Today we’d like to introduce you to Juwan Lockett.
Hi Juwan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My acting career officially began in 2008 when I decided to apply to Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, CA. Prior to that, I had always been fascinated with the arts. I use to dress up as a kid and pretend to be a pastor, so I’ve always lived with an affinity for imaginative and creative play.
Idyllwild was the first place I attended in which I was able to hone my skills and focus intently on the craft of acting. It was a small boarding arts school in the mountains and it was a place where TVs weren’t allowed. I had academics during the day and arts at night. Being in such a diverse environment with other creatives feels surreal when I think back on it, but it was definitely a space that informed my artistry and helped me become a well-rounded human being. Honestly, it was the first time I lived away from home and it was a complete leap of faith just applying to the school at such an early age. No one in my family had ever done anything like this, let alone to pursue performing arts.
After high school, I went to college in Chicago and got my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in 2015 from The Theatre School at DePaul University. From there, I did some theatre showed in Chicago and was able to book a recurring role on “South Side”, and a Guest Star on “Fargo”. I’ve most recently finished my first lead role in a film called “Smash and Dash”. A lot of how I got to where I am now has been sheer grit, continuing to study and take classes, prayer, and dedication. I usually watch the same film or tv episode twice, which is something I learned I needed to do so I could better assess the content I would be enamored with. I’m always asking myself questions whenever I see a piece of art that resonates with me. Someone once told me that I should do one thing for my craft every day, and I guess you could say I’ve taken that message to heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. Never. Not for a second….lol… One of the first challenges I experienced on my journey happened back in high school. I couldn’t afford to go to the boarding arts school I so hastily applied to, but I was determined to pursue my dream. By sheer act of faith, I found Idyllwild Arts on Google back in 2008, and I applied, auditioned, and was accepted into the program.
At the time, the school cost 50K per year to attend and I wasn’t from a wealthy family like some of the kids in the program. Honestly, back then, I knew I needed to make my presence felt if I wanted to have any chance of continuing with the program, so I became one of the top in my class my first year there, earning the Outstanding 10th Grade Scholar Award. Still…I remember getting notices from the school for unpaid expenses and coming back home during my first year to see how this decision was impacting my family. Needless to say, I battled guilt despite having supportive parents, and I just channel that energy into my craft, and after fervent prayer, by the summer of my second year, I received a hefty scholarship which allowed me to keep developing my craft at the school.
It was truly a miracle in my book and a moment I’ll never forget because that summer of uncertainty, I found myself doing classwork for two different schools in two various states. I had no idea if I was returning to the program, but one thing I learned early on in life is that faith is moving as if you know the answer. I would continue with my summer assignments in California and prepare for the course load at my local high school because the school systems were on two various calendars.
There have definitely been a myriad of other struggles, but I’m saving those for the memoirs! I just know that through everything God has been the centerpiece that’s kept me from breaking on my worst nights. I’ve developed a habit of writing letters to myself and I’ve found that to be an incredibly enriching experience. The best part is coming back to those letters in moments of hardship. You learn ALOT about how you think.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actor, rapper, and singer. At this point of my career, I’m most proud of being a recurring character on the HBOMax Original Series “South Side”. I’m also proud to have been able to work with heavyweights like Chris Rock and Glynn Thurman on FX’s “Fargo”. I guess one of the things I think that sets me apart from others would just be the lengths that I go to in my audition process. I’ve had a few occasions in my career in which I’ve had to make 4-12hr drives just to audition for a project, and turn back around to hit the road and get back to my seven-year-old. This was all pre-COVID and because I didn’t have access to adequate support systems on short notice. Nonetheless, I’ve learned that I will hustle to make things happen when the going gets tough. One of my mantras is “I never lose. Either I win or I learn”, and it’s certainly something I live by!
I’m excited to continue exploring the musical side of me because it’s not something I’ve really shared as much. I grew up singing in church choir and as I’ve started taking the music more seriously, I’ve discovered that music is a space for me to be extremely candid. The rap side of me is more unfiltered and visceral, but the songbird in me is much more vulnerable and poignant. I’m working on an R&B EP called “Love is Dangerous”, and I perform under the moniker “ANAMLI” (pronounced anomaly), which describes me in one word. Always against the grain and never in anyone else’s lane, hahaha.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve definitely had some support along the way. I think a lot of people support me in the simple ways they can. My barber is always making sure I am fresh for every audition. My parents were never the type to criticize my pursuit of acting, so in that way they’ve supported. My brothers send an encouraging message every now and again or just tell me that they admire me for being so relentless. I’m the first of my siblings to travel outside of the home in pursuit of my career. I’ve had a few colleagues along the way just share a simple text message or Instagram DM, or share insights that they think I’d find useful, and I try my best to take that in. I’m not always good at allowing myself to feel supported, but I try to believe every act no matter how big or small means something.
One of my big supporters is my acting coach. She’s been very supportive and has helped me to be much more critical of my own work. She’s challenged me to explore characters with much more creativity and has definitely helped me produce some amazing work.
As I’m getting older, I am realizing that support comes in many shapes and sizes and regardless of what is or isn’t communicated, there is someone out there who is inspired by my story even if I never hear it verbatim.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @juwantheactor @anamlimusic
