LBHW Interview with J. Marques Johnson!

Photo credits: Harvest Table Pictures/Vivian Winther

Recently, we caught up with actor and model J. Marques Johnson! Currently, you can catch him on “All the Queens Men,” portraying “Rayshon” so brilliantly on BETPlus! He’s also been featured in shorts “Behind Greatness” and “Other Side”. Here he talked about what led him into the world of acting, “All the Queens Men”, engaging with his supporters, and so much more! For J., his work goes beyond acting and transcends into empowering. Check it out below!

What was the pivotal moment that happened in your life that led you into a journey of acting?

There were quite a few moments that led me into my pursuit of the craft. I’ve always been perhaps too much of a character growing up, and I have always been enamored with the art of portraying another person. The moment I knew it was my “destiny” was when I did my first job as an “extra”, which was being a photo double for an athlete. Long story short, there was an ABNORMAL amount of overtime hours, meaning a FAT check, and 2 weeks later, the Actor’s Union classified me as a “must join” member of SAG-AFTRA, so then I kind of knew. 

Let’s talk about “All the Queens Men,” which is an AMAZING show! You portray the character “Rayshon”so amazingly. How did you prepare for this role, and what has he taught you as an actor honing in on your craft? 

I prepped for “Rayshon” by really understanding and relearning the complexity of humanity. Going back to being that young kid desperate to fit in and survive. To be somebody. What I’ve learned about myself as an actor is that I’m truly in love with the process and that nothing intimidates me in that regard. I’ve also learned that I have no issue getting somewhere emotionally; however, getting out of said emotion has proven difficult, but that’s just another tool I must sharpen.

What has been your most memorable scene to film in “All the Queens Men,” and why? 

The most memorable scene for me was “Rayshon’s Revenge,” where he beat up Jack. I needed to make sure I was there emotionally, ready to handle what came with that. The scene was someone attempting to get their power back, and it not only represented Rayshon, but it represented different people from different walks of life all over the world. I needed to make sure I brought the emotion, intensity, rage, confusion, the need for retribution, and forgiveness of self regarding such a traumatic event. This wasn’t an acting scene. It represented so much more to me, and I just wanted it done right, and the way things are shot, I only had one chance to get it right.

I tried summoning the energies of everyone I could muster to get there. The scene was bigger than me and, at the same time, included me.

What has your experience been like working alongside Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, and ALL the amazing cast members?

The cast is incredible. The whole ensemble! The dedication from each one of them is insane. There’s truly a lot of love on that set, with an internal and external desire to win. Internal meaning within themselves as we do our own work, and external meaning as in for the rest of the cast and just being of service. There aren’t really any formal rehearsals or table reads, but we, the cast, get an opportunity to connect on our time and really get into the meat of our characters and our relationships as pertaining to the show.

Out of all the roles you’ve portrayed thus far, which has been your favorite and why?

Honestly, it has to be “Rayshon”. In my preparation, it taught me so much more about the complexity of humanity and being respectful and loving to everyone. This is a kid wanting to be loved, wanting to be accepted, wanting to be someone who matters. I think we all have or have had those same thoughts as a baseline. Also, he’s a young man trying to simply figure out survival. I had to dive deep into my younger self and rectify certain things that had happened to me in order for it to play out correctly on screen. No one is safe from traumatic experiences, anger, grief, or vengeful thoughts.

Being able to portray him fighting to get his power back and prove his dignity to himself was one of the greatest privileges bestowed to me. I had the great responsibility, honor, and wanting, to bear the weight for those watching who have experienced similar traumas and wanted to do it right.

I know that you have a passion for people and helping others. I once heard you speak about being a safe haven for other boys in your neighborhood when you were growing up, as you had a brotherhood dynamic. That’s amazing and empowering! Can you go into that a little further and tell us how you help others? 

This safe haven thing kind of happened by accident. I and a few of my closest friends and family grew up in what was known as “Black Beverly Hills,” located in South Central Los Angeles. But unlike a lot of our neighboring children who were sent to private school, for some odd reason, us boys chose to attend high school in what is thought of as the inner city. I’m a proud Crenshaw Cougar, and a little research will let you know just how tough that school is.

But I don’t know; we were tight-knit and we had open arms. We were a bunch of athletes, so we lived and breathed competition, and naturally, our doors were always open to whomever wanted to come compete, haha. It wasn’t until much later that my “Hills” group and our parents were made aware of just how much we meant to our high school friends and the trajectory change in their lives. Like these dudes respectfully beat the odds in ways outsiders couldn’t fathom. I’m grateful to have been used for that reason. It’s a badge I wear with honor and pride to be of service, to be of belief in someone. I’ve seen how far it takes someone.

When you’re not working, how are you practicing self-care?

My self-care habits include a lot of exercise and a lot of nature. I’m so big on the concept of being in constant motion, because that’s my way of keeping up with the ever-changing nature of life. Time literally never stops, so why should I?

I’m big on the concept of barefoot grounding, because it just connects you to earth, and in the same vein, it too is constant motion, but also so still at the same time. There’s a metaphor in that, and in my grounding and being still, I feel I receive and live in that metaphor directly.

You are super cool and down-to-earth. I know that your fans are very important to you. I think it’s beyond amazing that you have that connection with them. Can you delve deeper into how you engage with your fans and why they are so important to you?

First, I have this weird thing with calling the supporters “fans”. They spend their hard-earned money monthly in support of our production. My acting coach told me that these people are essentially allowing me into their safe space, which is home. It’s a personal connection when you think about it that way. More than anything, these people help me provide for my daughter, and I can’t thank them enough for that.

I like to think of “All the Queen’s Friends” as I have affectionately called them, as a community. My village. I could sound crazy when I say this, but one starts to care about the character, and if I’m doing my job right, I can forget that this is just a role that I play. I haven’t lost sight of any of that. The very least I can do is let them know personally how truly grateful I am for their support, and I probably say it too much, but they can’t truly fathom what this and they mean to me. I’ve made great connections with people all over the world and have had real conversations about real-life things. I am filled with joy knowing something so small can make someone’s day. I can go on and on and on about my love for the friends, truly.

Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to state whatever compels you. I like to call this section UnpackingYour Thoughts. Let them know, King!

My gem is to live in gratitude. I can speak for all of us when I say we’ve overcome so much and have conquered so many obstacles. The conquering of oneself comes through the act of being grateful for the entire journey. My traumas, my wins, my “losses”, everything. Love life and everything in it, because we are here for a reason.

Be good to yourself, and be good to others.

Thank you so much, J. Marques!

Connect with J. here:

Instagram: @jmarquesjohnson

Photo credits: Harvest Table Pictures/Vivian Winther