Meet Jerah Milligan | multihyphenate: actor, director, writer, producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerah Milligan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerah, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I live by the golden rule, treating others as I’d like to be treated, and that has become my personal secret recipe for a happy life. Whether you are devoutly religious or a free-spirited explorer of spirituality, there is a unifying message that runs through it all: trust others with kindness. I’m not flawless (unless you count my occasional comedic missteps as art), but embracing this philosophy keeps me on track even when life throws a curveball or two.

In the world of business, honesty can feel like juggling flaming torches—thrilling, a bit risky, and sometimes hilariously messy. Yet I am committed to ensuring that at the end of a long day I can look back with pride at what I have accomplished and know that my colleagues and clients alike feel respected and valued. After all, authenticity isn’t just good for the soul, it is the best way to ensure that every workday is as rewarding as it is unpredictable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a unique blend of cinema-inspired aesthetics and a multicultural edge that stems from my experience of code-switching between black and white crowds. I breathe movies—every frame fuels my creative passion—and I believe that this love for film sets me apart, allowing me to tell stories that resonate with a diverse audience. My background has not only taught me to navigate different worlds but also to entertain and connect with everyone I meet. This fusion of visual storytelling and real-life adaptability gives my work a distinct voice and a vibrant spirit.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I come from humble beginnings, with little money, time, or encouragement, and my first real challenge was just starting out—leaving behind DC to chase my dream. Every small win has become a milestone, a reminder that life moves fast and we must cherish the people we love along the way. I’ve learned that resilience, humor, and a willingness to embrace every setback as a lesson are key to growth. At its core, my brand is built on passion, persistence, and the celebration of every moment—proving that even the most challenging paths can lead to a brilliant, colorful story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I have some of my folks in town, I would kick off the week by soaking in incredible art at the Getty Museum, then heading down to Inglewood to be around some beautiful and artistic Black folks. We gotta go For The Win for lunch because those are hands down the best smash burgers in the city (yeah, I said it!). After that, we let the streets decide our next move, discovering hidden gems, quirky shops, and spontaneous art installations along the way.

At night, we’d dive into the local scene, from rooftop hangouts to live music spots, and meet some of the most fascinating people in town. It’s all about mixing planned highlights with unexpected adventures to create the best time ever.

Also I would take them to my first solo show called But Did You Die? at the Elysian Theater on March 18 and 19th at 7:30p!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out all the friends and people close to me who keep me going and hold me up when I fall. That type of encouragement means everything to me, especially while pursuing dreams as I age. With every “almost,” “so close,” moment something can eat away at you if you let it and for me that probably would have happened if I had received a kind word at the right time. I will be forever thankful for it.

Website: https://www.jerahamilligan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerahmilligan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerah-milligan-79494438/

Image Credits
@picsby.jaypeg
@LAUREN DESBERG