Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jake Dean Taylor of Hollywood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jake Dean Taylor. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jake Dean, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I love this question because it begs someone to be really introspective. I truly believe that true growth only happens from within and that requires an inner mirror and some deep thought. I’d say I’m running a path, so to speak. There was a long time in my career, especially before I charged head first, that I had the passion and longing to be a professional actor, but didn’t have the drive. I knew I was creative, but didn’t know how to focus it or strengthen my discipline around it; I let inner voices dictate my worth, which put me at wandering. As I built up my discipline, focus and confidence, I gave myself permission to walk the path of a creative. And now, after some recent successes, I’m deciding that I’ll run this path as far as it’ll take me, with the full drive of a creative soul.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi all! My name is Jake Dean Taylor and I’m an actor/writer/comedian living in Los Angeles, CA. I’ve always had a passion for acting and storytelling and am truly grateful that I get to take a swing at Hollywood. I’d say a majority of what I do as an actor is study the craft and audition. Every so often, my hard work pays off and I get to be on set, which is the best place. As a writer, I’m either whipping up a second or third draft of a short I’ve been working on, or I’ll be swimming with a new idea, figuring out what story I want to tell. Finally, as a comedian, I’m always looking for the funny. I want to bring joy into the world, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. I find comedy some some of the best medicine around.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
If I may, I’d love to reverse this question because I was told who I was supposed to be before I allowed myself to be.

As a child, my older brother was born with a terminal illness, mitochondrial myopathy, which was a very rare form of muscular dystrophy. As one can imagine, he required significant help with day to day tasks. From a very young age, I was given the responsibility to take care of my brother, a responsibility that I was happy to don. Despite this, I still dreamt big of being an actor.

Throughout the years, I was told I could never make a living as an actor and to give up my dreams. I was asked to stay close to home, so that I could help with my brother as his situation got worse. I was told I was not allowed to be queer and that I needed to “soul search”.

After my brother’s passing, I made it a point to move as far away as I could. I knew if I stayed in our small town, I’d marry a woman, probably have kids and be desperately unhappy. It was only after I moved away that I was forced to grow into the person I am today. Who I am now is who I’m supposed to be, despite what the world thinks and says.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most in my life was the idea that I couldn’t be successful and queer. There have been several opportunities over the years that I either didn’t pursue, or phoned in because I didn’t think I was worthy of it.

I’ve since unpacked that fear and am proud to say that it no longer holds power over me. Often if we give ourselves the gift of squaring up to our fears and demons, we show ourselves just how resilient and powerful we are.

To all my LGBTQIA+ family out there – don’t be afraid to look inward so you can shine outward.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief that I’m committed to is racial justice and equity in America. I believe there is no room for racism, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia, islamophobia etc…in a healthy country. As a country, we will not find unity until we face our grim history and make actual efforts to build equity, inclusion and real opportunities, no strings attached.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
While it’s still early in my acting career, I just got off set for an indie feature film where I was the lead role. It’s my first ever feature booking and it’s a really big step in my career. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it and working really hard behind the scenes to be ready for these opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakedeantaylor
• Other: www.tiktok.com/jakedeantaylor , twitch.tv/luckyjakedean

Image Credits
– Craig McLeoud

– Cris Jon Photography