Jelani Julyus

No words can truly express how blessed and grateful I am for 2023. My first year as a professional actor validated every impulse and gut belief I held throughout training. I’ve found my purpose, my thing, the thing I would do for free. I love every aspect of the actor’s life, from the thrill of auditioning to the community building through rehearsals. Even the hurry-up-and-wait life of being on set appeals to me, so I can just sit here in my trailer and read, write, make music, or do whatever. Yes, please! From commercials to films, theater to class, I lived as an artist in 2023, and I’m ready to double down on my growth and experiences in 2024.

The notion of working in the movies or performing had always been there, but fear paralyzed me from taking action. However, in 2020, amid tremendous life changes and personal upheaval, I embarked on the journey of becoming an actor as a New Year’s resolution.