Meet Thaddeus Newman | Actor

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

Hi Thaddeus, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that taking risks is the only way to ever achieve anything worthwhile. I used to think that in order to be successful I had to follow the “rules” and do everything a certain way and eventually I’d be able to accomplish what it was that I wanted to accomplish. If I stayed with this mindset not only would I have never been in the position I’m in today but I would’ve been miserable somewhere I don’t belong, doing something that isn’t aligned with my God given purpose. One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was dropping out of college and moving to LA to pursue a career in acting with no plan B. Growing up I was always taught to dream big and that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. The only rule: it applies only if I wanted to become an engineer or a doctor. The thing is I knew deep down that acting was what I was called to do. So when I decided to drop everything and move to LA to pursue acting, I was met with doubt and push back. To everyone else it was crazy but to me it felt completely normal, dropping all sense of security to pursue one of the most insecure professions out there felt right for whatever reason. It is safe to say that it was one of the greatest decisions I could’ve ever made at the time and I haven’t looked back ever since. I’ve not only discovered myself but I also discovered a whole other world I never knew existed beyond the world I was so familiar with. Taking that risk showed me that I truly am capable of anything I put my mind to as long as I pair it with faith and hard work. For anyone reading this, if you feel as if you’re called to something greater than yourself and you’re hesitant whether to take the jump or not I recommend you just do it. Because nothing is worst than “what could have been”. Jim Carey once said, “You can fail at doing what you hate, so you might as well try at something you love” and ever since hearing that I haven’t looked back.

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 am an actor based in Los Angeles and I love to create art that inspires others. Ever since I was young I’ve always been obsessed with movies, I loved how I could sit down for a couple of hours and go to another world up until the end credits start rolling. I loved the way I could believe that I was a certain character in this movie and I’d somehow went through that journey alongside them. That feeling never got old and that’s the same feeling I aim to create for others through my work now that I am in that same position and by no means at all was it easy haha. It hasn’t been the longest journey compared to others and I know I still have a lot of journey left to go but its definitely been fruitful and I’ve definitely been blessed throughout these last few years and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the opportunities I have had up until this point. I think the main thing that kept me going especially during the rough seasons was my faith. I know I was called to be an actor and I just constantly have this feeling in my spirit that no matter how high or how low I can get in this industry, I’m still walking in my purpose therefore everything is already laid out for me and all I have to do is just step into it and walk in my purpose, and once I realized that was when I started to worry less about the future and focus more on being patient with myself. I’ve learned that in an industry as fast paced and ever changing as the entertainment industry it’s very easy to lose sight of why I began this journey in the first place, so it’s very crucial to always come back to your foundation and remind yourself daily as to what your purpose is in all of this and to remember that what is for you will be for you no matter what you do because it’s all a part of the plan for your story. One thing about my work that I pride myself in is that it needs to be authentic and real. That way when people relate to my work they’re relating to a real human being and not an act or a performance. I want people to feel like they’re not alone and that they can connect to a character I portray and hopefully that can inspire or motivate them even if it is momentarily. I just want people to know that absolutely any thing is possible as long as you believe and keep faith in yourself. A couple things I’m looking forward to is for writers to get fair compensation and rights for their work, so I’m looking forward to a new contract for the writers’ so we can end this strike and everyone can get back to work. Secondly, I’m super stoked that a film I shot last year is finally finished and hopeful for a world premiere at a film festival this fall, so I can’t wait for that.

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?
Ah man, this is a good one because I love a good time haha. During the week for breakfast we’d have to hit Millie’s Cafe in Pasadena their breakfast burritos are insane! One of the days we’d definitely have to check out And Waffles in North Hollywood, they have some of the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever had. Lastly, we’d have to squeeze in some time to hit Urth Cafe to get the Rainforest smoothie 10/10 for sure. After breakfast we’d have to hit Laguna Beach for the vibes or I know a couple of cool spots off of PCH where we can go for a quick swim or nice lounge around in the sand. Then at some point we’d grab lunch and my go to spot every time that never misses is Pho VT in Los Feliz, I swear this the best pho spot in all of SoCal. After grabbing a refreshing bowl of pho we’d have to hit Griffith Observatory to catch the sunset and then finish the day off with some ice cream from Magpies Softserve. But throughout the week we’d have to hike Runyon, catch a movie at the AMC Century City because I believe movie theaters just hit different in LA, go drive around and look at the homes in Hollywood Hills or Bel Air, and lastly hit Santa Monica to play some beach volleyball.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’m extremely grateful for on a daily basis. First and foremost I want to thank God because without Him I wouldn’t be in any of the positions I am today. Secondly, I want to shoutout my family more specifically my mom, dad, and sister for always holding it down and being my biggest inspiration in everything that I do. Lastly, I’d want to shoutout my closest friends Alpha, Imani, Theo, Morgan, and Hans. Man, I’ve seen some days with those guys and they continue to inspire me and push me in every aspect of my life and I don’t know where or who I’d be without their companionship.

Instagram: @tophatthad

Twitter: @tophatthad

Image Credits
Peter Konerko, Brat TV, Kelli Binnings, Daivon Thompson