Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Harun.
Hi Timothy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My initial foray into performance art was through stage plays during my freshman year of college. After graduating with a degree in journalism I began doing stand-up comedy. Over the following years I traveled from Maryland to Oakland, eventually settling in LA where I’m currently based. While in Oakland I studied acting at a private studio in San Francisco. During that time my acting coach suggested I get into modeling. Though I considered myself a “serious actor” I took her advice because I needed the money. I have since appeared in advertisements for American Express, Bumble, Jeep, and other brands.
While I enjoy modeling, what led me to California was acting and writing. I recently wrote, directed, and acted in a comedic short called “Politricks.” The project focuses on an absurd conversation between two male friends; one black, the other white. It serves as an exploration into the boundaries that are formed across racial, social, and political lines. Highlighting what it looks and feels like when those boundaries are breached. The trailer will be dropping shortly so please follow me on Instagram to get the link when it comes out: @timothyharun35
I’m a standup comic as well. My biggest comedic inspirations are Dave Chappelle, Richard Pryor, and Wyatt Cenac. Ticket links to my upcoming shows will also be posted to my Instagram account. I’d be remiss if I failed to address the current state of the entertainment industry. Due to the reality of AI, shrinking attention spans, and bunch of ills that are linked to racism and capitalism; it’s become increasingly difficult for artists to accelerate their careers. While I doubt there’s a single solution that’s immediately attainable, I’ve been making a conscious effort to spend less time on my phone and more time interacting in person with other human beings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Where should I begin? The struggles are seemingly endless. This is like the part of the job interview where they ask what your weaknesses are. How do I answer this question without exposing the fact that I often feel like a failure due to a perceived lack of growth?
What I find most challenging is balancing expectations. When I submit an audition tape there’s a part of me that expects to get booked for the role. But the reality is there may be 100 or more people that auditioned for the same role. Or even worse, the role has already been booked and I’m just responding to a posting that hasn’t yet been removed from the casting website.
While the characters that actors play receive a great deal of indulgence and sympathy from audiences, there seems to be a particular disinterest in the struggles actors must work through when delivering great performances. However, in defense of audiences who invest their hard earned money in streaming services, movies, and cable television: a certain level of cognitive dissonance is what drives the symbiotic relationship between performer and audience member.
The reality is that this business is uncertain and I’m unsure of what the future holds. Yet I’m hopeful that my art will garner a level of support that will aid in fostering a meaningful lifestyle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Stand-up comedy is what I’m most proud of because it’s the foundation behind all my other creative work and it represents the highest level of difficulty when it comes to writing and performing. What sets me apart from others is my laugh; it’s obnoxious, but genuine and memorable.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family deserves a tremendous amount of credit. I come from a tight-knit, highly educated household. Nearly everyone in my immediate family has (or is en route to) multiple degrees. So when I said I was going to be a stand-up comic, I was met with concern for my immediate and long-term future. However, the concern was justified. My presence is a reflection of the love and support I’ve received from my parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles/aunts, cousins, and close friends. When it comes to learning the business side of the industry, my acting coach has been immensely supportive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothyharun35/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/Bismillaharun
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HistorywithHarun-kb2wz/featured
Image Credits
Denise Ramirez, Kayla Oaddams, Sammy Oguejiofor
