Chicago born actor Brian Nelson Jr. has been making quite the name for himself in Hollywood over the last few years.
After spending the later half of elementary school and high school in Aurora Illinois, Nelson went on to earn his degree in Political Science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before getting his start in acting at Jackie Taylor’s famed Black Ensemble Theater on Chicago’s north side. Nelson soon began working with various regional theaters like Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Court Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and Porchlight Music Theatre before doubling down on his dedication to the craft in 2018 by spending the summer studying at Oxford University with the British American Drama Academy.
In addition to his growing list of television credits including appearances on All American: Homecoming (The CW). APB (Fox) Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. (NBC), General Hospital (ABC), Insecure (HBO) and The Neighborhood (CBS), the pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member is also a burgeoning writer and director having his moving short film, The Talented Tenth, become an official selection for the Chicago Indie Film Awards, Micheaux Film Festival, and Blue Ridge Film Festival as well earning a nomination for the Cannes World Film Festival.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the proud Chicagoan to learn more of his story and what he has in store for the future.
In your own words, who is Brian Nelson Jr?
I like to say that I am a vessel. I’m here for a purpose. That purpose is larger than me. Vessels are used to carry and connect. So I pray that with everything I do, I have the bandwidth to carry it and connect us to ourselves and each-other.
What are three words those who know you best would use to describe you?
Empathetic. Resilient. Stubborn.
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As a child, what did you dream you’d do for a living?
I wanted to be Usher, full stop. I’d come home after school and watch 106 & park and learn all the new dance moves, just so I could perform them at lunch. LOL
Who was the first person you saw on screen that inspired you to pursue acting?
Honestly, I’ve never been asked this question but I gotta say Taye Diggs. I think it was because he was a cool, smart guy, and thoughtful but was also a little silly and dorky. I could relate.
Please tell us about your journey into becoming a working actor in film, television and stage?
This is a journey that started in a living room on the westside of Chicago when my Auntie Adrian used to babysit my cousins and I, but we were actually just watching Black history movies like Rosewood and Mississippi Burning every week. Then again at family cookouts, when I would dance all the time. At Waubonsie Valley High School, I sang and danced in the show choir and my English teacher Gary Smiley put me in my first play. I was awful, but I knew I was on to something. So even though I majored in Political Science in high school, I still performed and even performed at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. After college, I started doing musicals and plays at Black Ensemble Theater. There, I learned how to be a working actor as far as having a working musical book, headshots and how to always ask for what I want.
Whenever you come back home to Chicago, what are some of your must haves or must do things?
I usually get an Italian Beef dipped with cheese and sweet pepper from Portillos, at least once. If I’m lucky, I can make it out to Beggars on 127th and get some of their pizza. These days, I’m usually there to work, so my family and whatever gig I’m working usually gets the most of my time. We will usually get a family event in while I’m there as well.
What does your self-care and mental health routine look like?
I try to go to the gym almost everyday. And in the mornings. I always tell myself that if I can get through my workouts, I can get through anything. They really put me in the mental state to be successful at whatever I try. I also journal for 10 minutes everyday. I give myself different challenges and themes. The current theme is “HABITS” and I’m just mindful of the theme as I journal. Writing and talking helps me get my ideas out. When I’m in LA, a nice hike usually clears my mind as well. Or help me to get my lines in my body if I need to learn them for an audition which makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. And that equals great mental health for the day.
Something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can make a bomb peach cobbler. I’ve been making them since I was in high school.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
I think I can watch Set It Off all day! And I think F. Gary Gray did such a phenomenal job directing a story about four Black women in a heist film. It was Iconic. “Whats the MF procedure when you have a gun to your head?” Man, I love that movie so much.
Best advice to aspiring actors?
Stay open! Stay Creative! Stay positive! And just keep showing up!
Favorite quotes or affirmations?
“I come as 1 but I stand as 10,000”- Maya Angelou
“I know God and God know everybody” –Loy Webb
“You got all of heaven, earth, and creation backing you up”- Brian Nelson Jr.
What’s next for Brian Nelson Jr.?
I’ve learned to let stuff air before I get to announcing. But I’m supposed to appear on an episode of a popular long-running tv show this winter, so we will see. I’m also writing, so we will definitely see some more of my own work. A big goal of mine is to own my own production company and studio. I’d love to be the vehicle for greenlighting my own work and other people’s work that need a chance. Because somebody gave me a chance.
For more information on Brian Nelson Jr., feel free to connect with him on Facebook and Instagram : @brian,nelsonjr
