I think every bio I’ve ever written has been about my “double life.”

 

How I went to school on an acting scholarship but studied to become a doctor. How I became a professional musician in those four years while also getting my degree in Neuroscience. How before I became a professional actor I spent half my time on the road touring, and half of it behind a lab bench studying genetics.

 

In each of these bios, I’ve always focused on the differences between these two lives. Probably because I’m an egotistical human being and think it makes me sound more complete. “I’m analytical AND artistic, logical AND emotional.” See, that guy sounds so well-rounded.

 

Well, as good as it may sound, it doesn’t really do jack doodoo in terms of truly defining me, or defining my aspirations in acting. Because honestly it’s not about where they diverge. It’s about where they meet.

 

The reason I act is the same reason I studied neuroscience. Human nature. The hidden motivations behind every action, every interaction, every punch, every kiss. The lens that people see this world through. Why people do what they do. Hell, why I do what I do. It’s all human nature. And it’s all really, really interesting.

 

So for the past ten years, I’ve studied it. First, as a scientist. And now, by some stroke of pure good fortune, as an actor. The first LA training I got was a two-year Meisner course, and since then, I’ve been lucky enough to run around Los Angeles and work, as both actor and creator, in the commercial, television and film space.

 

Often, I've found that I am cast as the charming funny guy (for reasons unbeknownst to me), and sometimes – when I’m lucky – that charm happens to be hiding something much darker. Although, really, if we’re being honest, I’m absurdly lucky to have any role that I get.

 

And absurdly lucky to be in Los Angeles, the playground of stories needing to be told, and playing right along. That, for me, is the dream. So I’m going to keep doing it until someone makes me stop. And even then I’ll probably keep doing it. Because at the end of the day, learning about humans and pretending to be them is pretty damn fun.

 

Thanks for reading this. I don’t know what you came to my site for, but I sure am glad you did, and I hope you found what you were looking for.

 

 

Jesse Townes