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

Hi Jeremy, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
I think the most difficult decision I have ever had to make was deciding to move to Los Angeles in 2009. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas I told myself that I NEVER wanted to move away. I had always envisioned that I would go to a school like TCU for Fine Arts (Drumline) or maybe a school in Houston. At one point I had even looked at Christian colleges. It wasn’t until the summer of 2009 when I auditioned for American Idol and didn’t make it past the initial rounds that something had to change. I remember talking to a friend of mine at the time, Phillip, and we were both so serious about pursuing performing arts degrees. He is actually the one who introduced me to AMDA. One click led to another and next thing you know, it was time to audition in Dallas, TX. I remember getting to the audition, completely nervous, however i knew what I needed to do. I performed my song and monologue, did my audition interview and left that day feeling pretty confident. At the time, the Director of Admissions informed us decisions would be made within 2-4 weeks. I got a call within a week and missed it initially…so I FOR SURE thought I wasn’t getting accepted. I returned their call and received the news that I got in for the Fall semester! I couldn’t believe it and I was terrified at the same time. I said “well how the hell am I gonna afford this?” Before I knew how student loans and things worked, I tried to do everything on my own but it just wasn’t working out. I was told no so many times and denied loans left and right. The semester started in October and by this time it was late July and I still didn’t have the means to make it happen. One day I said to God, “if YOU want this to work, MAKE IT HAPPEN.” Sometimes that’s what you have to do!!! Fast forward to October of ’09 and there I was, flying into LAX to start my journey in Los Angeles. The night before I left I was so scared that I cried. I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision to leave. Again, this Texas boy said he was NEVER moving away from home and it happened. Upon arriving on campus the excitement started to peak just a little bit, however, there was still some hesitancy on my part. I got to my dorm room and just sat down staring out the window very sad. In THAT moment, I missed my family and friends and I was ready to pack back up and say forget it. I remember texting my play Mom (Stephanie Glynn) about how I was feeling. I knew if I text my parents, they would book me a flight home in a HEARTBEAT. My play Mom encouraged me and told me that God had me exactly where He wanted me. 10 years later, almost 11, at 32 years of age, I can say that it was the greatest decision of my life. I faced MANY trials and tribulations throughout my time living in Los Angeles but I wouldn’t trade any of those experiences for the world. They have made me into the man that i am today and for that, I am forever grateful. I wouldn’t have made it without God, my parents, family and friends who constantly pushed me to be the best that I can be. Strive for greatness. Xx

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The career accolade I’m probably the most proud about, was the opportunity to be a part of the Sunday Service Collective with Kanye West. I got that call last year and my artistry is forever impacted by my fellow peers and certainly by Kanye. Booking the National Tour of The Color Purple was also a big highlight of my career. It’s unfortunate it was cut short because of the pandemic but it’s something I’ll cherish forever. The journey to get where I am today was NOT easy by any means. There was a period in my life where I had to stop auditioning and just focus on work because things had gotten so difficult living in LA. I have the word ‘perseverance’ tattooed on my arm because it has been one of the most consistent things that have carried me through my journey. I overcame the challenges of the industry by always looking ahead. I tell people hearing “no” at an audition prepares for my next “yes” so I have to stay focused and the work will come. It always does. My brand, which is inspired by one of the greatest athletes this world has ever known, Lebron James, is to simply strive for greatness.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I am actually a TERRIBLE tour guide LOL! Because I was so immersed for about 3 1/2 years in school and work, I never knew where to take people. I always tell people, you have to try Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles just to say you’ve had it. You have to go to the beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, maybe even take a tour. There’s also an amazing BBQ place on La Brea called Bludso’s and for a southern boy, that’s some GOOD BBQ!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shoutout goes to God, for navigating my life every step of the way. Even the times where I had no idea what opportunity was next, He always assured me that everything would work out just fine. I must also truly thank my parents for always being my safety net and affording me the opportunity to move away and pursue my dream. To my family, for always encouraging and supporting me. To my friends who have looked out for me…that goes a long way and you have NO idea. If I have ever stayed at your place during transition points of my career, if you have financially supported me during my hard times, it never goes unnoticed and this is a way to PUBLICLY thank each and every one of you.

Website: https://www.jeremywhatley.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.jer.emy/

Image Credits
Headshots: Jamaal Murray
Singing shot: Ian Clark
Photo in Japan: my Iphone

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