Today we’d like to introduce you to BJ Pepukayi.
Hi BJ, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Delaware, far from Hollywood, but it’s where my love for performing began. As a kid, the kitchen floor was my stage—I used to imitate David Ruffin from The Temptations movie—and that spark followed me into school plays throughout elementary and high school. I started taking acting seriously in 2015, and my mom played a huge part in making it possible. She drove me hours every week to acting classes and workshops, sacrificing more than I understood back then. In 2018, I moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College and be closer to a real entertainment market. After freshman year, I was selected as the youngest member of the Amazing Stories Foundation film & TV apprenticeship. That experience put me on professional sets and completely changed how I understood storytelling. It helped me grow as an actor because I learned how every department contributes to the performance the audience sees. Being placed on CW’s Black Lightning was especially pivotal—it deepened my respect for the craft and gave me a fuller understanding of how to serve a story as an actor. When I returned to Morehouse, I switched my major to Theater & Performance to fully commit to acting. After graduating in 2022, I taught theatre & drama at Utopian Academy for the Arts while continuing to audition and pursue roles.
In 2024, I booked my first TV role (Deadly Case Files), which led to more TV credits and a lead role in a live-recorded sitcom pilot, Butterflies: A Tale of Two Brothers. In 2025, I starred in an independent short film (Goner) —a passion project where I stepped into writing, directing, and producing, to bring the film to life.
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?
It has not been a smooth road, but I’ve learned to see the road bumps as preparation. My journey has included instability, financial hardship, and times without stable housing. There were times when the opportunities weren’t coming, and I wasn’t sure what was coming next. But those experiences forced me to grow. All of those struggles were really teachable moments. They taught me discipline, adaptability, and resilience. Every challenge pushed me to learn new skills, create my own work, and stay consistent, even when no one was watching. Those hardships didn’t break me– they clarified my purpose and strengthened my drive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in acting, but I also write and produce to help create acting opportunities and understand stories on a deeper level. Most people know me for my acting on TVOne’s true-crime shows and for my independent short film (Goner), which allowed me to showcase my acting range on a deeper level.
I’m most proud of completing my short film (Goner), given the circumstances I was facing at the time. It was the most demanding project I’ve ever taken on. Pushing through that process—relying on faith, discipline, and sheer determination—showed me what I’m capable of when everything is working against me. I’m still climbing, but that experience proved that with focus and faith, I can create meaningful work under any circumstances.
What sets me apart is the combination of my passion, hunger, and work ethic. I stay committed to the craft, even when the circumstances around me aren’t ideal. I’m intentional about growth, and I show up ready – every time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
No risk, no reward. You can’t do it alone in this field. Every single person on a production is important, regardless of the role. Work extremely hard. Have a good and positive support system. Always stay positive. You have to show up and prove yourself every day. Don’t overthink. Stay focused and stay present. Character matters. Don’t take any support for granted. Don’t take anything personally. It’s possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjpepukayi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-j-pepukayi-5a1bb3214/
Image Credits
– Bryce Pepukayi (Goner) – Lemuel Smith (Personal photos)
