[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our interview with talented Jaheem Toombs who is an triple threat (singing, acting, dancing) and an Influencer with over 200,000 followers on Instagram. He is best known for his series regular role as Fenwick Frazier on Nickelodeon’s “100 THINGS TO DO BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL,” where he plays the smartest kid at school.
Jaheem’s many other credits include being a GUEST STAR on Amazon’s GORTIMER GIBBONS LIFE ON NORMAL STREET, NBC’s THE CAPE, and ABC’S MR. SUNSHINE, just to name a few. He has also held special guest appearances on many Nickelodeon award shows, holiday specials, and commercials. He was just cast in the film THE PAPERBOYS which will start production this spring.
His most exciting recent news is that he was just cast as a SERIES REGULAR in the pilot SHORTCOMINGS with Jerry Trainor. Jaheem loves to give back to the community and is a brand ambassador for the Life is Good Kids Foundation, which promotes the power of optimism in all situations. He is also part of the “De-Stress The SAT” Social Media campaign benefiting teens who are preparing for college. In his free time, singing is Jaheem’s passion, he just released his first single with more to come on the music front.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24779″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Jaheem, please tell us a little about you!
I grew up in Boston Massachusetts and always knew i wanted to entertain. I watched Nickelodeon faithfully and my dream was to one day have a series. I participated in a ton of school and church plays and as time went on the passion grew stronger. I now live in Los Angeles, California where I continue to pursue my entertainment career. I love rollercoasters, Chick Fit A, and Beyonce.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I feel like the word to describe my ENTIRE life is “extra”. It’s a weird word but it has always had a positive connotation to me lol. If i had to choose two more words they would be energetic, and passionate.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
It certainly wasn’t easy to start making a name for myself in the industry. People often ask me how I “got in” to the industry. I don’t even know if there’s one solid answer to that question! There are plenty of ways to get started in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry but it takes a combination of things to survive it! You have to truly be passionate because in this industry there is a lot of rejection, hate, and inequality. Me personally, I chose to ignore those that told me to give up, and I let my haters motivate me to work harder.
Did your family support your decision to become an actor?
My family is beyond supportive! They moved our entire life across the country because they believed in me. That’s pretty supportive of you ask me! They still continue to support everything I do, and I love them sooooo much!
Tell us about the Nickelodeon’s “100 THINGS TO DO BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL” series and about your role as Fenwick Frazier?
Being on 100 things was one of the coolest experiences of my life! I absolutely loved being apart of such a beautiful show. Fenwick was the perfect role for me because of how alike we are. Sarcastic, dramatic, and energetic!
What other projects you have been part of?
I starred in first ever film “Save Me” directed by Lena Waithe when I was 10 years old. I guest starred on some shows on ABC, NBC, etc. Earlier this year I did a pilot called “Shortcomings” with some acting role models of mine! I’ve always looked up to “Jerry Trainor” from Icarly and working with him was incredible. You can expect to see me in “Knight Squad” on Nickelodeon. I’m also currently working on my original music, my single “Superpower” is out ITunes right now and I can’t wait for everyone to hear more!
How do you prepare for a role?
I always try to experience life through the characters eyes. I’m not a method actor, but I’ve realized that I begin to feel more in tune with the character when I create a more vivid backstory in my head. I also always try to add a tad of my own personality to each character.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t yet?
I would love to be in a superhero film, maybe a character in a sequel of Black Panther!
What is your musical background?
I have loved to sing since I was a toddler. Music is apart of me. It’s who I am. I’ve trained vocally with Tim Carter and I can’t forget about me elementary school music teacher Mrs. Sharon Lunsford! She taught me the ins and outs of music and her classroom was my second home. I felt so safe when I was making music! I often felt misunderstood in Boston, and Music was my best friend. I also attended “School of Rock” and learned to play.
Do you play any instrument?
I play Bass, Guitar, Piano, and Drums.
Do you ever get nervous?
I often feel a little nervous before I step on stage, or before I start a scene, but the moment I begin, all of the nerves go away!
If you could go and work with any artist on tour right now who would it be?
I would love to tour with Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, or THE QUEEN, BEYONCÉ
What inspires you to do new music?
In the city of LA I pull inspiration while I’m out and about every day! Whether I’m pulling from a situation I experienced or something as simple as how pretty the rain looks.
Best advice ever given?
I was by my pastor in Boston William E Dickerson not to let “Hollywood get into me” but to get into Hollywood. I take that with me everyday. It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamor of “Hollywood” but I didn’t come here to do that, I came to make a difference.
Do you have a role model?
Beyoncé is my biggest inspiration in life. I study her daily and I admire her more than I could ever put into words.
What is you favorite song? And why?
Crazy In Love by Beyoncé is definitely my favorite song. Mainly because it can always cheer me up no matter what mood I’m in.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I have some really cool projects in the works. I’ll keep them a SUPRISE for now but stay tuned, I promise they are AWESOME!
What is your next goal in 2018?
In 2018 so far I’ve seen myself spending a lot of time on music. A major goal for this year is to get that music out☺
Any loves, other then acting and music?
I actually love to dance. I wasn’t always super interested in dancing but the more I do it the more I fall in love with the art of dance.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
I would say I’d be totally lost without my phone, my spiritual relationship with God, and Beyoncé.
Name one your strengths?
I would say that I’m pretty good at resolving conflict. My dad is a motivational speaker and a master in psychology so being able to talk to/help people comes pretty naturally.
How is a normal day in your life?
When I’m not on set, I usually get some school done in the morning and record some music at the house! I like to hang out with my friends, we usually go to the movies or a theme park.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I feel like I would love to meet Michael Jackson. I would have a lot of questions for him. I definitely look up to him a lot, he’s a major inspiration for me
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday for me is church in the morning, Netflix cartoons, a cup of tea, and some family time.
Do you support any charities?
I’m heavily involved with the Life is Good Kids Foundation and will be working with some new charities in the near future.
Where we can follow you?
@jaheemtoombs on all social media. Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Quote: My favorite quote is a Bible verse Philippians 4:13
Book: My favorite book series growing up was Diary of a wimpy kid.
Movie: My favorite movie changes like weekly but I guess I would say “Black Panther” right now
Holiday Destination: I would love to spend a holiday in Orlando, Florida
Actor/Actress: I really look up to Eddie Murphy.
Tv Series: Santa Clarita Diet is my favorite show right now.
Sports Team: I do NOT follow sports at all lol. Do the halftime acts count? I guess I would say Patriots and rep the home town![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
