Meet AJ Thompson

We were lucky to catch up with AJ Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have AJ with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I get my work ethic from a mix of personal discipline and the example set by my parents. Sports taught me structure and drive, but when I really think about it, my biggest inspiration came from watching my mom and dad. They didn’t have college degrees or come from wealth, but they had grit in everything they did. That kind of perseverance left a mark on me. It made me realize that whatever I create, whether it’s film, music, or storytelling. It has to come from a place of passion and care. Now that I live on my own, staying in shape has become a daily way to practice discipline. And when it comes to acting, I’m willing to physically transform, whether that means bulking up or slimming down, because I believe in fully committing to the role. That’s where my work ethic shows: in the small, consistent choices and in how much I care about the craft.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a filmmaker, actor, and storyteller who’s passionate about creating content that connects with people. Right now, my focus is on comedy. I’m building a brand that brings back the style of humor I grew up with in the 2000s, but with a modern twist. I want to make people laugh in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Comedy is where my heart is while I’m in my 20s. It’s the lane I’m running in right now and what I want to be known for by future generations. But I’m also thinking long-term. As I grow in this industry, I want to branch out into action films and eventually step into the superhero world with Marvel or DC.

What I hope people understand about my work is that I genuinely care about the craft. Whether I’m writing, directing, or acting, I’m fully invested in telling stories that matter. My brand is about passion, connection, and committing fully to every role and every scene.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things really impacted my journey in a big way. First, having confidence in my creativity. That self-belief is important, especially in moments when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. A perfect example of that was when I played a role in The Outsiders. It’s such an iconic novel and movie, and honestly, I was nervous that I wasn’t going to be good enough. It was my first time performing live and not playing a comedic character, which was a huge shift for me.

I took it seriously. I studied the novel deeply and even read what fans had written about the characters online. I used that insight to shape how I connected with the role and built relationships with the other characters on stage. The stunts were physically tough, especially the flips and falls during the rumble scene. There were a lot of flops during rehearsal, but my partner and I worked hard and managed to pull off an incredible sequence. Every night we left the audience in shock, especially when I did a flip and landed flat on my back. That whole experience taught me how important confidence, preparation, and grit really are.

Second, building a strong team has always been key. Whether on stage or behind the camera, surrounding yourself with people who believe in the project and push you to be better makes a huge difference.

And third, staying humble no matter what. No matter how far I go, I never want to lose the appreciation I have for every opportunity. Being grounded helps you grow, and people respect that.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say believe in your ideas, commit to the work, and don’t be afraid to take on roles or challenges that scare you. Growth lives in that space. Stay focused, stay passionate, and always stay true to yourself.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

One of my biggest areas of growth recently has been learning how to better define my audience and understand who I am creating for. This growth really started thanks to a great friend of mine from college named Kwadwo. He’s an incredible influencer with a real passion for fashion and thrifting. Watching his journey has been, in his own words, sensational.

He gave me a piece of advice while we were in college that stuck with me. He told me to understand who I want my audience to be and everything else will work itself out. That changed how I approach my work. Whether I’m making a film or stepping into a role as an actor, I now know who I’m trying to reach.

I used to worry about trying to impress everyone. The truth is, you can’t. That’s just reality. What matters more is focusing on connecting with that one person. If I can move one person with what I create, then I’ve done something right. From there, the results are endless.

That mindset has helped me become more confident, more intentional, and more free with my creativity.

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