Today we’d like to introduce you to James Nichols, II.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started in community theater. A friend of mine asked me to be in a play he’d written for our church. “It’s sort of a goofy role” he told me “I don’t know if you can play that.” Challenge accepted. I finally had my chance to cultivate a character like I saw my favorite actors. I relished at the chance and immediately fell in love with the process of rehearsals and show prep. The night of the show, I had the crowd rolling in the aisles. I thought to myself, “I’m REALLY good at this.” I took my belief, determination and work ethic. Coupled with years of work and experience to build an amazing network of people I have been blessed to work alongside.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road of substance is smooth. My first difficulties came very early in my journey in LA. I ran out of money and was homeless within six months. I rented rooms and couch-surfed for another year or so. You’re doing what you can to stay afloat. One more day. Those are embarrassing and extremely humbling moments of your life. You find yourself questioning your dream, your journey and your choices. You ask yourself, “Is this all my life will become?” People you thought were friends suddenly lose your number. It is, in a word… Lonely. One more day. I sat in that state, still driving hard for better-yielding opportunities. This stage seemed to last forever as each day of despair got longer and longer. The looks of pity from those around you as they write you off. But..One. More. Day. It took another year of staying stints in dive hotels before my breakthrough project aired. Everything changed after that day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am mostly known for being a commercial actor. I have also been featured in Network and Internet shows. Part of my print modeling career has landed me in Billboard magazine and you may spot me in random clips on your nephew’s Tik Tok. My VO career picked up in the past three years as I have voiced company training videos, PSAs and most recently a documentary about the Holocaust. Recently, I played Bose Ikard in a documentary about famous black cowboys. This allowed me to rediscover my roots in working with horses and working on the range. I consider myself an extremely gifted man with camera comfort and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.
What sets me apart from others is the multitude of talents I possess, “No Quit” and the belief I have in myself. This is what kept me going in my lowest moments. I knew with my talents I just needed to be seen or heard by the right people and my life would change. I am right.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I know I am going to win.
Knowing is half the battle. Now all I have to do is show up and give my best. My best is good enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/LevontheGent
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LeVontheGent
- Youtube: youtube.com/@JamesLNicholsII
Image Credits
Freddie DeGrate (BTS shots uncredited) Sean Lara Gino Martino Nicholas Freeman Joshua Robbins Tim Royal
