We recently connected with Johnny Hoops and have shared our conversation below.
Johnny , appreciate you joining us today. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?
So one day I was walking around Hollywood. And saw a sign on a telephone pole to do extra work in movies and TV. So I grab one of the tags with the phone number on it. So I looked into it and took a bus to Burbank to signup at Central Casting. I got 4 different jobs from them. I wanted to look into it further to see the next step to become a actor. So I did some research to see how to pursue it. I looked into getting headshots done. So I found a place and had some pictures taken. Then I got some 8×10 B/W photos made up to send out to different agencies. So I sent them out to see what happens. I got a call a few weeks later from a Talent Agency to setup a in person meeting. That was the only Talent Agency that called me. So I went there and meet with one of the commercial agent. She asked me what kind of acting have I done. I said only 4 extra jobs. Then she said you have a great character look. So I will take a chance on you. It took me 80 auditions before I booked my first SAG national Commercial for Cracker Jacks. Since I been acting, I have been in 100+ National Commercials. And I have been in multiple TV shows and Films over the years.
Johnny , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In February 1995 I took a greyhound bus from Connecticut to Los Angeles. I was 18 years old and had no plan. I got here after 3-4 days on the bus. I got dropped off in Hollywood on Cahuenga Blvd. I had a backpack with some clothes in it and a liitle bit of money. And didn’t know anyone in this town or state. I was trying to conserve my money. I stayed in a weekly hotel for a little bit. That didn’t last long. Then I became homeless for 6 mos. I used to stay in front of Hollywood High School behind a bush. I thought it was a good place to stay so noone would bother me. I used to go to burger king on Highland and Hollywood Blvd to wash up in the bathroom. Back then it wasn’t to hard to go right into the restroom and clean up.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal or mission is to do the best. I never had any formal training. Always put 100 percent in everything I do that has to do with acting. Including Self Tapes or In person auditions. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think that California could be a better support system to keep acting jobs here. Alot of the acting jobs are going to different states or countries. California doesn’t give incentives to shoot here. And it takes to long and expensive to get permits to shoot here on location.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @johnny_ocp_hoops
- Facebook: @Johnny OCP Hoops
- Other: Tiktok = @johnnyhoops452
