Anyone looking for an actor to completely obsess over? Well ding ding ding, Tahj Mowry is your guy! Yes, you heard that right, the Tahj Mowry. Based in Los Angeles, this triple threat prodigy is nothing short of an icon. You may know him as the adorable kid from Seventeen again or TJ Henderson from Smartguy. Well not anymore. Tahj is all grown up and bringing bigger and better projects to the acting industry. One of Tahj’s recent flicks, “Welcome Matt”, further enforces this idea. “Welcome Matt” is a movie that represents how all of us have been feeling during the pandemic. He brings the important message of anxiety and mental health to the big screen and serves it with stomach crunching comedy suitable for the perfect movie night. Popcorn is a must!

Besides being a well-rounded actor making waves in the comedy and drama scene, Tahj also spends his time heavily invested in charitable organizations. You can find him sponsoring a child in the Dominican Republic through “Project Mañana”, by supplying necessities and education to those in need. Tahj often forgets he is refereed to as an influential seasoned actor, but we can’t see why. Jejune is excited to speak with Tahj about his upcoming projects, all of his awesome ways of giving back to those less fortunate, and his continued approach to exuding black excellence. Sit down, take a load off, and enjoy this powerful cover feature with Tahj Mowry.

Where are you based?
Los Angeles

You are known for your accomplishments in acting, singing, and dancing. It is safe to say you are a triple threat. How did you know a career path in the arts was right for you?
Thanks for that. I’ve just been in entertainment since I can remember, so, I guess all facets of the arts is just who I am.

Acting is all about literally stepping into another’s shoes. How do you prepare for upcoming roles, and what do you try to keep in mind?
Well it’s different for every role, but as long as it’s already on the page, it is the driving force to be able to become whoever you need to become. I always try to keep a bit of myself in all my characters, as well as, to keep or somewhat stay true to myself.

You collaborate with a lot of big names other than yourself, what is an ideal set environment like for you? What do you value morally?
An ideal set environment for me is just a fun environment. I try to keep a grateful attitude on every set I’m on, and if the rest of the cast and crew give that energy, the set will be the perfect environment.

Congratulations on your film named “Welcome Matt”, can you tell us what the film is about?
Thank you. Welcome Matt is a story of a writer director who gains fame for a film he does, but goes through a traumatic experience that leads to him developing agoraphobia. So, In the process of creating his next film he has to struggle with being deathly afraid to go outside all while learning to cope with his trauma and loss. It’s a drama that focuses on mental health but comedy is laced throughout.

Do you see any parts of yourself in your character “Matt”?
I do. I’ve struggled with panic attacks in the past so I was able to pull from my own experiences when shooting those scenes. I think Everyone can be able to see a little of themselves in Matt as well. Especially during the pandemic when leaving your home can be a scary thing.

Were there any obstacles with embodying “Matt” or any character for that matter?
Every character is different. Some come easier than others. Matt kind of stayed with me a while after filming; so, I had to be able to shake that off while I was a way. He deals with a lot of dark and traumatic experiences, which made his role a bit of a challenge, but that’s why I initially took on the role.

“Welcome Matt” has an important and ongoing conversation about the importance of therapy and mental health. How do you cope with stress, anxiety, depression, etc in real life?
I’m a faith guy, so my faith and relationship with the man upstairs is my main way of dealing with the stress of life. But also, family and good friends that surround me is something I’m grateful for daily. Stepping away from the glitz and glamour of my job is important to me as well.

You are a king in comedy, but if you could choose one movie genre, what would it be and why?
Oh wow. Thank you. I was an athlete growing up and in college as well. So, I’d love to do something where I can showcase more of an action side to me. And who doesn’t want to be a superhero — so I’m def down for that. Also, just more dramatic roles where I can challenge myself and stretch in a way that I haven’t before.

You have been in the spotlight since you were a child, what is a lesson that you carry with you to this day?
Stay grateful. Never allow yourself to take it all for granted. I realize I’m so blessed to be able to do what I do; so, I keep that mindset daily. Also to allow yourself time to step away, and just live life apart from the business.

You are the true definition of black excellence! How did it feel to have “Welcome Matt” as an official selection at the 2021 Pan African Art & Film Festival?
That was honestly such an amazing feeling. I was so honored to have the film noticed in that way, especially because there are very few films that touch on mental health particularly in the African American community. So, I was and am still honored.

You have true dedication to your craft, what are some tips for youth who are interested in performing arts?
I’d say my biggest thing is to just make sure it’s something you really want to do, and have a passion for because it’s a hard business — thick skin is a necessity. So, if you have a passion for it, you’ll be able to keep going and striving.

