We recently connected with Leonard Jackson III and have shared our conversation below.
Leonard , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Overall… I am happy as a creative that’s my default. If I’m not happy doing what I love doing then something is wrong. I do think to myself what if I work a 9-5? Will I be able to make fast money like everyone else and leave before I get in too deep? I ask myself that question all the time while listening to, “Poe Man’s Dream” by Kendrick Lamar.
I just touch back down in TN from filming and saw the family. Catching up kicking it with my kinfolk smoov and nem. As long as my family proud of me doing what I love I ain’t worried bout nothing. I used to hang with some folks back in the day. I was laughed at tough because I said I wanna go through the struggle to get where I wanna go. As long as I’m happy with my purpose I’m cool. They started laughing in the session coughing they lungs away. My ambitions are too strong it makes the devil quiver. I have great plans for myself. Just happy of who I’m becoming.
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?
The next MOFO to come out since Samuel L. Jackson. Southern boy California dream with the NY Swagger, hailing from Chattanooga, TN. Leonard Jackson III
How I got into the Film Industry
I was in an acting program called PATP (Professional Actors Trying Program) for 2 years and they had auditions coming out for 42 the Jackie Robinson film coming to Chattanooga. Everyone was saying that we look alike and I should send my headshots and stuff in. I didn’t listen until my grandma said I should do it since she heard it on the radio so I did. 10-15 later I got call from a casting company to film for Jackie Robinson. little that I knew it was Chadwick Boseman I was in shock. I worked on the set and 42 days & nights. I actually sparred with him since we had a background in martial arts… I lost 9 of 10 of those matches *laughs* I was a young buck tho that’s my excuse *laughs*
What sets me apart?
I would say being myself… literally NOBODY CAN BE ME. That’s not a super power its just me being honest. I’m from the south too so you know we have the southern hospitality on lock. I’m reciprocal on respect. I was raised right by my village. I’m a genuine & confident person overall, I’m open minded and love to speak my mind, I just hate being in my thoughts all the time, let’s kick it and vibe to the present. I’m a whole vibe fr fr.
Most proud of being alive, I’m just happy that I’m here cause I know I wasn’t meant to be… We all been going through it losing close friends and family. So I just wanna let the world… my fans to know… that I love y’all, I’m human, and don’t ever give up on yourself. Follow the journey on IG: leonardjackson.irl for updates and films and if you want to collaborate email me at infamousjackson@icloud.com
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission overall is to make people see how I see the world artistically in both perspective and the duality of black culture in this day and age. We all we got honestly. My goal is to work with Issa Rae, Donald Glover, Ryan Coogler, or Jordan Peele, and many other black film artist. I’ll definitely will meet them soon enough but I want to make sure my family straight before I embark on this new arc in this journey. My mental is splendid and the goal to never stop and shout out to Pglang just cause…
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Being a creative in my world is kinda cool. Non creatives don’t understand the Vincent Vangogh, Michael Basquiat. How we see the world in color rather than in black and white. I would say just stay open minded to creativeness. Growing up people thought skinny were gay or will never be in style, along with anime. Now look us Otaku shining through the high heavens of Mt. Olympus. I would say if you’re not being yourself and finding what you like, what interests YOU then…. who are you?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: leonardjacksonn.irl
- Twitter: TBA
- Youtube: TBA
Image Credits
Steven Lawrence