We were lucky to catch up with Johnny Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnny, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

So far, the most meaningful project I have worked on is a theatrical comedy called “Aging Bull”. Based on Scorsese’s film, “Raging Bull”, this boxing play had the comedic styling of Airplane and The Naked Gun movies. Being an avid boxer myself, I was so grateful to be a part of not only such a hilarious story, but to also work with such a talented cast and crew. The writer and director encouraged us to improv, and the cast brought depth and authenticity to their respective characters. I was able to show the cast participating in stage combat how to properly throw punches and defend effectively. Everyone involved was so supportive and willing to go the distance to put on the best, funniest show possible. After the play, the writer told me that I brought so much more to my character than what was written on the page and I really made the character my own. Working on that production is something that I will never forget.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started out my creative in career in music. I went to the University of Michigan with the intention of going to medical school. After some time, I realized that this was not a good fit for me. I gravitated toward music because I found myself listening to avant-garde and experimental rock music, thinking that I had the skills necessary to compose music. Unable to read or write music, I began taking electronic music composition classes, while also taking history of jazz classes along with history of modern classical music classes. In 2015, under the name Addictive Disposition, I released my first album, Schizophrenia, an industrial album with heavy classical influences. After that, I released two more albums, ‘Twisted, Turned & Burned’ and ‘Full Human Anger Waves’, respectively. TTB is, as I like to describe, a thirty minute horror movie, as each song encompasses its own unique atmosphere and seamlessly transitions into the next. Full Human Anger Waves is what I like to call noise jazz, pulling heavily from jazz and blues influences, while maintaining a dark and lively atmosphere.

In 2018, I began performing stand up comedy. I met many talented comedians, was able to perform in many great venues along with hosting two shows in the Metro Detroit area. When COVID hit, I took a break from the creative arts and reassessed what I was passionate about and what gave me energy. I went back to stand up in the summer of 2022 and found I wasn’t as passionate about the craft as I thought I was. It was then that I decided to move into acting and I fell in love with it. I am great at breaking down stories and finding the truest way to represent the character through my eyes. I love the acting community and how they find being vulnerable as a strength, willing to wear their heart on their sleeve as a way to showcase their true authentic self. I am very grateful for where I am at today and having a chance to work with so many dedicated artists from such a diverse set of backgrounds.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

It has been key in my journey to understand that my mistakes and failures are actually lessons. Those lessons help me learn not only my craft, but about myself as a person. Being hard on yourself or trying to be a perfectionist are mindsets that hold people back from achieving their full potential. People often tell themselves things they would never say to their friends, family or loved ones. Learning to let go and forgive yourself helps me live in the moment and focus on what I need to focus on so I can get one percent better each day. Failures are only failures if you see them in that light, and mistakes are just that – it’s okay to be human. There are no negative or bad feelings, there are only feelings, and use them to help guide you to your destiny.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My brother’s passing is what drives me to live life each day to the fullest and to pursue my dreams without hesitation. He unexpectedly passed in August 2009, two weeks before I left for college. Not knowing how to cope with such a loss or utilizing the art of self-care, I ignored and buried my feelings. In my junior year, I broke down to my parents, saying that I wanted to live my life how I wanted to and move to a music major, as life is too short and beautiful to not pursue my dreams. My brother’s death showed me the preciousness of life, being surrounded by supportive loved ones and eventually the importance of believing in yourself and knowing your feelings are valid. I love my brother and am grateful for all he has taught me, in life and in death.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.johnnywashington.actor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnywashingtonofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnnywashingtonactor