Javon Johnson is an Award-Winning Screenwriter, Producer, Playwright & Highly Esteemed Actor on Tyler Perry’s “OVAL” on BET. (Black Entertainment Television) Mr. Johnson has appeared in several award-winning and best-selling movies, including Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls and Barbershop 2, Back in Business. In addition to acting in episodes for many hit televised shows, including Fox’s hit series, Prison Break. 

I Ascend: Did you always know that you wanted to be an actor?

Javon: Absolutely not, I am from Anderson, South Carolina. A lot of you may know that the late great Chadwick Boseman, who played the Black Panther and other iconic roles, was also from Anderson, South Carolina. We were very close friends, and as little black boys in Anderson, South Carolina, we didn’t share conversations about being actors, writers, novelists, or poets. That was not the community we were raised in. We were raised in the textile and automotive industries. You may hear conversations about the medical field, and maybe nursing but outside of that, it was all about sports and possibly music. If you did not go to college to play football or basketball you put in thirty-to-forty years in some industrial plant. That was generally the lifestyle. I was not aspiring to go to college, and there were no talks about it. However, somewhere in the universe God had other plans for me. While walking through the hallway during my senior year at high school, my choir teacher just stopped me and said, “You’re going to college.” I had no idea what she was talking about. I do not know why she picked me but she said, “I know the music director at South Carolina State University and I am going to get you a scholarship.”

I went to college on a choir scholarship, even though singing is not one of my gifts, and I spent a lot of time trying to blend into the music department. The theater department was located in the same vicinity. There was this huge theater building called the Henderson-Davis Theater. I walked by that theater every day, it seemed like that building was calling me and was beckoning me to come inside. Eventually, I went in and that was it, I stayed in the theater. I even became the theater president, got a theater scholarship, and didn’t turn back. In the moment it didn’t make sense, but in retrospect, after putting all the pieces together, I was on autopilot. I really was not in control of this journey. Because, as I previously mentioned, I did not come from a place where that was a part of the culture.

I Ascend:  After joining the theater did you know then or have an idea that you wanted to work in the film industry?

Javon: No, I did not even know then. I was training and working in the theatre but when I graduated, I was not thinking I needed to pursue Broadway or be in the movies. I was thinking that I needed more training, that was my only thought. I went to graduate school to further my knowledge and skills in the craft. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, I encountered and developed a relationship with the late great August Wilson, who had a profound influence on my work. Writing for me came through a unique experience. I started hearing voices, and characters started to play out in my mind. I did not know what to do about it. I thought people would think I was crazy. I had never experienced anything like that, so I kept it private, and kept writing.  It was not until completing graduate school that I decided that this was what I really wanted. I had invested in it and had been grooming myself for it. I spent seven years training in this lane.

I performed some professional work during that time, even as a student, but it took me a while to really consciously say, this is the industry I am going into. Most of my journey into this was spirit-led, because I felt like I was being called to it. I walked in blind faith, I felt like it was something I was being taken on a journey for. I had to have faith that there was a purpose in it. I believed that there would be a reward in it if I honored it. I was not even aware that it was a gift. But I did not get in the way of the process of the journey of honing, opening, and connecting with that gift. I think that is why I am where I am today because I simply did not get in the way.

I Ascend: How long would you say that you have been in this industry?

 Javon: I am going to say twenty-three years because I started the count when I completed grad school in 1999. Although I was working professionally as a student during my time in school, I do not count that.

I Ascend: You are a producer as well as a director, can you tell us a little bit about some of the work you do in either capacity?

Javon:  Yes, I kind of wear five hats. In addition to acting, constantly writing, directing and producing, I am also an acting/writing teacher and consultant. One of the things I say about wearing many hats in this industry is do not put the hat on if you do not qualify to wear it. Some people think it is impressive and productive to say, they do a variety of things. If you are an actor, writer, and a comedian; but then you tell a joke, and you are not funny, then perhaps comedian should not be on your list. Focus on what you’re good at and continue to grow and develop in the other.

Being a director helps me understand how to communicate and direct actors, and how to understand the story from all perspectives. In being a producer, all those things, feed the other at any given moment. As for projects, I am working on shooting two to three feature films before the year is out, which is quite a task. I am also currently producing a touring stage play called “Sanctified” and recently, directed a production of a play called “Is God Is” in Pittsburgh, which I perform in as well. I am constantly involved in the craft. I am always an artist in some capacity. I am always an artist around the clock.

I Ascend: What has the process of becoming on this journey been like for you?

Javon: Well, like I said. I was Spirit lead. I have been guided and I just had enough faith to follow not knowing where the journey ends. I did not have a goal in terms of where I was being led to. I just knew that I was being led to something great. I love that because sometimes we have an idea of who we are supposed to be and who we want to be. We also have an idea about how we are supposed to get there and when. That journey can lead to a lot of disappointments because it did not work on your timeline. I did not really have that experience, because I did not know how it was supposed to look. I did not know when it was supposed to happen. I just knew that I was in preparation. I had somewhere I was being taken so whenever I arrived there, I would know at that point in my career. Everything makes sense now. I am here today doing what I do because of all the things that were connecting the dots that I didn’t get in the way of. When you are being called to something you kind of know that this is your purpose. You feel so fulfilled and so relevant. You feel your passion and are in such alignment with it that it consumes you. It motivates you and you just know that you would not be happy without doing this thing. That’s what it was for me. It was just like, I knew that this is what I am here to do. This is how it manifested and I know I am walking in my purpose. 

