One, There’s a lot more preparation for this industry that meets the eye. Two, very long hours so make sure you clear your schedule. Three, Nothing is going to fall on your lap. You need to get out there and find the opportunities. Four, just because you may think you are the perfect person for the role doesn’t mean you will get it. Fifth, don’t get emotional if you are passed over for a role.
As a part of our series about creating a successful career in TV and Film, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jay Hieron.
Jay Hieron is an actor who currently stars as the undefeated boxer “The Prophet” in the new Amazon Prime drama, 7TH AND UNION, opposite Mexican superstar, Omar Chaparro. Previously, he appeared in THE EQUALIZER 2 opposite Academy Award Winner, Denzel Washington. Additional TV credits include hit series RAY DONOVAN; DAREDEVIL; LETHAL WEAPON and IRON FIST. He will next be seen in BOBCAT MORETTI opposite Vivica A. Fox and Taryn Manning.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was raised on Long Island, New York. During High School my focus was on wrestling. My background in wrestling led to a professional career in mixed martial arts where I competed in all the top organizations such as UFC and won a world title in the International Fight League. After retiring from fighting I transitioned into the film business full time.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
During my fight career I received an opportunity to play a role in a film which began my acting career. It was a small fight role and the fight choreography was so different from real fighting. It sparked an interest in me to understand how the camera works during scenes.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
In a lot of the scenes I appear in I end up being killed and that’s what most people bring up to me. It’s just funny to be that guy that people wanted to die in that particular show or movie and then they see me in person and I’m just a regular guy.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
After getting my first role handed to me, the next role wasn’t that easy. I actually had to audition for it. I thought it would be easy and I didn’t even prepare for it. I just walked in and thought I would just get it. When I went into the audition I began to stutter and I thought they would start throwing tomatoes at me. I was so embarrassed and realized the importance of preparing for each audition after that.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Most currently I am working on the remake of Road House from 1989. It’s an honor to work on a film that I enjoyed as a kid.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Always put one foot in front of the other and put your energy into what you can control such as health, fitness and sharpening your skills. Don’t let failure discourage you, just keep going. Consistency and persistence is the key!
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I know that all the viewers are from all walks of life and them being able to relate to the actors in a film or tv show is extremely vital in my opinion. Also, there are more opportunities now in the industry for ethnic communities to play larger roles and showcase their talent. Lastly, I think that executives are able to understand the audience better when they have a more diverse group leading the film.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
One, There’s a lot more preparation for this industry that meets the eye. Two, very long hours so make sure you clear your schedule. Three, Nothing is going to fall on your lap. You need to get out there and find the opportunities. Four, just because you may think you are the perfect person for the role doesn’t mean you will get it. Fifth, don’t get emotional if you are passed over for a role.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Only do as much as you can handle and have an outlet for you to be able to unwind. Peel those layers off whether it’s working out, hikes, meditating, etc.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I was once a kid going down the wrong path and sports saved my life and in my case preaching to the youth that discipline can alter the trajectory of their life is important. Fitness and sports make people happier. I would love to see a wave of athletes being more involved with our youth.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Randy Couture, the six time world champion from the UFC, was acting in a film and introduced me to one of his friends which led to my first ever role. That situation led to the position I am currently in.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My motto is ‘hard work pays off’ and I live by that. When an opportunity comes up I’m always ready.
How can our readers follow you online?
“They can find me on Instagram, twitter and facebook @JayHieron. Also, they can follow my career via IMBD.”
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Jay Hieron: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.