Jax Riley Malcolm seemingly inherited his acting drive out of the void. At just five years old, Jax pondered as to why he wasn’t on television. Soon after, he learned that he would need an agent and would later land his first role for a Smart Power commercial. He went on to work with Comedy Central and IFC with credits including the Kroll Show, Comedy Bang Bang!, and The Birthday Boys.

The Californian born artist has made surmountable progression within the fields of athletics, fashion, and music. He was on the varsity swim team at his high school, competitive USA Swimming club swimmer, and a Junior Olympian / Championship team member. He also has a strong foundation in fashion design and styling. As a fashion designer, he recently came out with his collection Trident. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Jax Malcolm.

Where are you based?
I live near Los Angeles, California in the valley with my parents and three rescue cats Kodi Lion, Amelia, and Princess.

Living in Los Angeles, do you feel being in proximity near the epicenter of the film and television industries influenced your interests or drive to work in entertainment? Do you have any memorable moments (film or television) that acted as a stimulus? What inspired you to get into acting?
Being in the center of Hollywood has it’s advantages. Pre-COVID in person auditions were a part of my daily life. Now they are self tape, or tele conferencing. I was five years old when I started asking my parents why I wasn’t on TV (they filmed me a lot on their phones). One thing led to another and that’s how I started working.

Your first acting gig was a Smart Power PSA. Now you have credits with shows like Kroll Show, Comedy Bang Bang!, and The Birthday Boys. You're still early into your career, but how comparable is acting in a PSA to a full fledged television series?
The PSA was a lot of fun to do. I got to play a mad scientist and I was really into science when I was five. It was a part that I really identified with. As I’ve gotten older, and expanded into guest roles series television, it’s definitely more about how the director sees the character I’m playing and how I can best interpret the role.

Does the career path of an actor align with your expectations prior to acting?
Since I started when I was five, I can’t say that I’ve had any expectations. My goal then was to be on TV and I’ve had many opportunities to do that.

A good amount of your work includes comedic settings. Do you feel a certain affinity for comedy? What genres do you generally enjoy? Does this preference differ as an actor as opposed to when you're a viewer?
I trained for a number of years with casting director Marci Liroff (ET, Mean Girls, etc.). She taught me that anyone can pull off being a dramatic actor, but not everyone has the right timing, and facial expressions to be a comedic actor. I take it as a huge compliment that so many different shows on Comedy Central have cast me to work on them as I spent several years really understanding and working on my comedy skills. I watch all kinds of different genres. My new favorite show is Doom Squad, which comes out of the DC Universe. It’s a crazy mix of superhero and surrealism.

You've branched into directing films, which I assume is as fun as it is challenging. What inspired this direction? Can you talk about some of your projects?
I think a natural progression for an actor usually leads to directing and producing. It’s really opened my eyes to what the camera sees. Currently, I’ve been helping to produce a number of virtual live events during COVID-19 with ZStar Digital Agency, where I’m Director of Production for their Entertainment division. It’s been a whole different experience working on live stream events rather than film that can be re-shot/edited together to make a final project.

You started a fashion label, Trident. Can you tell us a little bit about your brand? It seems to have a nautical inspiration. Will we see this moving forward? Have you always loved fashion?
Trident came about because I have the opportunity to attend a number of red carpet events like premieres, and charity fundraisers. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of different designers, but there was always something “missing” for me. Trident is inspired by the ocean and the peace and energy I find there.

You're a founding member of Heal the Bay’s Hollywood Ambassador Board. What is your mission within this organization? What made you want to get more involved with the environment?
Several years ago, Heal the Bay reached out to me. I’m also an eight time certified LA County Jr. Lifeguard, so I had first hand experience with the California coastline and the negative impact to the waterways here in Los Angeles. I’ve been able to give back with them in a number of different ways through social media promotions, partnerships and collaborations with Heal the Bay’s Aquarium to further their children’s initiatives, fundraising, and this past year I certified with Heal the Bay’s speakers bureau so I can make a bigger impact in policy making.

Water seems to be a big focus of yours. Does this come from your background in competitive swimming?
I’m a Jr. Olympic swimmer, and was Captain of my Varsity swim team at school. I didn’t get to compete in my final High School swim season due to the Coronavirus school closures, but swimming and the ocean are a big part of my life.

Over the years, you have found many ways to be involved in philanthropy. Why is this important to you? Are you able to find ways to give back during these times?
Philanthropy has always been an important part of my life. If you are able to do something positive for someone else you should. During normal times, I host an annual movie morning fundraiser to raise money for a number of organizations that I hold dear to my heart, including CHLA, Heal the Bay, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. I work regularly with SNPLA and St. Baldrick’s to share their messaging on social media and support financially at their events.

You recently graduated from high school, at 16! Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with graduating during the pandemic?
Yes! I worked really hard to complete high school in three years and then COVID-19 hit and I missed a lot of the fun part. So no prom, no “official graduation,” no grad night just like the rest of the Class of 2020. My school actually had a drive through and virtual graduation instead of a standard indoor ceremony. It is definitely an experience I will never forget!

How are you staying positive during these times?
I do a couple of things to stay positive and motivated. I use the CALM app to meditate everyday, I do daily workouts on zoom with my swim team, and now that the parks and outdoor recreation are open, I’m also able to practice archery again. I’m hoping to enter my first competition for archery in early 2021.

What is your motto in life?
Think to the positive side of life!

To learn more about Jax Malcolm, please follow him via the below platforms:
Instagram: thejaxmalcolm
Facebook: actorjaxmalcolm
Twitter: thejaxmalcolm
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YouTube: thejaxmalcolm
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Jax Malcolm: The Actor, Designer, & Athlete Takes on Hollywood