Meet Jameson Cherilus | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Jameson, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my nurturing community. I would not have made it to this level in my career without having people around me who are genuinely invested in my success. I have a family that supports me unconditionally, friends who have encouraged me to keep going despite setbacks, and colleagues who have advocated for me relentlessly.

Knowing and owning who I am at my core, setting firm professional & personal boundaries, and not comprising my integrity in order to “make it” are also pivotal factors behind my success. Above everything, the main key factor is keeping God at the center of all things I pursue. Keeping God first has allowed me to remain resilient and rooted in gratitude through all the ups and downs that comes along with being a professional working actor. I’m beyond grateful for my team and attribute all of my success to my faith. “Crazy Faith” is what I call it. You must develop and maintain a deep sense of faith in order to achieve success in Hollywood.

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.
I’m an actor and writer with a deep-seated interest in bringing the stories of those who are marginalized to the forefront of society. I love taking on roles that challenge societal norms and show my range as an actor and creative. An example of this is when Etsy, the American e-commerce company, cast me in their “Gift Like You Mean It” national holiday campaign. In the now viral ad, you see me bringing home and introducing my partner to my tight-knit family at Christmas dinner. The community response to the Etsy commercial was overwhelming. I think that’s because it captured the essence of Black queer love and joy, which is often times not accurately represented or depicted in any mainstream film or television show.

Following my Etsy commercial, I went off to book a television show on AMC’s ‘ALLBLK’ network called SEND HELP starring Jean Elie as Fritz Jean-Baptiste, Amin Joseph, Karen Obilom, Catfish Jean, Karina Bonnefil, Courtney Taylor, Kimiko Singer, and Ana Bowen. SEND HELP is a dark comedy from ‘Insecure’ alumni Mike Gauyo and Jean Elie and is directed by Stewart Yost. Makeup by 2X EMMY awarding-winning artist Julie Jules, hair by Anittria Wicker AKA “The HairARTchitect”, and costumes by Darryl Glover, Parker Jesse Chase, and Dion Demetries. The show follows a young first generation Haitian-American (Jean Elie) struggling to overcome the challenges of Hollywood, while coming to terms with a recent family tragedy. I play Clown Frtiz on the hit television show, who is Fritz Jean-Baptiste’s inner saboteur. I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of joy playing Clown Frtiz and I’m thrilled for the world to discover the special significance of this character. New episodes of SEND HELP airs every Thursday on @watchallblk. Also, Variety magazine just announced that SEND HELP will be screening at the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York on October 28th & 29th.

What sets me apart from others is that my authenticity is my superpower. I’m deeply invested in taking up space with each and every unique role I’m hired to bring to life. That’s why I’m equally excited about the upcoming film I’m starring in, DEAR LUKE, LOVE, ME, written by Mallie McCown and also starring Nick Eversman, Mallie McCown, and Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut. The film is produced by Lindsey McGowen, music by Jonathan Bartz, and animation by Hudson Garcia. DEAR LUKE, LOVE, ME is the directorial debut of actor/producer Guillermo Diaz who is best known for his role as “Huck” in the hit ABC drama series SCANDAL, created by Shonda Rhimes, and starring the brilliant Kerry Washington. DEAR LUKE, LOVE, ME is the first narrative feature of its kind to tell an asexual love story, exploring the nuance of asexuality and the importance of queer-platonic bonds. I’m excited for the world to see my character Charlie in the film. Keep an eye out for the official DEAR LUKE, LOVE, ME trailer.

March 2023 will mark 10 years of living in Los Angeles and what I’ve come to learn over the course of a near decade is that surrendering will help you manifest your wildest dreams. As actors and creatives, there are so many things just simply beyond our control. Learning to accept what is, surrendering that is, will propel us in the direction of what our heart truly desires. I got to where I am today professionally because I built a strong sense of community in this business all while putting in the work. I train and continue to invest in my craft daily because there are no shortcuts in this business. What I want the world to know is that there’s a renaissance taking place in Hollywood right now and, as a storyteller, I’m grateful for my ability and the opportunity to create art that will inspire & have an impact on future generations to come. As Beyoncé so eloquently says at the end of her song ‘Summer Renaissance,’ “I’m in my bag!” I’m here in Hollywood taking up space, making a name for myself, and I do not take any of this for granted.

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?
My favorite spots in the city all involve the arts, rather it’s in film, theatre, music or cuisine. Recently, my younger sister Christina came to visit me and we had a wonderful time exploring the city of Los Angeles together. After picking her up from LAX airport, we jumped right into action by going to Manhattan Beach to catch the sunset. For breakfast the next morning, we visited Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood followed by visiting The Dunes apartment building in Inglewood because, HELLO, everyone loves to relive a moment from the hit HBO show INSECURE (shout out to Issa Rae)!

The following day we took a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and then had lunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood. Later that night, I took her to the Soho Warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles for a night of fun and dancing. Before dropping her back off at LAX, we cooked dinner for her last night in LA. It’s a rare opportunity that I get to show my family around the city I now call home, and it’s a trip I’ll never forget.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout is dedicated to my beloved mother, Mireille Cherilus, who is perhaps (other than my father) the most influential force for good in my life. My mother motivated me to do and be my best at all times. She taught me I can achieve whatever I want in this life as long as I keep God first. She’s incredibly funny, beautiful, encouraging, and absolutely brilliant. She continues to guide me from the Havens and I can hear her now shouting out “red carpet” in her Haitian Creole voice! The love and bond is unbreakable despite her not being here in the physical realm. May she rest in peace and I pray she is proud of me. I love you mama.

I’d also like to thank and dedicate this moment to my entire family and friends. I’m truly grateful and I thank God for my community.

Website: JamesonCherilus.com

Instagram: @JamesonCherilus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesoncherilus/

Twitter: @JamesonCherilus

Facebook: @JamesonCherilus

Image Credits
Erin Evans