Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Blondell.
Hi Julian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a town called Suffolk in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I knew I wanted to be an actor around 16 or so. I would always imagine myself as the movie star on all the posters and merchandise. It wasn’t until I was a freshman in college when I decided to give acting a shot. After changing my major a couple of times, I committed to the Theatre Program and in 2016 I graduated from Old Dominion University with a BA in Theatre with an Emphasis in Performance.
During my senior year of the program, I got my first taste of professional work. I landed my first speaking role in the historical drama, “Legends & Lies” where I was cast as the recurring role of Lewis Douglass, the son of the great Frederick Douglass. That summer I worked as a background actor for the first time on the PBS series “Mercy Street” where I became eligible for the SAG-AFTRA Union.
In 2017, I moved to Atlanta to further my career. Atlanta was always my first choice because it was important for me to be close to my family.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It certainly has not been easy. It’s common to become discouraged in this industry, and self-doubt is a natural part of the process. Writer’s block, burnout, and stress play a part too. And we’re only talking about creative obstacles.
Of course, there are always bills to pay. Sometimes you have to bounce around jobs that will be flexible with your career. Sometimes you have to work multiple jobs to pay your rent.
Personally, I’ve dealt with some things that have affected me differently throughout the years. I’ve lost a couple of family members in the past couple of years, and in 2020 a fire broke loose within my apartment complex and my fiancé and I were forced to abandon all of our belongings and relocate.
Sometimes I can completely shut down and become distant when I feel overwhelmed. I’m proud of myself for staying positive and passionate about my craft throughout the years. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. That statement calms me down a lot.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actor and a writer. I have worked on feature films, short films, student films, commercials, television and web series. Working on a variety of projects early in your career keeps you busy, adds experience, and you build relationships on set.
My favorite role to this day was portraying Meek Mill in the docuseries, “Free Meek”, on Amazon Prime. The series follows Meek’s ongoing battle with the justice system. I watched Meek perform when I was a freshman in college. Portraying him in his docuseries to highlight his mistreatment within the legal system was such a gratifying experience.
I’ve made small strides in my writing career as well. My Sci-Fi Pilot “Xightfall” won Best Scene at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film & Writing Festival in Los Angeles. My ultimate goal is to own a production company.
I would say my will to keep going is what sets me apart. I want to be known as an artist who’s been around for a very long time and that takes patience and consistency. I’ve got a great team who believes in me and this is only the beginning of my journey.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Take classes consistently. With the emergence of Zoom, there are so many convenient classes at your disposal. The best actors train routinely; you should too.
“Network Across.” – Issa Rae.
I’ve learned that the best way to network and build your brand is by leaving genuine impressions with everyone you meet. Although a flamboyant introvert (shoutout my Leos ahah) I’m fascinated with meeting people. Your life experiences are what bring out your authentic acting, and meeting new people inspires my work. So every chance you get, be genuine with whoever you come across. This is Atlanta, and everyone is always working. Build relationships organically and it’ll take your career much further than trying to do it alone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_prettyboyju/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juelz.blondell/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8374273/
Image Credits
Chris Cavalier, Patrick Rogers, “Free Meek”, “Escape to the Great Dismal Swamp.”
