Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommie Earl Jenkins.
Tommie Earl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I suppose it all started when I got my first profession theater job when I was 14, I grew up in Canton Ohio and performing was always something that I wanted to do, whether that was singing, dancing, or acting. I continued as a young artist working as an actor with my local community theater and joining the ballet company also. After realizing that Canton was too small a town for me to excel in the field that I wanted to pursue, I chose to move to New York City and continue my journey.
I am grateful for all of the things that I learned as a young man from so many wonderful teachers and mentors who imparted so much wisdom and knowledge that has helped me to this very day. My journey has been a fruitful one, but hard work and determination play a big part. My work has led me all around the world and allowed me to experience so many different countries and cultures. From working in the glittering West End on the London stages, to the bright lights of Broadway to the back lots of Hollywood. Working with some of the industry’s most notable directors, choreographers, producers, writers, and developers have allowed me to grow, thrive and hone my career in what is a very competitive field.
As a gay black man, I am proud to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and have paved a way for me and so many others like me to be able to make a mark in this world and to be able to encourage and inspire others. I try to use my platform for the greater good, it’s not always easy when met with so much negativity in the world, but the fight for justice and equality must continue. I still feel there is more of me to come and more bridges to cross. I love what I do and I’m glad that there is a great appreciation for the work that I’ve done. I get to be the voice of the funkiest fact finding, disco loving unicorn, known as “Ubercorn” from the fantastic children’s tv show “Go Jetters”, being shown around the world. What more could I ask for? I loved playing the role of Professor Ellison Pevney, who teaches earth history on the CW Network show “Pandora’. It was an amazing journey and working with amazing people. Executive produced by Mark Altman and Steve Kriozere. Bringing to life an iconic character created by the incredible creator, Hideo Kojima in the hugely successful video game, ‘Death Stranding” as Die Hardman was an honor. I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done and can only hope to continue working and continue to inspire others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Is it ever? LOL, But it has been a very enlightening one. I suppose some of the struggles I’ve encountered have been typical ones in my field of work. Simply by definition working as an actor has its struggles because of the competition that’s out there, but also being a black man trying to make it was also filling a quota. If they already had those slots filled, you just had to move on. Not every job was like that but there were quite a few. Trying to convince people you are the right one for the job when you are up against someone else with a much higher profile than you, that’s always hard and a hurdle many of us still have to fight to this day. You have to know these things when you get into this business from the start. You need to have a thick skin and be prepared for rejection at every turn. The struggle continues as you constantly try to break doors down to be seen and heard but if you keep on the path, it will pay off and be incredibly rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor, singer, writer, voice-over artist ex ballet dancer. I specialize in being ME, which I highly recommend doing because it’s the one thing that no one else can be. They’ve already got Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Sam Jackson, etc. They don’t need copies. Be an original. That’s also the thing I’m most proud of. As far as work goes, I love the theater as it’s where my heart is and where I began, there’s nothing like doing eight shows a week and a live audience. It’s hard work and the pay off at the end of a show is worth it to see all those happy faces applauding your work. I love working in tv/film but VoiceOver is a big thing for me, especially in the gaming world. I suppose the thing that sets me apart from others is me just being me. I know that sounds funny but it’s true as I said earlier, it’s the one thing no one else can be. Embrace it. Be your most authentic self and you will reap the rewards.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My life, family, and husband make me happy because they know you and they’ve seen you at your lowest and have always been there. Seeing people being kind makes me happy. People being treated equally and fairly makes me happy. Puppies make me happy!!!! Because they have nothing but love to give.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.tommieearljenkins.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommie_earl_jenkinsofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TommieEarlJenkins
- Twitter: @teejaye84
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2P2sZg0urmyHYbgwmpV8g
