A aspiring actor/writer with a big dream.

It’s funny how the world works. We think we might have an idea of what we want to do in life-become a doctor or maybe even a lawyer, but what if those plans change? That’s the case for Actor/Writer Jean Lodescar, Jr. Bizzom discovered this upcoming actor through Youtube portraying fictional character Walter Lee Younger (A Raisin in the Sun) in a convincing 2 minute monologue. Bizzom asked Jean several in-depth questions about his upcoming script, movies and inspirations. One things apparent here, Jean’s very passionate about his craft.

Jean Lodescar Jr.

Bizzom: 1) At what point in your life did you decide to venture into theater?

Jean: Well to tell you the truth, my venture into theater was completely unexpected. As of what I can remember,acting was never a dream of mine. When I was in my early age I can only remember wanting to be a teacher or astronaut. I went through all my years of primary and high school and still acting never crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I attended Queensborough Community College that my path crossed with acting. I was taking a poetry class, as an elective, and I made real good friends with one of my classmates Michael Aquilino- who was an aspiring actor. He actually was in the process of preparing for an audition for a college production of ‘Hatful of Rain‘. He invited me to come down and audition just for fun and I did….and that’s when it all started. An unknown realm to me became a home in a matter of minutes. I was actually cast for the role of ‘Apples’ and I was excited…. I guess the acting bug bit me real hard because I went on to do two more full stage productions; Oedipus Rex where I played Kreon and Romeo and Juliet where I played Romeo.

Bizzom: 2) Who are your biggest inspirations far as acting goes?

Jean: I have four big inspirations as acting goes…two major ones. First, My personal friend Simone Black. She is an Actress/writer/director. She really does it all and she does them very well! I met her at Queensborough and she has definitely changed my approach to acting; specifically taking on a character. She has helped me take my acting to an extremely vibrant level. She has a very critical point of view and she can help me find character from a character.I really thank her for that. My next major inspiration would have to be Sidney Poitier – The Barrier Breaker. Yes he broke all barriers in terms of race and acting. He is a great actor. I believe he set the bar for many of today’s great actors. I remember reading an article that actually referred to him as the black Marlon Brando-Who happens to be one of my last two big inspirations. Marlon Brando is actually tied with Denzel Washington. I pretty much own every movie that these two have been in. There’s never a dull moment when watching these two and every time I watch them I’m reminded why I love acting so much.

Bizzom: 3) What plays in particular give you the drive to continue acting and writing?

Jean: My favorite play would have to be Lorraines Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun‘. It really gives me the drive to continue to act and write. The character Walter Lee Younger happens to be my favorite character, not only in that play, but in general. He is just such an average of a man and he does such average things but he has way above average dreams… Very Very human! I believe we all go through the Walter Lee stage in our lives whether we like it or not. I am also big on Shakespeare; His dramas in particular. Its always a great challenge to me when I pick up one of his plays because no mater how many times I’ve read the plays or seen them performed, I always find something new. Shakespeare plays have a huge influence on both my writing and acting.

Bizzom: 4) Can you tell us about the script you’re currently working on?

Jean: Well I like to keep my projects a secret until they are performance ready but I can tell you it will be a solo performance and its about a great historical figure who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Some people probably don’t even know who he is…but when everything’s ready you’ll be the first to know!

Bizzom: 5) Besides theater, what else are you some of your other passions?

Jean: Acting on film is another passion of mine. I actually started working on film about two years ago and I’ve appeared in a few short student films and Indies. Two of the Indies are actually showing at two film festivals before this Christmas. I am looking forward to that. I also look forward to doing more work on film. Off the topic of acting, I am also leaping into the world of road biking. I’m no Lance Armstrong but I enjoy doing it and I can slowly feel it turning from a hobby into a passion.

Bizzom: 6) How do you remain optimistic in such a competitive entertainment business?

Jean: It is very competitive…but which high paying business isn’t? I was born Optimistic.lol. No matter what goes on around me I always stay positive, and that is the lighter side of things. I am a strong believer of God and I keep my faith just as strong. When he has a plan there is no stopping it. Whatever he has planned for me I’ll accept with open arms. With my faith in the right place, in addition to my hard work and soul driven determination, I strive for success.

With hard work and faith by his side Jean’s future is looking brighter than ever. Stay updated with Jean Lodescar Jr. via his Youtube: youtube.com/biggjj99

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