M.J. George

Los Angeles-born actor M.J. George was born as Mansour Jabbaar George. He got his big break playing Will Smith’s body double in ‘Men in Black II’ and can be seen in numerous national commercials, as well as “Them” on Amazon Prime, and “The Upshaws” on Netflix. He is currently one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood.

Can you introduce yourself for our readers please?

I am M.J George, an actor, born and bred in Los Angeles.

What makes you unique?

My facial features, I am told that I have a really recognizable face. Also, my height and size – I am 6’4” and 250lb.

Before booking the role in Men in Black II, did you ever think you wanted to be an actor?

Sure. Every kid dreams of being on a TV or in the movies. I grew up in the 80s when TV shows and movies were the best. When I first really wanted to be an actor was when I was around 10 years old. The movie, “License to Drive” was filming directly across the street from my elementary school in west Los Angeles. It was so cool to see how movies were being made, and to see these actors in real life, instead of only on the big screen.

Tell us about your role in family comedy TV show ‘The Upshaws’ on Netflix.

I have been fortunate enough to work alongside Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, and Kim Fields. It was the season finale of the first season. I played Martin Owens, father to Wynter Owens who was missing. The scene was a vigil held to help find her. In the end, she was found, but the whole scene leading up to that was the comedy, because everyone was pointing fingers at who might know where she was. This was the first role I booked once the studios were allowed to resume filming because of COVID.

You’re also in the new drama-horror-thriller Amazon Prime show ‘Them’ – how different was it for you to go from thriller to comedy?

It was very different but that’s what I like. Going from ha ha funny to oh dang what was that sound? Even the sets and the atmosphere are different, and you have to change your whole demeanor, and body language to fit the theme of the show. But that’s acting. That’s one of the aspects I love about acting. One week, you are working on a comedy, and the very next week, you could be working on a horror movie. You never get bored or use to your work environment because it is constantly changing.

What is your creative process when preparing for a role?

First thing to do is memorize my lines. Once I have them down, then it’s time to add character to the lines. I know I look crazy to my neighbors because a lot of times it looks like I am talking or yelling to myself in my living room.

What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your acting career?

Pursuing acting, will definitely build character. You get extremely used to rejection, and how to cope with it. There aren’t that many pros to “pursuing” acting. It is mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially draining. Your family and friends think you are wasting your time. If you are in a relationship, it will suffer, if your partner doesn’t understand the industry and the drive it takes to make it. You can’t work a normal 9 to 5 because of auditions, and jobs that are booked for multiple days. Your whole life is put on hold basically while trying to break into the industry. BUT. Once you book that role, all the feelings of despair are gone. All released. Booking a role is a huge reminder, of why are you doing this in the first place. All it takes is the right role and your life can change instantly. You never quit acting or trying for that special role. If I were to quit today, the thought of what would have happened if I kept going for one more week even, would haunt me for the rest of my days.

Bucket list of actors / directors would you like to collaborate with in future?

Dwayne “The Rock' Johnson, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Feige, Any Marvel Studios projects.

Tell us one thing nobody would know about you.

I have been working as an acting since September 2001, when 9/11 happened, I was on my way to pick up my first set of headshots.

What's the best way to follow you online?

Come and say hi on IMDb, Instagram, and via my website.