Jacob Latimore is definitely on a creative whirlwind and January is not over yet! If you remember, Latimore closed out 2016 sharing the big screen with Will Smith in Collateral Beauty and released his first album, “Connection”. This year, the young rising star who is patiently awaiting the April debut of his 2016 Sundance Film Festival hit, Sleight, has just been signed as a series regular for Showtime’s hour-long drama, The Chi.
The Chi, is a sort of coming-of-age story, created and executive produced by Lena Waithe, follows a half dozen interrelated characters on the south side of Chicago. Latimore will play an entrepreneurial ladies man who becomes forced to take solo responsibility for his toddler son. Latimore will replace Tequan Richmond, who played the role in the original pilot.
Recently, Latimore had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Variety Magazine and shared advice that mega movie star and cast mate Will Smith gave him about acting. “One of the greatest things he said to me was, ‘If we can make people laugh and cry in one scene, we’re killing it.’ When I looked at the movie, I found myself crying and laughing, and I told myself, ‘Man, he was right.’ There’s not a dry eye in the room, and there’s a smile on everyone’s face because the movie brings a beautiful energy.”
Taking that advice from Smith and translating it to additional projects, Latimore is unquestionably finding inspiration well-beyond his 20 years of age, becoming one of the most diverse and prolific young actors of his generation.
What’s next for Latimore? Well, in addition to his new Showtime series, he has an upcoming film in the works from William H. Macy, entitled Krystal, and a yet-to be named crime drama taking place in Detroit from Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal.
It looks like 2017 is going to be Latimore’s year!
