We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful JT Goethe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with JT below.
Hi JT, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
There are many risked I’ve taken in my life, but there’s really only one that completely changed my life. I had a very different life prior to me becoming a Deadpool cosplayer and finally finding work I can be happy doing with Habitat for Humanity. I had numerous jobs in many different fields, from the handbag and jewelry section at Macy’s to oilfield work in North Dakota, I dipped my toes in everything I could. Through those years, especially the oil years, I began drinking more and more, to the point I became dependent on it. I kept losing jobs because I couldn’t function without it. I got myself in trouble and hit rock bottom. I could hardly face family and friends because of the embarrassment I felt from the years I was basically decaying in front of them. When I was finally able to work and become a part of society again, I decided I needed to do something that would make the world a little bit happier, a little more fun, even if it was just to brighten up one person’s day for a brief moment. I had an old, single piece costume that I would wear to conventions, but I always had fun doing it. That’s when it hit me, that not spending the ridiculous amount of money I had been on my addiction, I could go all in on the cosplay and bought my first legitimate Deadpool suit. I haven’t looked back since. The first main thing I did was make a music video, “I’m Just Wade”, which singing in public was terrifying for me unless I was at the bar for karaoke. Putting myself out there and doing these things was truly terrifying to someone who used to be sort of a shut in and rely substances to relax and be able to face the world. But the joy, smiles and laughter that this path has brought me and the people around me has been incredible. Kids and families alike light up when I walk into an event and the interactions are fantastic. Not to mention all of the great people I’ve met along the way! The cosplay community has been very welcoming as well as the celebrities and other artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a booking with. As I reflect on the past year and a half or so, I see that if I hadn’t taken this big risk, I know it would’ve been my biggest regret and I’m so happy that I did.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is JT aka “Jeetspool”, I’m a Deadpool cosplayer in Denver, Colorado. I’m 34 and I work for Habitat for Humanity when I’m not in red spandex making jokes. I kind of covered my path to what I do in the risk taking section, but this was a choice to find something to put my heart and soul into rather than drowning sorrows in alcohol and gradually falling apart. It’s hard to hit the reset button in your 30s, but it’s better than withering away into obscurity. So a point of pride for me is being able to pick myself up from rock bottom and start to claw my way back, no lack of belief and love from family and friends who, despite putting them through a hell I would create, never gave up on me, so now I can show them I’m becoming the “more” they believed I could be. It’s still just in the beginning phases of this new life, but just being able to participate in family fun events and different conventions has shown the spark and life I truly have. Most people have told me that I fully embody the character and that tend to be a cut above the other Deadpools around, but I’m just being me, which make it all the more fun! I finally just get to be me. If you’re looking for a Deadpool to entertain you, your friends, your party, I’m your guy!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
As much as I don’t hear it or see it all that much, people have claimed I look and sound so much like the character that a few have been convinced that I was the Deadpool from the movie. Authenticity is the key to a solid reputation. Having solid friends in the community has been a big factor as well. Finally, being a Deadpool doesn’t mean I have to be a complete dick. Being respectful and kind to people is very important to me. People don’t NEED you at their events and gatherings, so to walk in with a big head and a “mightier than thou” attitude will get you nowhere and blacklisted. No one wants to work with a pompous jerk. The reason I do this is to bring happiness and laughter, not bitterness and regret for hiring me.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Continuously being out and about, whether it’s a big convention or a little local event, being out there and talking to people keeps you relevant. That also builds connections with local talent and artists. I’ve also had business cards with every sort of contact information since I started so people are able to reach me at any capacity if they’re interested in having me be a part of an event. I also recently started a website to make access to media, event information and booking easier for people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jeetspool.net
- Instagram: @Jeetspool
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@jeetspool
Image Credits
Jules – IG: @kuhamotou
B-Normous Productions – IG: @bnormousproductions