We got to chat with TJ Wright about The Hate U Give, how his career started, and the advice he has for aspiring actors.
Words by Carol Wright | Photography by Natalie Norfus
You started booking commercials at the age of five. What about acting made you want to transition from commercial work to pursuing acting as a career?
I really got inspired by seeing kids my age in tv shows and movies. It proved to me that I could do it, too. Also, when I was four I really loved imaginary play (and I still do!) so acting was like imaginary play. Now, it’s my everyday life.
What drew you to the role of Sekani Carter in The Hate U Give?
First of all, I loved the meaning of his name, which is joy. I am a really joyful kid and Sekani seemed like a very joyful character. So that related to me a lot. The parts of Sekani’s life that aren’t like mine were also exciting because it gave me the chance to live as another person.
Has The Hate U Give inspired you to become more vocal about social issues happening in our country?
Very much so. Everybody has a voice and if you don’t use it there’s no point in having it. We need a more peaceful world with voices that help spread the word to stop violence. I think I can have an impact because I have an open mind about peacefulness – I can be very passionate but also tell the facts.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
I hope they take away love from the film. I hope they become more open-minded about what a person who gets shot might have liked and what story led to the shooting. They are more than just a person who gets shot. They are more than the Stoneman Douglas victims or the Las Vegas mass shooting victims. They might have been like you. They might have had interests like you. Innocent people who experience violence deserve the type of love that you give to your family members. So, one step towards ending violence would be giving each other more love.
You’ve done television and film. Do you have a preference between the two?
I don’t have a preference…yet! I love being on set and feel like I still have so much to learn with both film and tv.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
I am always auditioning so I’m very grateful for that and I feel like my next big adventure is right around the corner. I’ve also been writing short films that I hope to shoot soon with some of my actor friends.
Outside of acting what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Drawing! I love drawing because I like making characters and giving people personalities. I also really like learning new styles from other great artists because it helps me know more about my own style and get tips about how I can do my drawings differently. I really spend a lot of my time creating things – like making new slime recipes or writing stories or making collages.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Be you. If you are trying to act like someone you see on tv, you won’t have your own style and it will be hard to book a job. Also, it can take lots of auditions to book one job. So, treat every audition like it’s a performance and have lots of fun at that moment because you never know what will happen when you leave the audition. Classes that help you get comfortable talking to a camera and an audience are also very important. But the most important thing is to take your own path.