Meet Joe Kuma | Actor & Celebrity Stylist

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

Hi Joe, what do you want people to remember about you?
Early in my career, I was singularly focused on building a legacy defined by excellence in everything I pursued. However, when challenges arose, I often felt as though I was falling short of my aspirations, questioning whether I was doing enough to achieve the success I envisioned. Over time, through my journey in acting and styling, I’ve come to understand that what truly matters is perseverance and the consistent hard work you put in—this commitment is what ultimately leads to meaningful outcomes.

My vision for my legacy has since evolved. Now, I strive to be remembered not only for my achievements but also for the integrity and dedication I bring to every endeavor. I want to be a positive example for young people, showing them that success is built on resilience, hard work, and the courage to take the right path, even when it’s the harder one.

In acting, rejection is an inevitable part of the journey, especially if you’re not yet an A-list actor. It’s not about how many times you’re told “no” or deemed not good enough—it’s about how long you can endure those disappointments and keep moving forward toward the vision you have for your life. Your career trajectory might not unfold exactly as you planned; it could happen sooner or later than you imagined. The key is to stay the course, trust in your abilities, and remind yourself that you are worthy of pursuing your dreams.

When it comes to styling, working with numerous athletes and celebrities has taught me how competitive this space is. In the beginning, I assumed that everyone would support me and that those I worked with would help elevate me to become one of the best or most notable stylists. However, I’ve learned that this field demands continuous growth and resilience. Recognizing that there’s always more to learn and a long way to go to achieve the level of artistry I aspire to has been crucial in keeping me motivated and hungry for success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that acting and styling, while distinct professions, share a common thread in their collaborative nature. Both require working closely with others—a process I genuinely enjoy as a natural people person. I’ve always been fascinated by what drives individuals and how they navigate their daily lives, which has made collaboration an enriching experience in both fields.

My journey into acting began after I retired from football during my freshman year at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. I stepped away from the sport because I had lost my passion for the game. Football is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally, and I felt my time with it had run its course. However, walking away left a void in my life that I struggled to fill.

Growing up, I had always dreamed of acting or singing, but my family emphasized academics and sports. Show business wasn’t a practical path in their eyes, so my mother encouraged me to focus on schoolwork or sports. When I left football, I decided to pursue acting wholeheartedly, even changing my major to the arts, and I’ve never looked back.

During my four years at university, I auditioned tirelessly, booking several roles along the way. One of my proudest moments was my first booking on The Flash TV show on the CW, where I played a police officer. Working alongside Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz, an established actor who had appeared in one of my favorite shows, The Wire, was an unforgettable experience. I soaked in her advice, asked countless questions, and even bonded with her over football—a memory I’ll always cherish.

Another career highlight was working on Project Blue Book for the Discovery Channel, where I had a scene with Aidan Gillen. Playing a military officer alongside someone who starred in some of my favorite shows and films, like Game of Thrones and The Dark Knight Rises, solidified my confidence that I was in the right place. Overcoming nerves and investing in additional acting classes to hone my craft was challenging, but every step was worth it. Acting has given me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that no one can take away.

Styling, on the other hand, has been a lifelong passion of mine. I’ve loved clothing and fashion since I was young—so much so that I would borrow my older cousins’ and brothers’ clothes to create outfits for high school dances. While acting in college, I modeled for stores like Off-White and Chrome Hearts in Vancouver. Observing photographers and stylists at work sparked my interest in creating outfits, and my input was often well-received, which further fueled my passion for styling.

My opportunity to become a stylist arose when my extended brother, Chase, made it to the NFL. In his rookie year, I noticed his casual pregame attire—usually a black shirt and Nike shorts—and jokingly told him he needed to step up his style. I started putting together outfits for him, and he loved them. That moment marked the beginning of my journey as a stylist.

A major milestone in my styling career was attending Paris Fashion Week in 2023. Chase was invited to multiple shows, and it was an incredible experience to style him for runway events like Feng Chen Wang and KidSuper. Being part of such a prestigious event was a dream come true and a testament to how far I’ve come in my journey.

My experiences in acting and styling have taught me the value of resilience, passion, and collaboration. Both careers have allowed me to express my creativity while working with amazing people, and they’ve shaped me into the person I am today. Whether it’s on set or at a fashion show, I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken and excited for what lies ahead. My story is a testament to the power of following your passions, no matter where they lead, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For anyone visiting Los Angeles, there are a few must-visit dining and nightlife spots that truly capture the city’s vibrant energy and culinary excellence. A personal favorite is Elephante in Santa Monica, where the whipped eggplant and lobster pasta are absolutely phenomenal. If you’re in the mood for an upscale experience, Catch LA and BOA Steakhouse are excellent choices, offering exceptional food and top-tier customer service, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience every time.

For sushi enthusiasts, Sushi Fumi and Katana are fantastic options, but my all-time favorite is Yunomi Handroll in Culver City. Visiting Yunomi with my brother Kofi and fiancée Clara has become a cherished tradition. Their handrolls are the best I’ve ever had and truly a standout culinary experience.

When it comes to nightlife, Delilah on Santa Monica Boulevard is unparalleled. The ambiance, combined with great drinks and meaningful conversations with friends and family, makes it a one-of-a-kind destination you’ll never want to leave. For a livelier night out with friends, The Highlight Room is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy incredible music, and share great moments in an energetic atmosphere.

Los Angeles offers an incredible range of dining and nightlife options to suit every mood and occasion. Whether you’re indulging in world-class food, enjoying handcrafted drinks, or dancing the night away, the city’s vibrant scene has something for everyone. These recommendations reflect some of my personal favorites, and I’m confident they’ll leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many individuals who deserve recognition and gratitude for the successes I’ve achieved in my career. It’s difficult to narrow it down, but I would have to begin with my family—and when I say that, I include my extended family. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that I don’t just have friends; I have extended family members I can rely on unconditionally.

First and foremost, my mother, Jacinta. She instilled in me a sense of confidence and love that is unparalleled. Watching her work tirelessly as a nurse, raising four boys on her own, was nothing short of extraordinary. Her perseverance is the foundation of my own, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

My brothers—Kofi, Enoch, and Nigel—have been my creative outlets, allowing me to express and refine my artistic abilities. Each of them has left a lasting impact on me, contributing unique lessons and qualities I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

My extended brothers—Chase, Jacob, Jonathan, and Emerson—have been vital in keeping me grounded. They provide honest, constructive feedback, holding me accountable and pushing me to be better in my craft. Having trustworthy individuals who challenge you, rather than enabling complacency, is essential to personal and professional growth.

Then there are my self-proclaimed sisters, Paige and Kallie. Growing up with only brothers, I didn’t fully understand the invaluable perspective that women bring until I moved to LA and met these two. Their guidance and attention to the small details in life have been truly transformative, and their presence has meant the world to me.

Lastly, my girlfriend, Leah, has been a pillar of love and support over the past two years. Even during challenging times, she stood by my side, believing in my abilities and encouraging me to pursue my passions. Her unwavering support has been essential to both my personal and professional journey, and I cannot imagine where I’d be without her.

To each of these incredible individuals, I owe a debt of gratitude. Their influence, support, and love have shaped not only my career but also the person I’ve become.

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

Twitter: https://x.com/joeykuma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joekuma92/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7732363/

Image Credits
Jacob Funk
Veronica Malesinki