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

Hi Jonathan, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success is not the accomplishment of pursuits, but the evolution into the version of me that must be attained in order to produce results. If you are striving for it you already missed it. It finds you through whom you become. There is development of character, spirituality, mental transformation, skill, excellence- this kind of growth is greater than my striving for the things we call success.

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.
I am an actor in film and theatre. I’ll like to share an essential key I’ve learned along the way:
I was in meditation about how to become greater in my craft. I already have a few years training in a foundational technique and I was expecting to hear some instruction to go train some more however what I received was not what I expected. He told me two words, “humble yourself.” That understanding has been growing deep roots and producing fruit within me ever since and it is one of the most fundamental truths I’ve learned for myself in this journey. What I have discovered is there is a frightening blindness that covers our eyes when we are driven with pride and arrogance. It walks hand in hand with envy and selfish ambition also… and while we strive to be great with this motivation we don’t see that we are actually about to fall. That’s why it’s frightening in retrospect, because you never see it coming. But this principle is one of the powerful keys to mastering skill and obtaining higher levels at any art form and in every sphere of life. Even in communicative arts like what I do- story telling.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I haven’t been living for too long in LA and I’m still learning the pockets of great places to be so this will be limited but-

A great morning or afternoon hike in let’s say- Malibu state park, or the Griffith park ridges that are off the beaten path. Temescal canyon also. Malibu State park has a lake with some rocks you can jump off of into and swim which is pretty fun!

Next we would rent a tiny bungalow in Joshua tree, head to Keys Views for some breathtaking views and come back home for a nice campfire- stargazing- and storytelling.

A visit to Paso Robles for some good wine tasting and tour of private vineyards is something to do.

In LA I’ll be sure to take ‘em to Cafe on 27 in Topanga Canyon blvd which is a charming place with good food, views, vibe and very friendly staff. John and Vinny’s (I’ve only been to one in Brentwood) has some incredibly delicious food! Beachwood cafe is a charming place to visit. There is a gem in Sierra Madre if you’re into sushi it’s called Yui Restaurant.

When I first got to LA I was fortunate enough to meet friends who would just scoop me up and go driving around LA for hours. I would do the exact same. Bel Air is one of my favorites to drive through. Can’t come to LA without enjoying the Sun at the beach! We would go for a swim or nice bike ride in Santa Monica.

I really enjoy watching film and the Laemmle’s Playhouse 7 in Pasadena is a favorite of mines to go and watch something, so we’ll hit that place up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All blessings flow from God to men through men, so I’ll first give honor to my Abba, and his son Jesus! They are the foundation of my building. My father and mother and all my siblings. David Ham, Patricia Mauceri, and Marco Santiago were the first to identify and give me my very first acting experience. I’m indebted to them. Thomas Jones a man of true riches who has guided me- all my teachers at Summit- the master teacher Barbara Marchant whom I had the privilege to train with at the William Esper Studio, Laith, Deb and Jules at the studio. And my mate Francis Maxwell who has shown me endless amounts of favor and support within this journey.

Instagram: @Jonathan.r.hudson

Other: Htalent@icloud.com imdb.me/jrhudson

Image Credits
Head Shot photos: Daniel Usenko

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