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Entertainment Issue 14 - Entertainment Stars on The Rise

Into the Mind of the Young and Vibrant Justiin Davis

NaShaye Jackson
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Let’s dive into the mind of the young and vibrant rising star from Brooklyn, New York – actor Justiin Davis. Since three years old, this “BK” native has been building a prominent rapport in the arts and performance industry. With a humble starting point in commercials and a variety of small productions, Justiin has positioned himself in the right direction to get where he wants to be. Now, he’s been named as the actor to look out for.

If you could take any celebrity to dinner, who would it be, what would you say, and what would you expect to learn?
I would take Viola Davis. I’ve admired her work since she was here in NYC. One, I would tell her I love her and hope to work with her one day. I’d really give her the recognition she deserves. She talks about being called “the African American Meryl Streep,” and she’s more deserving than all of that. I hope I walk away with a deeper understanding of how to build to her level of work, study, and character development.

Can you tell me anything about your role as Young Stan Edgar in season three of “The Boys”?
Ooh, what I can tell you is that they’ve plotted him as being just this suave, calculating, and direct person. I can only say for “The Boys,” what you see in the trailer is exactly what you’re going to get. They’ve been asking everyone to describe it in three words, and I would say those three words for me were Mayhem! More! And just BLAST!

So this role would be a lot more action for you?
Yes, yes! This is more action for me. Even with the Equalizer. It was just a small taste of the action, and one thing I said was that I definitely wanted to do my own stunts. I want no one stepping in for me. I want to be able to hold my own.

How was it working alongside Queen Latifah in The Equalizer?
That was a huge adrenaline rush. I’ve watched her ever since I was a boy, and sitting across from her in those intimate moments of drama is just as crazy as a roller coaster.

What was your experience starring in Boardwalk Empire?
Working with Michael K Williams in that capacity and seeing his process of what he goes through to build his character is something I hold on to. I looked at him as a brother. That’s what he would always say when I’d hit him up. I treasured that experience. I got on the show while still doing my undergrad, so it’s like gold. It was incredible.

What gives you that adrenaline rush?
I feel weird about heights. I was really scared of heights growing up, and in NY, buildings are really high. I feel weird about planes. I was scared of roller coasters. The adrenaline rush would be me at Six Flags.

.Is there a role that you feel doesn’t fit your performance style?
Yes. There are a few that come across the table. I always say that I never want to go backwards during the process because it’s a journey. Some projects I say aren’t for me at the moment, but I keep an open mind for the future. I’m really big on timing and the energies around me. You also have to know your integrity and what you’ll add to the project.

In your life, what has been the biggest celebration for you? How did you celebrate?
Oh boy! My undergrad graduation. My family and the people that were around me helped me celebrate. My grandmother was there at the time too. Being able to say that I celebrated with those who are no longer here was my best and happiest celebration. But there’s still more to come.

You were named as one to look out for, New York’s most stylish and hottest man of the month. How do those titles feel?
Honestly, to be seen makes me grateful. To be in a place doing what I love. I’m fortunate because they say if you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere. To receive any accolade, I know my grandmother’s happy.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Stick to it. It gets rough and tough, but the things worth having aren’t easily obtained. Not to lose your integrity or your voice. Because a lot of the time, some of the things we get into can seem bigger than we are. You’re already enough. Stop searching for someone to be. Keep going; you are enough.