TJ Wright has had a lot of success at a young age. He started his career as a model at the age of 2, was filming commercials at the age of 5 and wrote and directed the short film SEPARATE FRIENDS by the age of 8. Next up for TJ is starring opposite Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall and Russell Hornsby in the FOX 2000 drama The Hate U Give.
Check out our interview as we talk about the show, acting, and more!
Photo Credit: Natalie Norfus
upfrontNY: What do you love most about acting?
TJ Wright: It’s kind of hard to pick one thing because I have three favorite things about acting. I love being able to be another character, meeting new people on set, and getting to travel for jobs.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your role as Sekani Carter in The Hate U Give?
TJ Wright: He’s a lot like me. Sekani is very joyful – it’s in the name! He tries hard for what he wants even if he does not get it. He also likes being a jokester. So, he’s fun to be around.
upfrontNY: The Hate You Give has a very powerful story. Can you tell us about the movie and what it was like to be a part of it?
TJ Wright: The movie is empowering and shows you how to use your voice in situations that you don’t think are right. It was very fun to be part of because the cast and crew were really supportive of each other. The director, George Tillman, Jr., really listened to my ideas about how to play Sekani, which was cool since I was only 9 years old.
upfrontNY: What do you think is important for others to know about The Hate U Give?
TJ Wright: It is important to be open minded about what a person who gets shot might have liked doing and what story led to the shooting. They are more than just “a person who gets shot.” They are more than the Stoneman Douglas victims or the Las Vegas mass shooting victims. They might have been like you. They might have had interests like you.
upfrontNY: What has it been like to work with such a talented cast?
TJ Wright: It was cool to work with Amandla Stenberg – she very matches my personality and is a very creative person overall. It was also great working with Lamar Johnson because he was a great dancer – he also taught me a lot about being a young man. I could go on and on, but we don’t have enough time!
upfrontNY: Have you gotten any good advice while working on this project?
TJ Wright: I had a really great learning experience with the cast and the crew. I learned a lot about playing off the emotions of other actors and I really learned more about myself through the storyline.
upfrontNY: Aside from acting, you have written numerous short stories and scripts and directed the short film SEPARATE FRIENDS. Acting, writing, and directing – do you have a favorite?
TJ Wright: No, I do not have a favorite because they are all unique and very interesting. I really enjoy doing them all!
upfrontNY: What do you like to do when you’re not acting?
TJ Wright: Drawing, dancing and writing stories! I get to express myself in a different way than being on camera.
upfrontNY: You have accomplished many things at such a young age. What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
TJ Wright: I want to write, direct, and star in my own movie! I also cannot wait to start my own clothing line. Basically, I want to live my story.
FAVORITES
Photo Credit: Natalie Norfus
School Subject: Language arts.
Color: Blue and pink.
Food: Sushi.
Sport: Swimming.
Movie: Black Panther.
Book: The Hate U Give.
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