaleb.com

Instagram: @jeremiah_caleb

Linkedin: Jeremiah Caleb

Facebook: Jeremiahcaleb

Youtube: Jeremiah Caleb

Other: www.calebhopefoundation.org

Image Credits
Tim Sayre Michael Roud Caleb Archive