Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan R. Coleman.
Jordan, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Houston, TX. Actually, in a little town about 20 miles North of Houston called Humble (the “H” is silent). I’m the youngest of three kids, I have two older sisters. I grew up in a working class household. Both of my parents woke up before the sun to start their days. So, hard work and dedication were instilled in me at a very young age.
I started playing football when I was six yrs old and was always under the impression that I would grow up to play in the NFL. When you’re 6’4″ 300+Lb, in high school, that’s the route many assume you’ll take. So, it’s easy to head down that path. I talked to some really small colleges during the tail end of my senior year of high school. But, them being out of state and my mother finding out she was sick with breast cancer my junior year was a no-brainer for me. I knew I had to stick around. So, I started putting even more into what would eventually be my new love, acting! My junior year of high school, the then tech theater teacher at Humble high, Tim Jackubek approached me and said, “You’re a big guy.” To that, I responded, “yaaa…” Tim: “you want to audition for a play?”. Then it happened! I got my very first role, as Lenny in ‘Of mice and men’ directed by the immensely talented, Brandi Barfield-Rood, our theatre arts teacher. Being on stage was the first time I’d ever gotten that same tingly feeling from something that wasn’t sports. So, the switch was almost automatic. I found something else I loved and I was good at it. So, for the remainder of my junior and the second half of my senior year, I did as many plays as I could.
After High school, I attended the University of Houston. I started studying theater, but almost immediately knew it wasn’t for me. I wanted to perform and was Hell-bent on doing that. I stuck it out in college for two years, until the passing of my mother. After that point, I knew I was done with school. I watched her go through chemotherapy, battle through class, lectures, surgery and sickness, to eventually lay to rest, not too long after getting her degree. Gwendolyn Burnett-Coleman had her heart set on things she wanted to accomplish in life, as did I. So, I decided to get out and make them happen…three years later. After studying and performing improv at the world-renowned Comedy Sportz Houston, under the tutelage of Dianah Dulaney, receiving my SAG-Aftra eligibility from a web series created, produced and directed by Houston filmmaker Mel House and being given an opportunity to live rent-free, to save money for Los Angeles, by Susan and Ian Hankin. The parents and friends (of mine) of childhood buddy Zach. I was ready to head out west to Hollywood in 2013, 6 days before my 24th birthday. In getting to L.A. I realized very quickly that I had some adjustments to make. With frequent financial help and endless encouragement from my aunt-Kitzy Daniels, my sister Jennifer English-Walton, and sister-Jocquelene English-McCullough, I was able to make it through my toughest of times here, so far. I’ve been in numerous national commercials and I’m making my transition into the theatrical realm of the on-screen world, with My biggest role to date being Fatbacc on FX’s Snowfall. So much has happened in my short time here. I’ve been impressively broke, had the most money I’ve ever had and eaten way too many ramen noodles at times. I got married to the most beautiful, funny and determined woman Africa and France have ever produced. And ever will, might I add, Alice Rakotoarison-Coleman, this past April. But, I know the best is yet to come. So I continue to sharpen my tools, in anticipation of the opportunities the journey has in store for me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been smooth. Los Angeles is a tough city to live in. Just the financial aspect alone makes it extremely difficult. I lived in a one bedroom apartment, for $675/month, in Houston. When I got here and learned that literally didn’t exist, well not in an area where you won’t get stabbed, I was shocked! So, that coupled with the ebbs and flows of the entertainment industry has made it a bit of a rocky go of things. But, I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I always tell people that are “somewhat” interested in acting, “if you don’t love it, it’s really not worth it”. But, I know I’m so fixed on this dream that, Lord willing, I will never stop chasing it. And when I catch, I’ll hold on to it for a while and bask in its fruits and glory. Then, I’ll nurse it back to health fatten it up and send it on its way for the next dreamer who’s after it. Or, so I can catch it again!
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I’m a comedic/dramatic actor with an extensive improv background and I’m a top-notch singer (not to brag). I specialize in making people laugh. Bringing genuine joy and happiness to someone is a feeling that I can by no means describe. I love it and I hope I always hold on to that want to make people feel that way.
I’m known for being the big, funny guy. I’m a large, lovable giant of sorts. My slogan has always been, “I’m a nice guy. People like me”. That’s what I strive for. That’s who I always want to be.
Work-wise, I’m most proud of literally everything I’ve been in. Samsung commercial, key bank commercial, dominos pizza commercial, KFC, ‘A Million little things’, performing. All of it is part of my journey and is/was a ton of fun to do. I can’t wait for more!
The thing that sets me apart from others is a lack of ego, I think. I say that because, I see actors all the time that make movie after movie. Then they get to a point where they decide they’re better than a particular role, or too important to be in something. I read articles where they publicly complain about their show or franchise movie. It makes me angry! We come out here to play…make-believe for lack of better words, not to diminish our art, by any means. But, I’m not a neurologist and I’m very aware of this. I’ve made people laugh until they’ve cried. But, if you bring me somebody that’s dying of something and expect me to save um’, they gone die! I’ll try to save them. But, all I have in my house are band aids and Nyquil, if that won’t do it…sorry. I got off on a tangent… But, what I’m saying is, to be a part of this business is an absolute privilege, not a right. It owes us nothing. This may be the hungry actor in me, but I cherish every opportunity I get. Every time my agent calls and I know there’s a role on the line, it takes everything in me to not scream into the phone, “HELLO!!! WHAT HAPPENED, DID I GET IT?!”. And I pray to God that I never lose that.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Along with my Mother: Gwendolyn Burnett Coleman, whom I get a goodly amount of comedic timing and overall talent from. My Aunt- Kitzy Daniels, my sisters: Jennifer English-Walton and Jocquelene English McCullough, Susan and Ian Hankin and my Wife Alice Rakotoarison-Coleman. My Best Friend, my Brother, Daetron Mcclelland has always had nothing but encouraging words for me and is more than willing to remind me where I come from. Zach Garret has offered knowledge, friendships and even a place to sleep when I needed it. My buddy Matt Tramel has been a big part as well. There’s been a ton of folks that have been and still are in my corner, Jordan and Ryan McMillan, Will Fordyce, Abel Arias and his family, J.B. Bauersfeld. I could go on forever. Anybody I forgot, I’m sorry. When I get rich, I’ll buy you a set of tires.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jordanrcoleman.com
- Instagram: _jordanrcoleman
Image Credit:
Headshot-Dexter Brown
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