Check out our interview with talented actor Jacob Moran who is best known for his role as Billy in the Blumhouse blockbuster “The Black Phone.” Since the movie release, Jacob has grown significantly in popularity and is a new teen heart-throb. He also plays Tristan, the lead in “New Shoes” short film that premiered at American Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival on May 24. Tristan desperately needs new shoes, but his mother struggles between feeding her drug addiction and providing for her child. Jacob just wrapped filming a supporting role on Nicole Kidman’s highly anticipated new movie “Holland Michigan.”
Follow Jacob @thejacobmoran
Hi Jacob, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! Thank you very much for having me. The big news of the month is that I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, today actually. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Music is what started my desire to perform. My family loves music and either sings or plays an instrument and playing the drums came naturally for me. From there, I went on tour for close to a year and that sparked my love of travel. I am super focused on the television and film industry (in front of and behind the camera). In my free time, I love to be on the lake. Water sports is my favorite hobby for sure.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Inquisitive, Active and Creative
How did you get started into acting?
I was born into a very creative family who have a strong love of music and theatre. I have been playing the drums since before I was two. That led to different performances and community theatre and I took classes at the Orbit Arts Academy. Once I booked the National Tour of School of Rock, things really took off and it became clear that I wanted to perform.
How has this changed your life?
My entire life changed when we hit the road. The experience didn’t just open up professional opportunities, it opened my eyes to a much bigger world. I started spending a lot of time in NYC and once I connected with my agents out there I realized anything is possible. So, today, I work on being a “normal teenager” and balancing what I hope will be my life-long career.
How do you prepare for a role?
I usually prepare for a role by reading the script first. Then, I work backwards and go about memorizing my lines. Once I do that, I start thinking about the backstory of the character. Who are they, what more could we know about them? Once I feel comfortable with who the character is, I like to try different approaches and ways to say things or sometimes try to look at the scene in a way that isn’t what I first imagined it to be.
Tell us about your work as Billy in the Blumhouse blockbuster “The Black Phone?”
Filming “The Black Phone” was a dream come true for me. At the time we shot it, I didn’t realize what it would become and I actually am glad because that was just an added bonus. Everything about this project was amazing. From the other actors, to the hair and makeup process, to Scott Derickson the director and the crazy basement soundstage, each experience was as great as the next. Even though we don’t know that much about Billy, it was a good challenge to have to play him both alive and dead and bring different things to each. Of course, Billy loved his dog and those scenes were always so much fun.
And about your lead role in “New Shoes?”
This is a special film and definitely an experience that will help shape me as an actor. My character Tristan and the film is based on a true story. Tristan’s upbringing couldn’t be more different than mine and I really had to work hard to figure out a way to connect to this character and way of life. It was hard. I felt a responsibility to tell this story how the director Thommy Kane experienced it. This was his true story and I had to make sure I brought my own vision to it while honoring his childhood experiences. There were some long days and rough moments because the material is so raw.
How was Cannes and the premier of the film?
This is hard to put into words. It was almost like being in a movie, only it was real life. If you are a young actor, life myself, I can’t think of a more inspiring place to be around so many successful and hardworking filmmakers and actors. To watch our film at the American Pavilion was amazing. It was the first time we experienced others’ reactions to the film and it was well received. It is still hard for me to watch myself on screen but I knew this was a defining moment.
What other projects have you been part of?
It is really amazing how much I got to work during COVID. I am so grateful. While not all of my roles are big breakouts, they all have meaning to me. In the past year I have worked on NBC’s “New Amsterdam”, ABC’s “The Wonder Years” and I just wrapped the film “Holland Michigan” with Nicole Kidman and an all-star amazing cast.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be up to right now?
I would continue to finish school and my guess is I would play a lot more golf and music. I would be on the water for sure!
Can you name 3 actors/actresses you would love to work with?
Matthew McConaughey, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love seeing everything come to life. Making it happen takes a lot of time and patience and when you get to see it come together that is really rewarding for me.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
The best advice I have for newer actors is keep planting the seeds. This was advice given to me and I will never forget it. If you keep planting one day you get to see it all grow. To me this means building relationships, taking every opportunity that makes sense for you (there are no small parts.) Do the work, keep training and love what you do. Don’t get me wrong, I get discouraged sometimes, but I come back to the belief that the work you put in today will pay off in ways we don’t even know just yet.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
“Go for No.” Of course you want every audition to be great and hope to get the role but the reality is that isn’t always the case. So, learning that every no is one step closer to a yes keeps things interesting and helps me stay away from over thinking why someone didn’t choose me. Learning that I’ll be right for the right part has been an important lesson for me.
How would your best friend describe you?
Definitely always wanting to be doing something. I am a guy on the move. I think they would say I am fun and like to keep things interesting and that I am a bit of a daredevil.
What’s next for Jacob Moran in 2023?
I am about to start filming a new project called “Regarding Veronica.” It is timely that we begin filming during pride month and I am proud to connect with a project that is going to tackle some tough issues and realities. Stay tuned…
What is your favorite healthy food?
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Salads
And your favorite cheat food?
Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich
What is your own definition of happiness?
Stress-free freedom. The ability to do what you love and the resources to help others.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Bob Marley – I have grown up listening to his music and would love to explore that with him.
Do you support any charity?
I do. My family is pretty passionate about giving back and making a difference where we can. Since I can remember, we have been big supporters of The U.S. Fund for UNICEF. I remember packing school boxes for children in other countries in the first grade. Most recently, I aligned with the MECCA Project to build a platform to help teens with anxiety and suicide prevention and joined the Young Hollywood St. Jude team. I also support anxiousnation.com, a documentary that was just released to help families recognize and address the crisis so many young people face today with mental illness.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to be a successful actor with lots of script opportunities. From there, I plan to write and develop my own projects and start my own production company while I continue to act in great films.
What do you think of Social Media?
Love-Hate. It is fun to stay connected, be informed and inspired. On the days it becomes too much or I find myself comparing I know it is time to take a break.
Where can we follow you?
Thank you!!
Insta: @thejacobmoran
Twitter @iamjacobmoran
Website: jacobmoran.com
Favorites….
Book: The Sundog -Stephen King
Movie: Interstellar
Tv Series: Manifest
Favorite Food: Steak
Travel Destination: Next up, Italy!
Sports Team: Atlanta Braves
Cover Photo Credit: Jenn Lewis @jennlewisphotography
Plane Photo Credit: Sarah Lindsay @sarahlindsayphotographer
Rocks Photo Credit: Garron Cooper @garoncooper
Headshot Photo Credit: Guido Vennitucci @guidovenitucci
