Jason Stuart has broken barriers while overturning stereotypes in the film industry for over two decades. He’s defied the odds by not taking no for an answer. He did not become successful first and then come out. He came out when the water was cold and paid his dues. Stuart credits this with his mantra, “when talent meets opportunity, go for it”. He believes that you always show up with the best version of yourself. Which is how he won the role of Joseph Randall in one of the last year’s most anticipated films. The Birth of a Nation from filmmaker and star Nate Parker (currently HBO).
Parker said in a recent cover story, “It was really all about Jason’s incredible work in the audition room. He walked in with an understanding of this vision. He brought a confidence, humility and humor to the role in a way that helped achieve a much-needed balance across the characters and overall narrative. His onset instincts further validated his hiring as he constantly pursued brave choices that aided in expanding the breadth of his character.”
Stuart has been on a career high since he appeared in the award-winning comedy Tangerine and has five more indie films coming out in the next year, including the thriller Diverted Eden. In addition to Stuart’s big-screen success, he just completed the TV pilot The Strivers directed by Guy Shalem and guest-starred on Swedish Dicks, starring Peter Stromare and Love, from filmmaker Judd Apatow.
Stuart’s sophomore film as a director, Like Father was chosen for its sixth film festival after being nominated for Best Actor, Director and Best Short at the Glitter Film Festival.
Stuart has been making people laugh out loud with his “Gay Don Rickles” performance style all over the country since coming out in 1993. He has accomplished what few other gay comics have ever achieved: brutal honesty with humor in a world that’s not always kind. In addition, Stuart is a renowned advocate of diversity in the entertainment industry. As the current SAG-AFTRA’s LGBT Actors Committee National co-chair, he was recently honored with the Jose Julio Sarria International Civil Rights Award.
Keep up to date with his popular podcast Absolutley Jason Stuart which airs live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. on ZinnaTV, Facebook live and again on YouTube. It’s an actor’s studio type of show with high profile guests. Everyone, from Rain Pryor to Jamie Kennedy to Penelope Ann Miller to name a few.
