Photographer: Greg James
At what age did you start acting?
CJ: I Started acting when I was 11 years old and my first experience was on stage at our local theatre. It sparked the flame for my love of the arts!
Do you have a project that you enjoyed working on?
CJ: Oh, basically all of them I have loved working on. ‘Holiday I do’, ‘Summer to Remember’, etc. They were all an absolute blast to work on and I gained something special from each experience. I filmed a SAG feature last summer, that is still under wraps and I can’t wait to share it with the world. A hilarious comedy that was filmed on location in Ohio. This last winter, A Holiday I Do was released on Apple TV and other streaming platforms. This was a JOY to film, the cast and the crew were amazing and my character Nicholas was a lot of fun.
He was the epitome of the Christmas Spirit and comic relief.
Are you woking on any upcoming projects that you can share with us?
CJ: Nothing I can share at the moment. I have a feature film in post production that is being kept under wraps. I will say it is a comedy with some incredible actors and I can’t wait to share. I am also currently cast in a local theatre production this Spring so I’m always working to keep my tools sharp.
If you weren’t an actor what you like to be doing?
CJ: If I am able to do anything, then I would like to be an author, writing books of all kinds for people to enjoy. I do a bit of writing on the side even now, but not nearly as much as I want to.
What do you do on your free time?
CJ: I love to write! Besides that, I also make sure I put time aside to be able to connect with my friends, as I do enjoy hanging out with them. I’m also a full time college student getting my BFA in Acting – so there is very little free time, but I love being in college. I also love watching movies and shows, observing the actors performance’s and comparing them to my own work, seeing where I can improve myself.
How do you spread the love?
CJ: I volunteer for a non-profit charity called Nami Metro, to help spread mental health awareness. One of my latest ways to give back involves work that I do with a club in college, there is a group of Creative Arts students that visit a State juvenile detention center every week. We spend time with the kids and just get to know them – sometimes we write, do art, play games or even just talk. It has been an incredibly eye opening, rewarding experience that I enjoy. My family is also an important part of my life and I love laughing with my parents, brothers and dog. We love to travel and experience new things.
Do you support any organizations or charities?
CJ: I have volunteered and supported the non-profit organization Nami-Metro in the Detroit area. I have a lot of connections to the charity, and really support their goal and members.