Meet Javier Villamil | Actor / Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Javier Villamil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Javier, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has proven to be invaluable in my career. After spending 15 years developing a music career in Chicago with a rock band, I had to take the huge RISK of completely changing industries. At 31, I moved myself to LA where I was basically throwing spaghetti to a wall to see what sticks with a general direction of “filmmaking”. A year later, after realizing I wasn’t making the right connections, I took another BIG RISK and moved to Atlanta, GA. Only then did i start to see the fruits of my labor and risk taking.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The road that has led me here was paved with many hardships. Growing up in Chicago is a feat in and of itself. I was blessed to have a very creative grandfather who exposed me to all types of art including holding video cameras, making costumes, acting, making music, and even toy making believe it or not. At 17 I had decided I was to join the ARMY. I was dead set on becoming a soldier after defeating a rock climbing wall HAHA. I was reintroduced to the creative world just before I turned 18 by a former coworker who introduced me to “Metal”. After spending years creating with the band, we developed a following in Chicago and were hit with the reality of what it actually takes to “make it” in music. Deciding to change directions was a huge challenge because it meant turning away from a ton of art I’ve made in the past. I spilled my guts in music. HOWEVER, the experience I gained in performing live verily cut my teeth and prepped me for my future in acting. I have learned over time to trust my discernment and to truly believe in my capabilities as an actor/producer. I have been very blessed with opportunities to express myself in film and work with some heavy hitters. Vanished: Searching for My Sister starring Tatyana Ali, Jumanji: The Next Level starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, and premiering on Feb. 13th,2022, my episode of PowerBook IV: Force airs. I plan to use my platform to encourage and inspire young people to reach for the stars by trusting in themselves and giving Blood and Bone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Aight so boom, if you’re in Atl you gotta visit Tassili’s Raw and get you a Punany Wrap (half spicy). I swear on everything I love it’s the best wrap I have ever eaten. I’d then say get to the roof at Ponce City Market. Cool vibes and a view. NOW, if your in my hometown of The Chi (Chicago) you’ll have to get to Logan Square and check out my favorite place to watch any movie and that’s The Logan Theater. It’s the first theater I remember ever going to and they play throwbacks!! I’d say you’ll have to go and grab a Jibarito from one of our many PuertoRican spots (Ponce is a good one). If you like ribeye steak and a great view I’d say throw on a button up and visit the Signature Room on top of 875 North Michigan formerly the John Hancock Center.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Maggie Bush, Etre-Productions, Sean Gloria, Gill Talent Group, Pantheon Talent.. Without these key players I would not be in the position I am now and I humbly thank them.

Website: https://bloodandbone.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjaviervillamil/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javiervillamil/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_villamil

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4676698/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Lifestyle shoot photo by Jakina Ado
White tee with truck by Dave Meall
Black button up headshot by Jason McCoy
Power sweater on beach by Javier Villamil