Rising Stars: Meet Noah Jay Wood of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noah Jay Wood.

Hi Noah Jay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started performing when I was really young. My parents put me and my sister into acting classes when I was about six, and I even got to be on a PBS Kids show (Lomax The Hound of Music). Growing up, I did a lot of theatre through my church, including skits, puppet shows, and spoken word, so being in front of people always felt natural to me.

In high school, my focus shifted to sports. I played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track, and my dream was to be a D1 football player. When I did not get any offers my senior year, I had no idea what direction to take. I went to a small college in Mississippi, switched majors a few times, and eventually realized school was not for me.

My mom reminded me how much I loved performing, so I transferred to Ole Miss to study theatre and film. I did plays, short films, and won Best Young Adult Actor at a showcase, which earned me a scholarship to a summer program at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. When COVID happened and everything went virtual, it pushed me to rethink my path.

In August 2020, I moved to Atlanta to start auditioning and focus on acting. During that time, I started posting on TikTok. At first I only did dance videos until my brother told me I should try acting POVs instead. I took his advice, stayed consistent, and grew from 0 to 200K followers in about five months. By May 2021, I hit 1 million and I kept building from there.

Since moving to Atlanta, I have spent the last five years training, and working on independent films and TV projects. I have acted in multiple films, a couple of shows, and recently landed my first major SAG Co-star role in Hulu’s hit series “Reasonable Doubt”. I am grateful for how far things have come and excited for what is ahead.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I do not think any road in life is truly smooth. For me, my faith is one of the most important parts of my life. I believe God gave me a gift, and I feel that every decision and every step of my journey has been guiding me closer to the purpose He has for me.

I always joke that the worst decision I ever made was going to college, but the truth is that it played a huge role in shaping who I am. If I had never gone, I might not have discovered how much I disliked traditional school. I might never have tried theatre, never acted in my first short film, and never realized how much I loved performing. Every part of the journey, even the parts that felt confusing or difficult, taught me something important.

My TikTok journey has also come with challenges. There has been a lot of hate online, and negative comments can be tough to deal with. That is something you can never fully avoid. But I have an amazing family who supports me, and that support system has made such a difference. Whenever something feels heavy or overwhelming, I know I have people who believe in me.

Overall, the road has not been smooth, but I am grateful for every step. My faith and the people around me have carried me through the hard moments, and they continue to guide me as I move forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Digital Creator and actor, and I specialize in storytelling through short form content and character driven videos. I am best known for my acting POVs on TikTok, where I bring relatable, emotional, and entertaining moments to life through song.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. What you see is what you get. I do not put on a persona online that is not really me. I am loud, funny, and energetic in real life, and I bring that same energy to my content. I have built a space where people can come, enjoy themselves, and feel entertained. I focus on creating joy and laughter while staying true to myself, and I think that connection and realness is something that really resonates with my audience.

I am also proud of my work ethic. From starting TikTok while working at Chick fil A to growing my platform to over thirteen million followers, I have stayed consistent, committed, and dedicated to improving my craft, both online and on set. My authenticity, combined with my training and drive, is what I feel really sets me apart.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think the most important part of finding a mentor or networking is being genuine. People can tell when you are authentic versus when you are just trying to get something from them. For me, networking has worked best when I approached people with curiosity and respect, not just to ask for opportunities but to actually learn from them and build a real connection.

Building relationships takes time. I have found that attending classes, workshops, and showcases has been one of the best ways to meet mentors and other actors. Putting yourself in environments where people are learning and growing creates natural opportunities to connect.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most professionals are willing to share advice if they see that you are eager to learn. For me, mentors often came from people I met through acting classes, casting workshops, and even TikTok collaborations. Having a good support system and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you makes a huge difference in your growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahjaywood/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noahjaywood1
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@noahjaywood