Meet Josh Bonzie | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Josh, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
In the context of a professional setting, it’s the really the value of teamwork. The integrity of being a part of a larger idea or ideas, and being of service to a bigger picture while working with others to manifest the common goal. Setting ego aside to accomplish something larger than yourself. I love being on sets where there’s enthusiasm, love, and purpose and everyone’s working to achieve that same vision. It just makes the job that much more fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Where I grew up, I didn’t know a lot of actors. From a young age, something drew me to storytelling. I spent a lot of time writing little plays or skits and my friends and I would perform them for our class. On the weekends I’d write short stories or little pilot episodes of tv shows, I wished I could watch or be in. I was just really drawn into my own worlds I’d create… I carried these things with me into adulthood and then found myself surrounded by likeminded folks who I could collaborate with that would then help me bring some of these stories to life. I trained as an actor in college and then apprenticed at Actors Theater of Louisville so by craft that’s what my main focus has been, but writing has always been something that helped me stay creatively energetic when acting was going slow.
As far as this career-path being easy, I have had the same journey as most other actors. Countless rejections, numerous letdowns, disappointments, and seemingly insurmountable self doubt, but somewhere in the midst of all the chaos there have been these really beautiful moments or small victories. Those small wins that are just enough to keep you going. I’ve also found rooting for my peers and the success of others has been huge in helping me recognize my own self worth. When one person wins, the entire collective wins. There is a lot to be grateful for in the industry, but really the world at large, so that’s usually where I like to operate from.

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.
I’m not too great with planning, the idea of an itinerary induced a bit of anxiety just then, but I will throw some favorites out there….Joseph Leonard or Carriage House in the Village are easily two of my go-tos. Maybe hit up Village Vanguard or Smalls for some live jazz, if you’re into that sort of thing. Last summer my friends and I took the ferry down Brooklyn and barhopped, which was a blast. I don’t know, New York is at its best when you get kind of lost in it….when there’s no plan, you kind of just “do.” You go outside and discover… have a full day, then end up at Central Park with the sun setting. That might be a little too poetic and gross, but it’s whatever.

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?
I think to make any career as an artist happen, it takes a village. My family- my Mom, Dad, and brothers- we are a tight unit. I also work with an incredible team of women. My agent, managers, publicist, stylist, and lawyer. They’ve all just helped keep the dream alive and offered support in ways I would never have known I needed.

Instagram: @joshbonzie

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3829769/

Image Credits
Sofia Belhouari
Paloma Alegria
Hulu
Getty Images