Today we’d like to introduce you to Jock McKissic.
Hi Jock, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Opelika, AL to a single mother, Diane Smith. Throughout my childhood, I knew that I would eventually become an actor. Growing up in Alabama, you’re surrounded by great football play, so in the 9th grade, I decided to dabble in that.
Football then became my front-runner in my pass to college. I attended Clemson University, where I lettered in football 05-08′ and became the team captain, before graduating in August of 09′. I then had a two years stint playing Arena football, NFL workouts, & CFL camps before retiring for good in 2011. I researched LA, NYC, & ATL and decided to move to ATL. I began taking acting classes with Dwayne Boyd, at Premiere Actor’s Network, while spending time on a few TV shows doing background work to learn the lingo & set etiquette. During this time period, I also met my manager Gail R. Tassell whom saw something in me and decided to represent me. In 2013, after studying for two years, being a part of several stage plays, and educating myself on the industry, I began to write, web series, and short films for myself. After a few short films grew wings I began to get traction amongst a few black-owned television stations etc, and used this leverage to get meetings with agents, and eventually landing with Joy Pervis, and JPTA.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. My struggles don’t differ from the majority of actors in the world. The main issue is balancing finances, in the case that you even have them lol. Very few people are able to hold down careers in other fields, and actively pursue an acting career. Therefore, a lot of us are left with the option of working odd jobs and gigs that will pay your bills, but not fire you if you have to take a day off due to acting. From 2011-2017 I probably worked 15 odd end jobs to stay afloat, and often 4-5 at a time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor of 11 years now. I also write and produce. What am I known for? I’d probably say, as of now, my roles in Your Honor, & Queen of the South. Although, I have a couple of new characters that’ll hit the screen this year that may take the thrown. I play a character named, BIG HUSH in Season 2 of “Mayor of Kingstown”, and I’m also portraying Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis in an FX limited series “The Sterling Affairs”. I’m most proud of the simple fact that I held on to the dreams of a kid from Opelika, AL and brought them into fruition, no matter what it took. The thing that sets me apart? I honestly think that’s for others to decide, but the thing I try and do that maybe most people don’t, is NEVER complain and be grateful for EVERY single opportunity. I think it’s easy to lose track of where we started, or how Blessed you are if you don’t focus on it. I simply think gratitude is the biggest key to my success outside of hard work, faith and prayer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jayfifty
- Twitter: @jayfifty
Image Credits
-Storm Santos -Joffre Lester
