Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Awn.

Hi Justin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My full name is Justin Paul Mitchell Awn (born October 6, 1982), Jamaican-American actor. Many also know me as Justin Hadeed Awn. I was born in New Jersey, USA but raised in Jamaica W.I. to a Syrian-Jamaican mother (Frances Hadeed Awn) and a Lebanese-American father (Paul Awn). I first started as a baby model and got into acting as I got older. My mother got me into it as she was a model in Switzerland. My father was a musician as well so I would say that a lot of my inspiration comes from my parents. We all seem to have a creative side. As I grew I started showing more of an interest in the creative sector, hence this is where I am today and will be for the rest of my life. I made up my mind many years ago. I love what I do and I do what I love. I encourage people to do the same. I always give thanks.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It has not been a smooth road at all. Being an actor takes a lot of work, determination, dedication, will power, focus and the will to move forward. You have to be able to entertain and take the pressure. You have to be able to take rejection. I myself have gone on a many casting calls in Jamaica and abroad only to hear the word no but I don’t focus on that, I focus on when I hear the word yes. Also…keep in mind that you don’t have to take everything that comes your way. Only do things that you feel comfortable with. You have to go against the odds. Many people will try to stop you from getting to your goals but you can’t pay attention to that. You have to keep on moving forward in a positive manner. At times my memory may slip so I really try my best to have my entire script down. It’s like being in school, going in for a test and trying your best to get that A. God gave me a gift so I will continue for the rest of my life.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’ve been doing acting for years now. I have been able to land many different roles throughout my time thus far. I usually get roles that are men of power, more serious roles. It’s rare for me to do comedy but I’m open to it. It’s harder to make someone laugh than to upset them. I have also been working on radio for many years now. Having my own radio show while doing voice overs for many brands over the years.

I was on the #1 show in the Caribbean for 10 years (Royal Palm Estate). I was with one of the top foundation Jamaican radio stations for 5 years (HOT 102 FM) where I had my own radio show called Meet Me At Midnight while handing operations of the company. I taught Acting at the University Of The West Indies for 3 years. I also taught Speech & Debate for a short time at Sidwell in Washington D.C. I have been at NewsTALK 93fm for 5 years now which is also a part of The University Of The West Indies. I have another radio show called The Vintage Lounge which takes place every Sunday from 10am-12noon which consists of Jamaican music mixed with international music, all from the early 1900’s to the 1980’s along with positive quotes which the listeners seem to love. I also continue to do voice overs as I’m able to change my voice to fit a clients needs. My normal voice is usually requested more than others. I’m also the founder of the largest positive thoughts group in the Caribbean which is listed on Facebook with almost 1 million members worldwide, it’s called (POSITIVE THOUGHTS). I’m also one of the creators of Jamaica’s #1 cartoon (The Frumpy & Stumpy Show). I also do most of the characters voices.

I continue to work on many film productions in Jamaica and abroad. I’ve worked on Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, The Newsroom, Gotham, The Last OG, Manhattan Love Story, Madam Secretary, The Mysteries Of Laura, A Crime To Remember, Flesh and Bone and many others, the list goes on. I’ve worked with brands such a Vogue, Nike, Ocean Spray and AT&T. I’ve worked with many artists as well like Sean Paul. Eve, Sean Kingston, Vybz Kartel, Looga Man, Ahmani Code and so much more. I’m very proud of the fact that I got to teach, My grandmother suggested many years ago that I should become a teacher, so I guess she put it out there in the universe. It’s such a pleasure. Knowledge is to be shared. When we are all gone, it’s the knowledge that stays and lives on, the knowledge that you passed down. The true value is in people and knowledge. I feel my focus and passion may set me apart from others. I have passion for what I do and I’m thankful for the opportunities that come my way. I’m serious about it. Life is hard…it’s just me so I have to keep on pushing myself as nobody is going to do it for me. I have to do it on my own. I continue to stay focused. This is not a hobby. It’s my passion, It’s my love. That’s my career.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I feel it’s good to have honesty and integrity. You have to have trust, you have to be fair. You have to be able to believe in yourself and others. It’s not all about you. Help others if you can. Lift them up. You have to have respect and courage. Stay focused. Take things seriously. You can achieve anything want in this life, all you have to is put your mind to it. Remember, your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one. Always be decent and virtuous. Treat people with love and respect. You have what it takes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://en.everybodywiki.com/Justin_Awn
• Instagram: justin_hadeed_awn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awn5000
• Twitter: Caribbean_Actor

Image Credits

Gotham (Batman) (DC Comics)
The Discovery Channel (Warner Brothers)
The Jamaica Tourist Board
Colin Reid Photography