Meet Leon Washington Jr.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leon Washington Jr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leon, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I believe my optimism comes from a combination of my family, the schools I attended, and positive thinking. My family taught me to believe in God and through him, all things are possible. The schools I attended were some of the best in the city and they instilled in me a belief and confidence that I am one of the best and brightest. And lastly, I think I always realized that things were never as bad as they seemed. I can’t recall when, but I eventually started reading Self Help books like The Power of Positive Thinking, As a Man Thinketh, and Write It Down, Make It Happen just to name a few. I encourage everyone to always think positive and look on the bright side because there is always someone who may be less fortunate than you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Right now, I am focusing on becoming a PHENOMENAL Actor, Screenwriting, Producer, and Businessman! I’ve had some success with Commercials, Stage Plays, TV Shows, and Films, but I am not yet satisfied. I want to be considered as one of the best that ever did it and I am aware that I still have alot to learn and accomplish, but I am up for the challenge.

The most exciting thing about being an actor is seeing the reactions from my family members, friends, and co-workers when they see me as a character they don’t expect me to play. I’ve had the privilege of playing the leading man who is a Lawyer, I’ve played a Doctor, a Pastor, and even a Drug Dealer.

I think what’s special about this chosen career is my parents witnessing their son go after his own goals and dreams and l love that it makes them proud!

As far as new things on the horizon, Three The Hard Way is coming soon. Shoutout to Director Mike Williams. I have a few other films on the way: Betrayal, Butcher’s Mountain, If She Only Knew and a few more. I am looking to do more commercials, more TV shows, and more Live Stage Plays if I can fit them into my schedule. My goal is to work consistently and constantly sharpen my tools.

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?

Three of the most important skills that were most impactful in my journey would be: 1) the willingness to learn. There are few people who are simply blessed with talent and then there are those of us who have to really put in the work to learn that skill, technique, or craft to make everything look and feel natural. 2) The ability to network; the industry is very competitive, but that shouldn’t deter you from getting to know people and share information. I’ve met cast members, casting directors, and others on a project and later on they reached out to me for a role for another project or I’ve reached out to them to be part of something I’m working on. None of us can get anywhere alone. Help others and others will help you! 3) The ability to stay Persistent. You will get alot of NOs in the industry for reasons beyond your control, but don’t let it discourage you if this is what you want to do. Keep learning and working on your skills and techniques and eventually what’s for you will be yours!

For those Actors who are new on your journey, learn as much as you can, be dedicated and persistent, and network and share information. Be a blessing to others and others will be a blessing to you!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was not give me everything I wanted. I was blessed and fortunate enough to come from a 2 parent home, but don’t let that fool you. Being the oldest of 3 and the only boy, my parents told me early on to work for what I want. Then when I got to an age when I could work, it turned to don’t buy what you want, buy what you need. I definitely appreciate them for raising me the way they did. It made me want to go and work and grind a little harder. I try to share those little gems with my son.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @leon_w1__