Today we’d like to introduce you to Wiley Isaac Jr.
Hi Wiley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Forkland, Alabama. I did not have a bad childhood, but I often felt alone. I needed to escape; that’s when I found football. For me, playing sports was a way to deter me from continuing down the wrong path. I had to keep busy if I wanted better for myself. I always had this vision for the lifestyle that I wanted, and I was determined to achieve it. I completed my high school diploma in Marengo County; my mom had vision because they offered more extracurricular activities and opportunities. I also want to thank my dad for showing me a work ethic. Demopolis High School gave the platform I needed, and I didn’t take it for granted; that is where I found a deeper love for football which landed me a four-year scholarship to college.
I graduated from Stillman College with my degree in Business Administration. Stillman College (HBCU) is a liberal arts college, and my eyes were opened to a new world. In 2015, going into my senior year of college, my offensive coordinator [Steve M] contacted me about a role in a movie called The Fight Within as a background actor. At this point in my life, acting wasn’t on my radar, I had plans on joining the NFL but I figured I’d give it a shot. My first day on set as a background, the director asked me if I wanted a speaking role in the movie and though I was surprised, I agreed. I later found myself with a new love for acting and got the opportunity to be featured in my first movie to hit theaters.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest obstacle was growing up in a small town and not having many resources available. I have always had noticeably big dreams and they did not fit within that small-town mentality. I played football in high school, college, and some professional I thought it was my calling and for that time, it was. However, I eventually I fell victim to and street life, it took an incredibly good friend of mine dying in my arms at the hand of gun violence for me to wake up and realize I wanted more from life. I was faced with only two options of prison or death. I fought hard for a third option. I wanted to make my mother (MY HEART) proud. I did not want her to have to have to bury her baby boy. I had to push my mental state of being further than I ever had before.
I prayed daily and began my new chapter. It hasn’t been a smooth road for me, in fact it has been the hardest five years of my life. I’ve come across a lot of things that were meant to bring me down and destroy me. Most of it had to do with the people that I’ve been around. I remember going to sleep some nights with no food or eating chips for dinner, not being able to afford hot water or electricity, and going through the pain of losing my closest friends to violence. So It was definitely hard. However, I’m appreciative of those growing pains because it allowed me to become who I am today and fight through every last battle that has been thrown my way. I’m proud of myself for never giving up. I’m proud that I never let my obstacles define me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a true creative. I act and I also enjoy fitness along with singing. I have emersed myself into the entertainment world here in the beautiful city of Atlanta since 2017 and I have not looked back. I enjoy being different, learning new things, meeting new people, and allowing myself to be unapologetically free.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I also love Jamaican food and chill Saturdays. I like to practice my craft and I often prefer to study lines over clubbing. There is not much I dislike because I am so grateful for life but if I must pick one thing, I’d say I dislike when people honk their horns at me.
Contact Info:
- Email: actorwisaac@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wileyjay19
- Facebook: Wiley Isaac Jr
- Twitter: @wileyjay19
Image Credits:
Kimani Shot It @kimani_thekreator
