Jason Michael Zlatkus is an award-winning American film actor who has appeared in a number of films including The First Rule, Remedy, Near Enemies, and Forever Young (2020).
Zlatkus was also Executive Producer on The First Rule which continues to win festival awards including Best Crime Film and Best International Film.
Zlatkus is also an experienced commercial actor with lead roles for powerhouse companies such as Marvel, Every Man Jack, Philips, Ford, Cisco and 1-800Flowers. One of the larger advertising character’s Zlatkus has portrayed is Hunger Halter, a hero created by Feeding San Diego and The San Diego Comic-Con Museum to bring awareness to ending over production and food waste.
Standing 6’4″ he is also a trained, known runway elite, Men’s Wearhouse model and published print model. Located in Los Angeles, Jason has continued to train and hone his acting skills. Jason hosts a live weekly podcast / show for actors with working actors as guests. Called “Coffee Breaks Thursdays with Jason Zlatkus” the show is seen and followed all over the world by aspiring actors and fans.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS JASON ZLATKUS IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I look at myself as just a guy who has a huge passion for acting. I’m an actor, family man and a big kid at heart. I love video games, toys, and pop culture in general really. In fact I owned a toy store before becoming an actor. I’m lucky to have a very supportive family and I definitely couldn’t do it without them.
WHEN DID YOU START ACTING? WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?
I’ve been acting for about 3 years. I started, as many actors do, as a model. I loved performing so much that I sought out other opportunities and eventually got cast in a movie, I fell in love with acting on that set. I knew it was something I needed to pursue.
YOU’VE ACTED IN A NUMBER OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AND AWARD-WINNING MOVIES; WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE ROLE SO FAR?
I’d have to say Remedy. Remedy is one of my newer movies and I’m very proud of my performance in it. It’s my favorite because it was the first time I wasn’t a bad guy in a movie. I love the bad guy but being the hero was a fun and new challenge.
HAVING DONE A VARIETY OF ROLES IN YOUR CAREER, ARE YOU NOW CONTENT AS AN ACTOR?
I’m an extremely lucky actor but I don’t know if I could ever be fully content. I am always excited to be on set and even if I’ve played a type of character before I find a way to play it differently so no two characters are ever alike. Each role is a new opportunity and I look forward to creating the characters. The great thing about acting is that there is no expiration date. I may be playing “dad” today, but years from now, I am playing “grandpa”.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST RECEIVED THE BEST FILM AWARD FOR YOUR MOVIE?
I was pretty surprised. It doesn’t occur to me when filming that we could win awards. It’s very validating to know that viewers not only watched your film but voted for it as the best film. Every film takes a lot of effort and a lot of people, being acknowledged for the hard work and what I brought to the film is remarkable. I’m grateful.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
My Dad for sure, he always worked hard and made sure we had everything we needed. He’s still my hero. Christopher Reeve, I’m a 70s child and Superman has always been my favorite. Reeve’s outlook on life and his dedication to philanthropy have stuck with me. Daniel Roebuck has a great career, he helps me on my path, and continually reminds me to be gracious.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I love Hip-Hop music. I listen to rap music almost exclusively. Not only do I love the music but I go to rap concerts and consider myself a hip-hop historian.
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS/ROLES YOU CAN TALK ABOUT?
I’m blessed to have a lot going on. My weekly live show “Coffee Breaks Thursdays With Jason Zlatkus” is going strong and I’m in the process of unveiling a new talk show featuring celebrity interviews on-the-go and on location called “Act Like it Matters”. I have many commercials currently awaiting release and I have a couple of great films that I have been cast in, starting to film soon including one where I play a handsome tennis pro called “The Obstacle”.
One of the most exciting things coming up is more appearances for Hunger Halter at San Diego area schools. Hunger Halter’s design was part of a contest with hundreds of student entries, which 14 year old Aiden Prior won by popular vote. I was cast to bring the hero to life and it’s been an honor to represent for Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Comic-Con Museum. Hunger Halter’s mission is to spread awareness of the need to end food waste and overproduction.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT YOUR FANS TO KNOW?
The fans are the reason I do what I do. I always appreciate the art and the messages they send me. I love it when they see me in public and tell me they appreciate my work or they saw me on TV. I want them to know that they mean a lot to me and I’m grateful for them watching my movies and supporting my social media.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
Instagram @jasonztheactor
Facebook @JasonZlatkus
Facebook – “Coffee Breaks Thursdays with Jason Zlatkus”
IMDb: @JasonZlatkus
YouTube @JasonZlatkus