I Ascend: What production has produced one of your most favorite roles?

Javon: As a writer, I have my favorites. I will speak as an actor, sometimes you get a role that you just cannot get enough of. There is just so much to be discovered in a role. There is so many opportunities to continue to grow in that role, that you just want to play that role every five years or every ten years. For me, that role is Harold Loomis in August Wilson’s play, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” That is just a roll I am always thinking about. I have done it twice and as much as I think I have accomplished in that role there is so much more, so many layers, that I cannot get it all in one experience. I can always find another place to go, something to do, to discover in this role. It demands so much of me as a person and as an artist.

I Ascend: What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

Javon: Just being an actor and being in this business period. Speaking specifically as an actor, when you are just an actor, I feel like you are in the weakest position on the totem pole. Because actors are always at the mercy of somebody else giving them an opportunity. If you are just an actor, somebody has to say yes to you. One of the toughest parts of being an actor is knowing that you are at the mercy of somebody else’s blessings in order for you to do what you do.

I Ascend: Please, can you expound on that a bit more?

Javon: Sure, being an actor, comes with a degree of rejection you have to take. There is always a no, and many times a no is not always a direct no. A no can sometimes be simply that you are not involved with that project. That is difficult because you get way more of those than you do a yes. You have to understand that when you choose to be an actor, you are placing an X on your chest. You are saying criticize me, tell me I am not good enough. Tell me I am not pretty enough. Tell me I am too black or that I am not black enough. You are asking to be the target. That is tough because you are the instrument. You are the very thing that seeks  approval. That is why, many times, actors struggle and they begin to self-doubt. Some lose themselves and resort to extreme things to make themselves stand out and be relevant. It can be tough if you do not know how to take care of yourself, emotionally and spiritually in this industry. It is so competitive. You might be the star in a small town, but then you enter into a larger market, and all of a sudden, nobody’s checking for you. You begin to question what is happening. You were so big in one market, and now you cannot even get an audition. That messes with you mentally, know what I mean? There are a lot of challenges in being an actor. If you learn what is special about you and tap into the greatness of your own uniqueness and gifts; and try not to compete on a superficial level and know that the only approval that truly matters is already within you… and the key is to unlock it. Do not give up.

I Ascend: What hardships have you faced in Ascending to where you are currently?

Javon: It is always financial. It is all about the money, especially as actors. Sadly, there is an all too familiar phrase, “The starving artist.” It was a fashionable thing at one point in time. We do not really say that as much now, but it is still a real thing. Artists, have to make sacrifices to really be successful in this industry. You have to sacrifice some luxuries, some comfort, and some things that you would love to have. You may love to eat at five-star restaurants and travel the world. But you are also trying to get a career in this industry, which takes an investment. It is not like a regular job where, every Friday, you have a check on hand. Sometimes that check just pops out of nowhere. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it’s only five cents. It’s hard to  plan your life because your pay is inconsistent but your bills are not. I have been in plenty of situations where a check came in the mail and saved me for that moment. I did not know it was coming, but it popped up at the right time. There have also been times when it did not come at the right time. It can be tough from the financial aspect. If you are really grinding and hustling in this business, you really have to be ready to sacrifice, knowing you are fighting for something much greater.

I Ascend:  Congratulations on Ascending and Standing in Your Truth. What do you want people to remember most about you?

Javon: What I want people to remember most about me is that I am a person who was always purpose-driven. Purpose means something because we have one life. For me, it is about figuring out why you are sharing this time and space right now. What are you here for? How sad is it that you come and go, and nobody speaks your name again? You did not leave anything? For me, it is about leaving things behind. Those things are not always like leaving a building with my name on it. Although it is great to be recognized and honored in such a grand fashion. Sometimes, however it is the intangible things you leave behind. When there is someone that you have planted a piece of yourself inside their dreams. When you have helped someone live their life, in their purpose, and on their journey because you touched them. That is an extension of you, so your life is continuing on through other people. I want people I have left a piece with to say Javon played a part in where I am today. That they are doing what they are doing because they met me. That is much bigger than anything I can do as Javon Johnson. When you make the world better, bless other people, and you become something bigger I think there is greatness in that.

 I Ascend: Share what you are currently working on and how readers can follow and stay abreast of all that you are doing?

Javon: Well, obviously, you guys can continue to catch me on BET, Tuesday nights on Tyler Perry’s, “The Oval.” The touring stage play “Sanctified” may be coming to a city near you soon. I have several film projects I am or have written and am either directing, producing, performing in or all of the above so be on the lookout for auditions soon. I will post audition notices on my website. Make sure you visit at www.JavonJohnsonproductions.com to get updates. I also have a performing arts training school called Bear Fruit Conservatory in South Carolina. You can check out that website at: www.bearfruitsc.com. If you want to train in performance, voice, learn vocal therapy, and more then be sure to look up Bear Fruit conservatory. Also I teach independent classes in the Atlanta area. On all Social Media Platforms you will find me @Iamjavonjohnson so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.