What are some words of encouragement for your past self?
What’s for you, is for you. Be patient and let it happen.

Tisha Campbell and Essence Atkins are among the cast of your not yet released project “Black Don’t Crack”, can you give us an update on the show, and what can we expect from the cast?
It’s currently in turnaround, so it’s being shopped around to different networks/platforms. I’m very excited for people to get the chance to experience that show.

What is it like working alongside seasoned actors similar to yourself?
It’s an honor. I’m the type of person who forgets that people view me that way. So, I’m just on set in awe and just thankful to be there with people like that, but they are telling me they feel the same way about me. It’s just mind blowing.

You have been casted in numerous projects, how has the acting and production industry changed in the last couple of decades?
I feel like the addition of social media is the biggest change. I miss the days when it wasn’t a thing, but it can be helpful and beneficial if utilized properly.

You have worked on numerous videos with such talent as Prince and Micheal Jackson, can fans expect new music from you. Do you have any plans to rekindle your “Future Funk” (Tahj’s six-song 2015 EP) days?
Music will always be a passion of mine. It’s on the back burner for now because my focus is elsewhere, but I’ll probably get back in the studio at some point in the future. Right now, my brother Tavior Mowry has the music thing on lock; so, I’m enjoying watching him do his thing in that space. He just released his first two singles from his latest project.

A round of applause for being heavily invested in various charity organizations! What is the Thirst Project, and can you give us a story time about how you built a well in Swaziland.
The thirst project is an amazing organization that educates the world on our water crisis, which is very much an issue — way worse than people realize. They have yearly galas to raise money, and at my first gala I attended I was truly moved by everything. I decided to purchase a well with Debby Ryan to help bring water to Swaziland. Since then, I have helped with another well, years later. I absolutely love the work the Thirst Project does, and Seth Maxwell is one of the best humans I’ve met.

How did you get into charity work? What made you want to give back?
From a young age I was part of the Pediatric Aids Foundation. That was probably my first consistent yearly charity relationship. There is nothing better than the feeling after you give back; so, I just try to make it a part of my lifestyle. Knowing that your helping people you don’t even know is the the purest form of giving back in my opinion.

You also sponsor a child in the Dominican Republic through an organization called Project Mañana, what is your role as a sponsor?
Yeah Project Mañana is an amazing faith based organization that helps children in the Dominican (by monthly donations) get the education and basic necessities to be put on the track to thrive in life. Things we take for granted in the US are things that are so hard for them to have. I’ve had the pleasure of watching some of these kids grow into teenagers, and it’s really special. It’s ran by a Brian Berman whom I’ve known for years, and I have had the pleasure of being a part of it since it began years ago.

Has being a sponsor/donor impacted the way you see society? Has it changed your perspective in any way, and if so how?
I think it just allows you to be aware of what you may have easily, which can be impossible for someone somewhere else to have. It’s eye opening and creates a deeper level of compassion for other people.

How does your identity as a black man change the way you see the acting industry, and the world in general?
It just makes me work harder in everything I do. It’s sad that as African Americans we have to work extra hard, but it’s just what it is. So, I use that, and just go harder in everything I do. It keeps me motivated to never get comfortable or to let my guard down.

Were you hit hard with covid? Have things gotten back to normal? Mental health wise or in general. How did you stay positive during shelter in place?
I’m thankful I had my family close by. I realize there were people who couldn’t even see their family or even lost family. So, I want to be respectful of the hardships people went though. Family is everything to me. If I didn’t have the ability to be with them, it would have made it a lot harder for me personally. During lockdown I just focused on things that truly mattered: My faith. Family. Self care. Things that in the grind of this business can get lost, because we are so busy trying to work work work.

What type of projects can we see from you in the near future?
Definitely more film. That’s the next era for me. I’m currently filming one now, and have a back to back schedule for the rest of the year in that space. Also, directing and writing. I’ll be directing a film I cowrote with my writing partner Hal Williams at the end of this year, which will be my directorial debut.

What is a hope you have for the future? A personal or professional goal?
Just to continue to grow — in my personal life and career. I think growth, and being aware that there is always room for growth is important. So, I’m always looking towards how I can become a better version of myself in all areas.

What is your life motto?
“Let go and let God.” “Keep looking up.” And “what’s for you, is for you.”

To stay connected with Tahj, please follow him on his Instagram below:
Instagram: @tahj_mowry

Team Credits:
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
Stylist: Quentin Fears
Groomer: Christopher Miles using Beardbrand and African Botanics

Layout: Prachedes Germano

COVER - Welcome Tahj Mowry