Jeremy Ray Taylor is not new to the spotlight, having starred in several blockbusters such as the ‘It’ films, ‘Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,’ ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark,’ and the CBS television series ‘Big Sky.’ In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Jeremy recounts his roles in these horror/fantasy films and shows, along with a sneak peek on some future projects. Before the pandemic, he had made his directorial debut in “Unarmed Divide,” a film about a military veteran struggling with PTSD. This is an issue close to Jeremy and his family’s heart. and he hopes upon viewing the film that there will be an increase in conversation around the topic of PTSD. He stresses that PTSD can affect a number of individuals, and it is time to break the fear and stigma around the disorder. On top of acting and directing, Jeremy is also involved with the Salvation Army, Free The Girls, Isaiah 117 House, and Feed My Lambs. Read on to learn more about Jeremy Ray Taylor, his acting and directing roles, and his volunteer work.

Where are you based?
At the moment I am filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I usually live in a very small town in the upper East corner of Tennessee, at the Virginia border.

What inspired you to get into acting?
My agent and mom actually! I was discovered before I realized how much I would love it. As a child I never had a specific dream to be an actor, but I gained my love for it as I worked on my craft, realized how many people I get to meet, and how much traveling I get to do.

You have been in blockbusters such as the ‘IT’ films and ‘Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween’, along with the "Are You Afraid of the Dark" series. Do you enjoy acting in these horror/ fantasy films and shows? What is it that attracted you to this style?
Working on the set of IT attracted me to this genre. When I got the role, I was worried about how scary the set was going to be (I was only 12 when I got the job). I've always enjoyed a challenge, and horror is where I found it. It is physical and takes a lot of emotion.

What is your favorite movie genre to act in?
I’m gonna have to say action. Although I’ve never really done a big action role yet, I love doing my own stunts, fight scenes, etc. Anything that involves physical skill that makes you look cool, I’ve always enjoyed. Haha. We do have some things in the works that will show me in a different light and show some of those stunt too. I am very excited about what is to come.

You recently joined the cast of Big Sky. Can you tell us a bit about this show and your new character?
Big Sky is about two female detectives in Montana who get wrapped up in all sorts of crazy cases. I play Bridger, a teenage boy, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I get wrapped up in some dangerous things and my friends and I find ourselves in some precarious and scary situations. Television is really new for me, but I’ve enjoyed it so much. It's been really cool to watch the episodes air while we're still filming. It gives me the opportunity to evaluate my performances a little more as I go.

We are also excited for your new film coming out in 2022, Senior Year. Can you tell us a bit about this film and your character?
I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say about this one, but yes Senior Year is going to be amazing! It was a phenomenal experience, and very outside the box from what I have been in so far. It's about cheerleading, and I am not a cheerleader. It was a challenge, for sure. Let's just say there were cheerleading stunts and lots of dancing choreography. Rebel Wilson is an amazing actor and mentor.

On top of being an amazing actor, you have started directing. You recently directed “Unarmed Divide”. Can you tell us a bit about this film and why you decided to take on this project?
My family is very industry oriented, and we are all creatives. We really just wanted to start telling our own stories. My brother Christopher wanted to start acting and writing so we did. We have always been told to write what we know, so we chose PTSD. The film follows a military veteran suffering from the silent enemy of PTSD. It was a brand new experience that I enjoyed a LOT. I want to pursue directing in the future and ultimately the goal is to direct and act in a film simultaneously.

What was it like directing in the heart of COVID-19?
Luckily we filmed right before Covid began. It was about two weeks before everything started appearing on the news; so, we were very fortunate. I can’t imagine what it would have been like in those early days when we didn't know what we were dealing with. Editing was difficult enough. Haha.

Mental health has been an increasing issue with the pandemic exasperating anything one is already dealing with. PTSD is most commonly thought of in connection with soldiers, but can be seen in many cases. In fact, there will probably be a huge increase of it as a result of the pandemic. How do you feel this should be handled in our society?
PTSD is an incredibly tough topic. We did write about PTSD in the environment of the military because that’s what we know, but, yes, I can’t stress enough that it is common in every human being that has experienced something traumatic. PTSD just needs to be seen in a better light. We just need to change the conversation, better yet, make it a conversation. The struggle for most is internal and they don't talk about it. Society has made it feel taboo, so people are afraid to speak about it because they may lose their job or family.

You would not believe how many people came out and told us their stories — people we knew and have loved! It's the fear and stigma that has kept them silent.

Do you have any advice for anyone suffering from PTSD?
That’s a really hard question. Nothing I could say would fix what you’ve gone through, but just know that people, including myself, care about you. You are not alone, and there are those out there who need you just as much as you need them.

You started acting very young, how do you protect yourself and your mental health when so many other young actors struggle?
It is very tough. As a child I had to mature much quicker than I even knew. I've been blessed with a wonderful family who is always there supporting me in every aspect. They keep me grounded and humble. I am learning to take time for myself, when I can.

Realizing my life can’t completely revolve around my job helped a lot. I live on a farm; so, going back there gives me room to stay grounded and breathe.

Jejune loves how active you are in your community. With the holidays coming up, will you be packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child and a Salvation Army bell ringer this year? Can you tell us a little bit about these organizations and why you feel it is important to support them?
Absolutely!! My family always loves packing those boxes and sending love to those kids. Every year that I'm able to be home, we go and volunteer. It’s just something I really enjoy, and it's incredibly important to give back. Doing nice things for others helps my mental health; so, the reward is actually mine. I recommend everyone try some type of volunteering, even in small ways.

Have you had any interesting experiences as a Salvation Army bell ringer?
It's interesting watching the hustle and bustle of people going by. I have been recognized a couple of times while doing it, and that's always funny because they don't expect to see me there.

You also work with Free The Girls, Isaiah 117 House and Feed My Lambs (a school in Uganda you support through donations). Can you please tell us a bit about these experiences and why these organizations are important to you.
I love those kids! They have seen the absolute worst of life and been so traumatized, and, yet, they smile and love unlike anything I've ever seen. They are genuinely happy and help me to remember that my problems are so small. Free the Girls works to help women rescued from sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. Isaiah 117 house started in our area, and is a home where kids go between being taken out of the home and foster placement. It's a place where they are loved, and know they aren't alone and it is not their fault.

Has COVID-19 halted any of the work that these organizations are doing? How can people help or get involved?
These guys keep going no matter what! Their work is tireless and endless. There are lots of ways to get involved depending on how you want to help.
Free The Girls- https://freethegirls.org/
Isaiah 117 House- https://isaiah117house.com/
Feed My Lambs- https://www.facebook.com/FMLKabarole/

How are you staying positive during the current wave of the pandemic? Are you almost back to normal?
It's tough to stay positive for sure. Personally, I’ve taken on a fitness journey, that’s helped a lot and gives me time to focus. We cannot control any aspect of Covid; so; we have to focus on what we can control.

What is your motto in life?
My main two are: Be yourself and let the world adapt to your path, and chase happiness not a paycheck.

To learn more about Jeremy Ray Taylor and his independent film company, Sling and Stone Films, please follow the links below:
Instagram: @jeremyraytaylor
Twitter: @jeremyraytaylor
Facebook: @jeremyraytaylor
Instagram: @slingandstonefilms
Facebook: @slingandstonefilms

Jeremy Ray Taylor Shows No Fear