Introducing Reginald Keith Jackson; A Gifted Hardworking and Dynamic Actor Forging His Own Path
In this highlight, we turn our attention to Reginald Keith Jackson. An extremely talented, hardworking and dynamic actor, Reginald is an artist to keep an eye out for. I asked Reginald a series of questions, here is what we discussed;
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
My journey could definitely be called sporadic. I am from Denver, Colorado, but my father being in the military took us all over. Most of my time was divided between New Jersey and Colorado. By the time I hit college, I did one year at the University of Denver as a theatre major before making the big leap to NYC to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). And I’ve never left since.
What inspired you to be an artist? Early experiences worth sharing?
It’s strange; although I’ve been acting in school plays since 6th grade, I don’t ever recall making the decision to become an actor as a career choice until college applications in high school. It was like “What do I want to do with the rest of my life? Well acting is fun, and clearly what I love soooo I guess this is it.”
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
My biggest challenge didn’t have to do with performing. It had to do with NOT performing. I took a year and a half off from auditioning to focus on private training and my part-time job as a kickboxing instructor. It was killing me! And I had to live vicariously through multiple actor friends. BUT, what really got me through it was patience, and the realization that I was still moving forward in my career goals. I was still moving forward in my path. Having audition after audition lined up doesn’t make you a better actor. The training I was getting was moving me forward. And a month after I finished my training, I landed my biggest job yet. Patience and mindset goes a long way.
What do you believe sets you apart from other people in the world of entertainment?
What I believe really sets me apart from others in the world of entertainment is my imagination, youthfulness, sense of humor, and enthusiasm. I am incredibly expressive once you get to know me. I’m holding back most of the time…
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
Absolutely. Fitness and poetry are high on the list. And I’m a huge nerd. I’m into things like comics, anime (One Piece!) and video games. I like to have fun, and I will always enjoy creations that are the product of other individuals expressing the wildest depths of their imaginations. Also, I just got into music production. It’s sick. Wish me luck.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
I am currently in the Off-Broadway production of Puffs at New World Stages!! If you are a fan of the Wizarding World, you absolutely MUST come and check it out.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Hmm. In 5 years, I imagine I will have a kick-ass agent. I will have had my first guest star credit on a New York television show. And I am making my Broadway debut for an original play. We don’t move backwards; only forward.
What advice can you give to aspiring entertainers?
I’m so glad you asked that. My biggest piece of advice is simply: DO NOT GIVE UP. Tenacity, hard work, and patience is the name of the game. I have seen so many talented performers give up way before it was their time. If this is something you are serious about, prove it. Stay in it.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
Thank you so much for taking interest in my journey! You can follow me on Instagram @reginaldkeithj
