Today’s Notable Young Professional is actor Jarod Joseph, a series regular on Emmy-nominated show ‘The 100’. We caught up with him to find out what inspired his journey and how he would define ‘success’…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Journeyman labourer turned professional actor masquerading as armchair sports critic and pro wrestling mark.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Without going into too much detail, my options weren’t as broad as maybe some other people. I didn’t grow up doing this and I started in my mid twenties, but it was a no brainer in retrospect. Not to sound corny, but I think I was acting out in life and naturally it made sense to turn this sort of misplaced expressionism into a career and flip it positively.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The first time I paid my rent from acting. I think the day that I saw with my own eyes, in my own life, that this was not only the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done in my life but also a realistically feasible means to making a living – albeit potentially sporadic – was the most elated sense of arrival I’ve ever felt.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Alive. Alive and maintaining, man.
Do you have any advice for other young artists?
Find the balance between knowing your worth, your trajectory, and being patient with the process. Keep entitlement in check and remember the business part.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m a huge animal guy. I’m just now in the process of connecting with specific organizations but it’s exciting to feel like I’m at a place in my career that I can actually bring an audience and use the job to make difference. Additionally, I’m hoping to collaborate with You Can Play, which is this incredible organization that aims to create a safe space for all athletes regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
It was a domino effect of getting a grip on laziness and perhaps a bit of an assured attitude early on (which I assure you led to nothing) that led to a shift in confidence. It manifested into becoming a pro with a legitimate, hireable trade.
What does the word notable mean to you?
To me, “notable” means being remarkable in your respective field; that could mean personally or professionally. Being excellent at whatever it is that you do.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
In the past six months home has been California, Vancouver, and currently Toronto. So I’ll focus on the most recent and give Toronto some much deserved love. I hadn’t been back in a few years, but even since the last time there is such a vibrancy and pride in the city. It’s truly remarkable. I think it stands up with other world-class metropolises in terms of non-replicable identity and feeling.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Superherohype.com. Currently, ‘Hype’ off Drake’s new album VIEWS.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
@LainaRauma
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Funnily enough, my first time stepping off North American soil was less than two years ago and I’ve been fortunate to see so much in a short span. For as much shit as it gets, I love Los Angeles. Absolutely love being there. With that said, nothing beats landing back in Canada when that plane stops. There is an unexplainable feeling of being home. I’ll always be the Canadian kid.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Good question. Thinking about it, I’m pretty sure I have a fear of needing to be somewhere more than a fear of missing out.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I can’t say. I’ll feel guilty.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Past relationships. Kidding. Well, I think what I’ve spent on impulse purchases that never saw the light of day could’ve been spun into more than a couple of short but fun travel endeavours. Now that I’m visiting these places, I’m kind of kicking myself for waiting so long!
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
I can attest that whatever leaves me happy in the end will be a success. Happiness. I can’t put more emphasis on that. Although occasionally a fleeting sense, external things won’t get it done.
I let go of what this thing is supposed to look like a long time ago and I’m just controlling what I can while staying in ‘game shape’ ready to rock. I’d be lying if I told you I don’t want the world but I don’t want it at the cost of being miserable. Success will be sustaining whatever this is, enriching some lives, and smiling while it’s happening.
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Photos by Richie McFly