Jamaal Lewis is a name that has become synonymous with versatility and creativity. A former football player, Lewis transitioned into acting and later, the world of social media influencing. With his background in sports and his entrepreneurial spirit, Lewis has carved a niche for himself in both industries, successfully balancing his acting career with his work as an influencer. In this exclusive interview with Charlette Magazine Asia, Jamaal shares his journey, challenges, and insights on managing life in the public eye.
From Football to Film: The Start of an Acting Career
Jamaal’s journey into the world of acting began in an unexpected way. After his football career came to an end, a friend suggested that he explore modeling and acting. “About 15 years ago, when my football career was over, a friend of mine at the time suggested that I try modeling and acting, so I went for it,” Jamaal recalls. What started as a suggestion soon turned into a thriving career, opening new doors for him in the entertainment industry.
Though the transition from athlete to actor may seem unusual to some, Jamaal embraced it wholeheartedly, taking the discipline and determination from his football career and applying it to the world of acting.
Balancing Two Careers: Acting and Influencing
Being both an actor and a social media influencer may sound like a juggling act, but for Jamaal, it’s a balance he’s found natural. “It’s actually not that hard,” he shares. “Being an actor gives me the ability to have more time to create during my downtime. And I love creating, so it’s always fun making content for specific brands.”
Jamaal views his social media presence as a complementary part of his acting career, allowing him to stay engaged with his audience while pursuing his passion for storytelling. His content creation, much like his acting, is purposeful and professional. “I use my social media primarily as a business tool and not personal,” he explains.
Acting Experience Fuels Content Creation
As an actor, Jamaal’s ability to step into different characters and understand narratives gives him an edge when creating content for social media. “There’s a lot of companies that want you to blend in with the branding and aesthetics of their company,” he says. “Having that acting ability when making content definitely gives me an edge.”
His acting background allows him to create engaging, story-driven content that stands out in the crowded world of influencers. Whether it’s crafting a storyline or experimenting with unique transitions, Jamaal’s content reflects the skills he’s honed as an actor.
Social Media’s Impact on His Acting Career
Jamaal’s social media presence isn’t just a platform for brand collaborations; it has directly impacted his acting career as well. He recently received an exciting opportunity thanks to his Instagram profile. “Just recently, I had a director contact me through Instagram, and I’ll be working with her in the near future, so it’s definitely a plus,” he reveals.
This shows the power of social media in today’s entertainment industry. For Jamaal, social media serves as an important tool for networking and branding, reinforcing his career as an actor.
Choosing Roles and Staying Authentic
While his influencer persona is well-established, Jamaal remains selective when it comes to choosing acting roles. He credits his clothing line, Stay Blessed, as a bigger influence on his choices rather than his social media presence. “I’m very particular with the gigs that I choose,” he says, emphasizing that his faith-based clothing line is what often guides his decisions.
When it comes to authenticity, Jamaal believes staying true to oneself is key. “I don’t really think there are challenges as long as you stay true to who you are, what you believe in, and stay focused on your own goals,” he shares. This mindset has helped him navigate both industries while maintaining a strong sense of self.
Managing Expectations While Staying Focused
With thousands of followers and fans, one might assume the pressure to meet their expectations would be overwhelming. However, Jamaal stays grounded by focusing on his own goals rather than external pressures. “If I was worried about the expectations of my fan base, it would be nerve-wracking,” he admits. Instead, he channels his energy into spreading positivity and achieving his personal goals.
This philosophy has allowed Jamaal to remain authentic while continuing to grow both as an actor and influencer. He’s not one to chase trends or pander to expectations—instead, he stays committed to his values and his craft.
Rewarding Collaborations and Brand Partnerships
Over the years, Jamaal has collaborated with numerous brands as part of his influencer work. While each partnership has been rewarding in its own way, he highlights his clothing line, Stay Blessed, as the most fulfilling. “If I had to single one out, it would definitely be my clothing line because it is my purpose at the end of the day,” he shares.
Stay Blessed is more than just a business venture for Jamaal—it’s a reflection of his values and faith. Through his clothing line, he’s able to merge his creative endeavors with his mission to spread positivity and faith-based messages.
Thriving Under the Public Eye
Being in the public eye, both as an actor and influencer, can bring a certain level of scrutiny. However, for Jamaal, there is no pressure. “For me, there’s no pressure—it’s fun,” he says. He acknowledges that not everyone will love what he does, but he remains focused on staying grounded in his beliefs. “As long as you stay grounded in who you are and what you stand for, the outside noise doesn’t really matter.”
Merging Acting with Influencing: A Unique Approach
One of the key elements of Jamaal’s influencer strategy is his ability to bring his acting skills into the content he creates. “I always try and create content that’s new and original with transitions and storylines to bring a brand a fun and uplifting reel or video,” he explains. This creativity has allowed him to craft unique content that not only promotes brands but also tells a story in a way that’s engaging and authentic.
Looking Ahead
As Jamaal Lewis continues to grow in both his acting and influencer careers, he remains focused on staying authentic and positive. His ability to balance both worlds seamlessly is a testament to his discipline, creativity, and passion. Whether it’s through his faith-based clothing line, his acting roles, or his content creation, Jamaal’s goal is always the same—to inspire, uplift, and stay true to his purpose.
In a world where the lines between different career paths are increasingly blurred, Jamaal Lewis is showing that you can be both an actor and an influencer while staying authentic to who you are. For him, s
uccess is not about following the crowd but about creating your own path, and he’s doing just that.
