Actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Terrence J has some big shoes to fill. He’s following in the footsteps of multitalented A-listers like Jamie Foxx and Martin Lawrence, who managed to segue their roles on television into major Hollywood brands.
Terrence J has been making some impressive moves ever since capturing the heart of young black America as a co-host on BET’s hit show, “106 & Park.”
Terrence J, who appeared in Stomp the Yard 2 and most recently Burlesque, starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, has also been tapped as a new addition to the cast of BET’s hit series “The Game.” His latest big screen project The Heart Specialist, opens Jan. 14. The romantic comedy about the personal and professional lives of first-year medical residents at a South Florida hospital features an all-star cast that includes Zoe Saldana, Wood Harris, Brian White, Mya, Method Man, Jasmine Guy, Jenifer Lewis, Marla Gibbs, Leon and more.
Rolling out spoke with Terrence J about being typecast by his hosting duties on BET, the cold truth about Hollywood and its “who you know” environment, and the responsibility of creating more balanced and positive mainstream images of African American men and more.
What drew you to acting?
I love the ability to tell stories. The two mediums in my opinion that have the most impact are music and film. They both create the ability to tell tales and stories and they mirror society and our lives. I love to step outside of myself and tell a story. I think it’s the coolest thing.
What was it like going from being a television star to working in Hollywood?
I always tell young people to have a plan and goals so you know where you want to go. When I first came on “106 & Park,” I knew I wanted to do movies. So during my entire career at “106 & Park,” I took acting classes during night school to become a better actor. Over the past two years I’ve been pounding the ground to get roles. [I’ve] been out for several auditions and didn’t get it. So I am blessed that opportunities are happening now.
Did you find your hosting duties on “106 & Park,” to be a blessing or a curse? I’m assuming that many casting agents had a hard time differentiating your media personality from your acting skills.
That’s a great question. Absolutely, that’s been the biggest thing. When I started I thought it’d be great because I’m on TV, but in some auditions it becomes a hindrance because they see me so often in that light as a host. So I’ve tried to play roles nothing like myself on TV and put myself in different scenarios, so they can look past the good guy I play on TV every day.
Earlier you mentioned your love of acting for the chance to tell stories. So are there certain experiences you want to bring to light in the mainstream?
The Arthur Ashe story. His story hasn’t been told. Looking at my age and crossing my fingers, I hope by the time they are ready to do President Obama’s story that I can play that role in 10-15 years. We learn so much about people from movies.
