We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jock McKissic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jock, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Honestly, it comes straight from my mother. Growing up, she often had two jobs to make sure my older brother and I had everything we needed, but the part that really stuck with me wasn’t just what she did — it was how she did it. She didn’t just tell us to work hard; she brought us with her, showed us what discipline looked like up close. We’d help out during her second job, and without ever giving a big speech about it, she was teaching us the value of showing up, being accountable, and taking pride in what you do.
She led by example, every single day. To me, that’s real leadership. She didn’t raise workers, she raised young men who understood what it meant to push through, stay focused, and carry ourselves with purpose. I carry that with me on every set and in every role.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an actor and storyteller, and for me, this work is more than just hitting marks and delivering lines — it’s about reaching people. I came up in the theater, over twenty years of stage work, and that foundation really shaped the way I approach everything. Theater teaches you honesty, presence, and discipline, and I carry that with me into every film and TV project.
What excites me most is the range I get to play in. I love diving into comedy just as much as I love cracking open the emotional weight of a dramatic role. I think that duality — being able to make people laugh one minute and gut-punch them the next, is what makes my work feel special. I’m always looking for characters who have depth, who have something to say even when they’re quiet.
Right now, one of the projects I’m most focused on is my self-improvement book, “50 Principles to Thrive in Life.” It compiles different life lessons and stories that can help shifts one’s habits & perspectives. It’s a #1 on Amazon, & we’ve had a lot of positive feedback about it. I’m honestly, continually excited to share it with new people, and learn how they apply the principles to their lives.
Overall, my brand is simple: truth, heart, and humanity. Whether I’m on stage, in front of a camera, or behind the pen, I want the work to feel lived-in and honest. I want people to walk away remembering how the story made them feel. That’s the goal every time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Discipline My foundation is theater — years and years of reps. That grit you build from showing up to rehearsal when you’re tired, memorizing lines when nobody’s watching, and putting in the work even when the payoff isn’t guaranteed… that discipline carries you. In this industry, talent gets you noticed, but discipline keeps you working.
Advice: Create habits. Show up on the days you don’t feel like it. Train like it’s your job before it actually becomes your job.
2. Emotional Awareness
Acting is honesty. You have to know yourself well enough to step into someone else’s life truthfully. The more I understood my own emotions, my triggers, my fears, my quiet spaces — the easier it became to bring depth and nuance to characters.
Advice: Don’t run from your own experiences. Journal, talk things out, sit with your emotions instead of pushing them away. The more you know you, the more you can bring to your work.
3. Being a Lifelong Student
I’ve trained with some incredible acting coaches in Atlanta, & Los Angeles, and even with 30+ years of stage and screen experience, I’m still learning. Staying curious keeps your work fresh and keeps your ego out of the way.
Advice: Take classes. Watch great performances and ask why they work. Surround yourself with people who push you and challenge you.
At the end of the day, growth isn’t loud — it’s consistent. If you build these three things early, the opportunities will meet you when you’re ready for them.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Pray, meditate, find something that makes me laugh, and in that order.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://demoreel.com/jockmckissic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfifty?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Jock McKissic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jock-mckissic-8231046b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @jayfifty
Image Credits
Alexandria Kasparian, Arnold Turner
