Today we’d like to introduce you to James Knight.
Hi James, 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?
I was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana to two amazing people I call mom and dad. They divorced when I was young, and I spent a lot of time back and forth. I had a fun childhood and always loved to play. I was introduced to many of the great movies at a young age. I remember watching Star Wars with my brother and we both fought over which of us were Anakin. In 7th grade, I was the curtain boy for our school play. I was in charge of the curtain! I remember loving being a part of something like that but did not think much of it. The idea of pursuing acting as a career didn’t seem like a reality to me. The plan was to go work for the family. Come to find out, the universe had other plans for me. My mom saw my passion for the film before I did.
Fast forward some years, my life took a dark turn and I was overcome by addiction. More on that later.
In hindsight, I could see my inside life wasn’t matching my outside life. Life was happening, but I was struggling. In the midst of it all, I went to my first acting class in Baton Rouge and from there, a spark ignited and I haven’t looked back. I was building my foundation in acting and was loving getting to play, even during those dark times.
A few years later, I got sober at 21 years old. I made the move to Los Angeles where I found recovery and really started to chase my dreams. I’ve been sober for close to nine years and my first movie ‘Wait With Me is now streaming on Passionflix through Amazonand couldn’t be prouder!
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?
When I first began acting, my addiction and drinking was full blast! Showing up to class high, going to college and work drunk. I thought I was doing fine until my behavior started hurting everyone around me. I could not keep it together. I was a selfish and self-centered asshole. I loved acting still, but that and anything meaningful in life meant little compared to my addiction. So, my best idea was to move away from all that and go to film school in Orlando. That’ll solve everything! Well, within a few months, I had bottomed out emotionally and spiritually.
I got sober in 2014 and asked for help. After about a year in my sobriety, I got back into acting and discovered it wasn’t just a drunken fantasy. It could become a reality. Even though the road has not been easy through the doubts and all the challenges life can bring, I have gotten a second chance. My past is now my motivation and I’m inspired today. I wouldn’t change a thing and am grateful to be a part of the creative life like I did when I was younger. I’m living a life beyond my wildest dreams. Simple as that!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of my proudest moments of my career is that my first movie is premiering on March 30th! I have a supporting role in the movie ‘Wait With Me’, streaming on Passionflix. The movie is based on author Amy Daws’ book ‘Wait With Me’. I had so much fun getting to play the billionaire ex-boyfriend. The cast and crew were amazing and everyone brought their A-game!
Another moment was auditioning for Michael J. Fox. We were collaborating on a few scenes and at one point he told me “You’re gonna go far, kid.” That was a powerful moment for me. Looking back at that moment gives me faith and gratitude. I was once the drunken kid and now in front of MJF himself. Such a surreal experience!
I’m also back in college taking classes, working on my own business, and about to get married! Life has opened up for me and I’m grateful to be present for all of it.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity and how progressive it is. I’ve gotten to meet many different walks of life and shared in other people’s cultures. I absolutely love that!
What I don’t like is the lack of efficient public transportation. I’m not a city professional, but I believe it can be better!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: imjamesknight
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imjamesknight
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/jamesknight
Image Credits
Bella Saville
