Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Lewis.
Hi Joshua, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Son to Fredrick Lewis and Angela Lewis-Small. I’m an aspiring non-union American Actor and Entrepreneur. I was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on January 1, 1994. I was raised in Huntsville, Alabama and I am a proud graduate of Alabama A&M with a degree in Business Management. I am also a Heart Transplant recipient, which causes me to battle with depression at times. However, it has shown me a different perspective on life. I believe I am one of God’s many warriors and I am blessed to begin the journey of building my craft while learning more about myself. None of this is possible without my support system who’s been behind me through the joy and the pain.
I embarked on this expedition from watching a reality tv series, celebrity interviews and reading books for pleasure. The reality tv series installed the importance of networking and connecting with others to get towards your goals. The celebrity interviews I watched closely were Lakeith Stanfield and Omari Hardwick. Both Stanfield and Hardwick interviews gave me the courage to at least give acting a shot and learn the importance of being present in the room. Also, I know that opportunity can present itself in many ways.
How I got where I am today was by doing consistent research on YouTube, studying the craft of character development from successful actors in the industry, and networking with a circle who are pursuing the same goals I am. I have received a great deal of advice that I am grateful for, but advice is nothing compared to learning from experiences. I have been denied numerous times trying to secure my first gig. I was always hoping someone would notice that diverse talent in me. At first, all the auditions were overwhelming, but I continued and learned to ask, “How can I make it better?” or “What was missing in my audition?” One day, I was finally booked for a stage play called “You Oughta Been There.” I was blessed to connect with others pursuing a similar goal. Mr. Fisher was someone who kept me grounded and gave me insight on what’s to come while pursuing this career. He is someone I am thankful to have crossed paths with and still to this day, I call him a friend. Without his help, I would not have gained access to auditions for the movies “Out On A Lim” and “Just as Good.” The goal-oriented side of me compelled me to do the labor and create the blueprint on how I was going to become successful in this business. Later, I came up with a formula for myself. So far, I have had much success in gaining auditions and callbacks. Acting became a passion for me after noticing who I am and what I am capable of in this industry. This path that I am on is not short of failures, but you have to really dedicate your time to the craft and be present. It’s not about gaining a script and knowing who you’re playing as. It’s about the leg work of character development and becoming the person the writer/ director has created.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road for me and I have experienced a great deal of failures. I have doubted myself countless times and I have struggled with the fear of not being good enough. There have been times where I am constantly in my head on how things will come to existence for me or how I will have the funds to do this. I have chosen this career that’s over-saturated with talented competitive individuals. This path has shown me that just because you have secured a role doesn’t mean you’re going to be successful at it for the rest of your life. You have to continue to grind and build your craft daily. Another struggle for me is that I dislike reading. Constantly reading puts me to sleep and sometimes, I have a hard time remembering the lines. Traveling to/ from auditions and the filming locations has also been a challenge. The expenses can be costly, but I have to understand that I’m investing into myself and once I achieve my goals, I’ll be able to enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for. Traveling back and forth from Huntsville, AL to Atlanta, GA and other places is a grind, but I know it’s going to work out in the long run. I have also struggled learning to accept the criticism and showing who I am as a person. Whenever it came to a point where I wanted to quit, I just prayed and thought about how I am no longer just doing this for me but for my family as well. This has become bigger than me and this is personal so I do not aim to fail. I have adapted into the artistry and it has built the best version of me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am someone that wears many hats, I like to think of myself as the jack of all trades. I am an actor, graphic designer, and business owner. My acting career began last year, which gave me the privilege to connect with some incredible people like Jamal Woolard and Tray Chaney in my first feature film, “Out On A Lim”. This year, I have taken it up a notch with gaining the opportunity of being involved in Mr. Reginold Lewis stage play “The Walls Are Talking.” I am participating in the following featured films: “What Money Can’t Buy”, “Infusion”, “Grace By Night”, “Wages of Syn”, “Breakthrough”, and “A Christmas Blessing”. Very soon, I will be recognized for my diverse character range in movies, stage plays, and films. I am also open to many other opportunities that present themselves to me. I am most proud of the person I am becoming to sustain passion in my career. This allows me to further know who I am and where I fit in this world. What sets me apart from others is the length I am willing to go. The sacrifices I am willing to endure to gain this for myself. Becoming an actor isn’t about me wanting to be famous, it’s about setting a goal and achieving it. I’d like to be known for motivating others and showing the world I exist. My main goal is to reach my full potential in this world. What sets me apart from others is the constant levels of obstacles I have faced to become the person I am today. Failure is not an option. In conclusion, I will be remembered and I will leave a mark on many people’s lives.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to others is do the leg work. Be that person that does not wait around for things to happen. Do your own due diligence on what needs to be done to get started. Pursue your passions or goals despite the amount of setbacks you might experience. Learn to ignore other’s opinions on your outcome. Speak life into your career and surround yourself with positive influences. Distance yourself from distractions holding you back from achieving your dreams. Do not accept every role because it tells the world who you are.
I wish I would’ve known in sequential order the steps needed to begin my career. I wish I would’ve known the amount of hours it took to develop the craft.
Contact Info:
- Email: joshualewisx6@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.imdb.me/joshuaLewisx6
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedby.lou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJoshLewis/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/JoshuaLewis
