Meet William Jefferson Jr | Award Winning Filmmaker, Actor, Mentor, Coach, Entrepenuer & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Jefferson Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I choose an artistic creative career because it is something that brings me joy each and every day. It doesnt feel like work. I felt as if I was born to story tell and create. I remember going to college thinking that this isn’t a “real career” I need to focus on STEAM or work a corporate job. A thought came to mind of that the world needs creators and artist to be entertain. It truly is my calling

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an actor it is my calling to tell good stories. What sets be apart of others is that I also have a creative mind. I am most proud of me booking my first speaking role on a major show still. I got to where I am by being nice , asking for help , making sacrifices , doing the work and praying. It was not easy but nothing in life is. To overcome challenges I have to surround myself with positive people and remember my why, The lessons I learned the way is that you can’t satisfy everyone. I want the world to know that I am here to help you and your career based off my experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would tell me best friend lets go to Chicago. My hometown it’s so much to do in my city. We have the best food , the best views, festivals/concerts. I would first have them at the stop at Harolds Chicken you have to Get a 4 piece with mild sauce. Then I would take them shopping downtown on Michigan Ave downtown. We would then go to the beach or navy pier and enjoy the view and the water. I would then take them to the fun shed aquariums and museums. If they come in the summer we would go to grant park. If it is in the winter we would still do the same it doesn’t matter anytime of the year we would have a blast.

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?
Talent Managers for Actors , Hollywood Winners Cirlce (Wendy Alane Wright) who is my mentor. RB Studios (Randy Bernales) my acting coach. Mobula Productions (Matt Campell) My high school Simeon Career Academy , College Miles College. My first webs series (Juke A Chicago Story) 4 Star Casting , Extra Ordinary Casting , Joan Philo casting Show Up To Book the Room , Jen Stanko , Nancy Vela Headshot photographers , Agent Vilma Llaguno Dream Team Talent Agency (James Ciccone ) my other coach. Clubhouse talks with Twinkie Byrd , Jossie Harris , Leslie Greene, Versa Manos. Hey I saw your commercial (Mike Dolphy) Claire Simon (Simon Casting) who gave me my first speaking role on a network tv show. Compass Casting giving me the opportunity to work on my first feature film (Sarah Cayce) Derryn Warren book ” How to make your audience fall in love with you” Christine Horn , Kurt Yue influenced me watching their Youtube Videos. Actors Blue Print (Mike Dolphy) Actors Biz (Anastasia Edwards) my two fellow working actors and business collegiate. ATL Stunts (Brian Krainson) Atlanta Actor Collective, Green Lit All, Actors Link Up. Carl Kennedy , Carem Alexis, Shay Mack acting coaches that inspire me. Creative groups for the community.

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Image Credits
Rashad Thomas (Spyda), Nancy Vela, Scott Tallarida