We recently connected with Julian Horton and have shared our conversation below.
Julian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on was one of my latest projects called “Black Spartans.” Black Spartans is a movie that tells the story of the Michigan State Spartans football team in the 1960’s—a team that was the first fully integrated college football team in history. The story is special because it has had so much of an effect on the game as we know it today. Being a retired football player, getting to be able to tell the story of the team that started integration in college football is amazing and something I’m forever grateful for. You get a newfound respect for the men that paved the way and to be able to tell their story is special.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m Julian Horton, a young man whose sole purpose is to be a testament of God’s love, greatness, compassion, and energy. God is the Greatest and is the foundation of my life and I’ve been able to blessed and graced with blessings and opportunities that are priceless. I was born in Philadelphia, PA but raised in Atlanta, GA where I spent most of my days before I played football at the University of Arkansas… I was blessed to have a brief stint in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans after college but ultimately my football career came to an end. I had to figure out what I wanted to do, what I wanted to truly pursue—so I prayed on it and ultimately, that prayer led me in the direction of attacking the craft of acting with all I had. I had always loved the craft. I did school plays at school, made home vids with my siblings, even won the best actor at a school play but never actually really thought about making it a career. I mean why would I? I was going to be a pro in the NFL and have a long lasting career… but as we know, life usually doesn’t work out the way we plan… but after prayer and meditating on it, I wanted to do something that brought me fulfillment and true joy and acting was the calling card that God led me to. I was nervous and hesitant at first… going from football to acting??! But I conquered the fear by just doing it, putting myself out there and just attacking the doubt that my mind was telling me. I started off in a basic way… got in classes, got headshots done, got on acting databases, did extra work… anything I needed to do to get my foot in the door… and with patience and hard work, I’ve seen immense growth in my career and we’re still going as we speak.
I’m most proud of myself for never settling and going after the things I’ve wanted. Make it or make it, there ain’t no other option.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part about being an actor is the quality of people you get to meet and work with. The craft requires an emotional intelligence that is not to be taken lightly. So to be around people who are so inclined with themselves has always been a treat because you get to be a sponge and soak so much from other dope people. Another rewarding aspect is being able to perform. I love performing. I love entertaining… so to do that and make a living is a blessing I do not take for granted.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission that’s driving my creative journey is God. I want to be able to use my platform to convey his love on a grand stage. To help others as much as I can with mental health and to convey dope energy to to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: JulianHorton.com
- Instagram: JulianHorton12
- Twitter: Julianhorton12