Jay Valentin is a talented young actor best known for “Facts of Life Web Series”, the Netflix special “When They See Us” and two soon-to-be released projects, “Bastion” and “Keep On Believing”, among others. Jay is a very loyal friend, loving and supportive son, wonderful to his family and he is a good student. His passion for acting can only be superseded by his love for God, his family, friends and girlfriend.
HI JAY VALENTIN! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME! CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
Well first off, thanks so much for the opportunity of this interview; it’s an honor. I am 16 years old and I love acting. I also enjoy watching movies, driving, playing games, playing instruments, especially my guitar and I like meeting new people.
WHEN DID YOU START ACTING? WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?
I started acting at age 12 on a series called “Facts of Life Web series” which was really fun. Acting lets me express myself in many different ways and step out of my comfort zone to become someone else. It’s something that I never knew I wanted to do but once I tried it out, I instantly fell in love with it and I knew that acting was a newfound passion that I want to focus on.
WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTH AS AN ACTOR?
My strength as an actor is being able to connect with my characters, being able to play different roles.
HOW IMPORTANT IS DEVELOPING A PERSONAL STYLE WHEN IT COMES TO ACTING?
While developing your own personal style has its value in that you become known for your best traits, I actually think that being diverse, reinventing yourself, is also important. Letting the industry know that you can play different roles well is an asset; it makes you more marketable. I feel that it’s important not to be typecast, especially in the beginning of your career. People are always looking for something new and if you don’t give it to them, someone else will.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I’m told that I play guitar really well and I studied jeet kune do for a bit, which I loved and want to take up again. When I am doing something that I am passionate about, I won’t let anything get in my way. I always try to stay positive because dwelling on the past won’t prepare you for the future. You have to keep moving forward.
IF SOMEONE IS GOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD PLAY YOU?
If someone was to make my life into a movie I feel that besides myself, of the young actors out there now, the best person to play me would be Xolo Mariduena who plays Miguel Diaz on the Netflix original series Cobra Kai. I admire his acting and I know that he would capture every emotion perfectly.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
Right now I’m a junior in H.S. so the next step for me, aside from focusing on my acting and also my music, will be researching colleges. I want to concentrate on mastering my crafts because, as my mom tells me, “The key to being happy in life is to find what you’re passionate about, something you love, do it well and find a way to make a decent living at it.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FANS AND OUR READERS?
A few more things about me, I’m a huge animal lover, especially dogs, cats and rabbits. I like football, basketball and swimming. I do a little bit of beatboxing. I like to help others and would like to not only be able to contribute to charities, but to be able found one of my own. As Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
To know more about Jay Valentin don’t forget to follow him on Instagram @theofficialjayvalentin
