Cachet Digital caught up with actor Jacques Chevelle on a sunny day close to the water for our interview and photo shoot. On first impression we were captivated by his quiet but commanding presence and fun style. Many know him for his role on the hit show Side Hustle on Nickelodeon but his desire to journey into the world of entertainment started at a young age after seeing Queen Latifah dominate on screen.
-Jacques Chevelle
Growing up, I knew I wanted to go into acting at the young age of eleven. I recall watching Queen Latifah in Set It Off and how her performance enamored me. This role was a stark difference from her performance in Last Holiday, and it was this duality that captured my attention the most.
Chevelle points us to one of the reasons we love some our favorite actors–their ability to transform and reinvent themselves in different narratives and roles. Jacques is down to earth and his talent speaks for itself. Over the past few years he has steadily improved his craft as an actor and we are excited to see his evolution.
When it comes to his personal style Jacques tends to mix a bit of the classic with a modern twist, pairing black framed glasses with button downs or turtlenecks with fitted trousers. For this shoot he went a little bit outside the box and got funky with prints that showcase his vibrant personality and also reference our own need to get away from routine but still hold on to the familiar.
Check out our exclusive interview below!
How do you stay grounded?
My family and friends keep me grounded. They remind me of the things that are important in life.
How has your experience on Side Hustle developed over time? What were your fears, and how did you push through or meet any challenges?
It’s been amazing! I come from a theatre background, so there were a few things that I had to learn about shooting a television show. I had to adjust to getting a different script every day and find a work-life balance. Every week I was able to get more in the flow of things, and just by showing up every day, I was able to find a balance.
You have a striking look and face structure. Tell us a bit about your background?
I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I have a diverse cultural background which consists of French Canadian, Jamaican, Ghanaian, Blackfoot Indian, and African American.
Tell us a bit about your experience growing up:
I lived in the suburbs of Atlanta, in a city called Lithonia. I attended a private school for most of my schooling, middle school and high school is when I went to public school. I was involved in the marching band, and I was also a part of the debate team. In my 10th grade year, I got involved in the drama club, which was the start of my acting career.
How did you get your first big break acting?
I attribute a lot of my success to building relationships with Casting Directors and showing them the characters I would be good at portraying. So then, when a character comes up that matches me, they think of me as a possibility.
Tell us a bit about how you integrate comedic timing with what you do and if you feel you’ve found your niche or are looking to expand:
Comedy can be formulaic, and once you discover the rhythm of the scene, you understand how to find the joke. I would love to be able to expand so that I can lend myself to all types of stories.
How did you get into acting?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to go into acting at the young age of eleven. I recall watching Queen Latifah in Set It Off and how her performance enamored me. This role was a stark difference from her performance in Last Holiday, and it was this duality that captured my attention the most.
How has your experience as part of the cast for Side Hustle developed your acting skills?
The choices I make are a lot more instinctual than they were at the beginning of filming. I have gotten better at reading a script and knowing exactly how Jaget would say the line.
What do you enjoy most about your experience on set?
The most enjoyable part on set is when I get to film with my castmates, doing different takes and seeing how they land, or trying to make my costars break.
What is a memorable moment from your career? What are you left with from the experience?
It was a moment when I was on stage for a performance, and I was in such a workflow, the creative juices were flowing. At the end of the performance, I heard deafening applause. It was like a moment out of a movie!
Tell us a bit about your male grooming habits. What products do you use or are most used on you?
I have sensitive skin and I’m careful with things I put on my body. I use Cetaphil facial cleanser and Cerave moisturizing lotion. Anyone who gets breakouts easily, I would highly recommend it!
How have you collaborated with others on social media?
So many of my friends are a part of the entertainment industry in some fashion, and I have been able to find a network of creative people who do fantastic work. The last project I worked on, we went to Instagram and DM’ed some of my friends to find shooting locations and film equipment that we needed.
Let’s talk style. You have a style of your own. What are some of your favorite brands or items in your closet that you cannot do without?
I usually do a lot of thrifting and can find a couple of gems. I like to try on all sorts of clothing. I recently found this dope Navy Jumpsuit that reminded me of Dave Chappelle’s jumpsuit from Sticks and Stones.
What do you miss the most about how things were before the pandemic? Obviously vaccinations have helped ease restrictions a bit lately but we all know things are not back to normal 110 percent.
I miss being able to just hang out with friends and traveling. My friends and I used to just plan random road trips. One night, we decided to drive to Las Vegas just because we wanted to. I miss the spontaneity.
What is your favorite movie of all time, and why?
This might be from left field, but Last Holiday is one of my favorite movies. My love for the movie comes from the memories I have shared with family and friends. When my friends want to watch it, we text with responses saying “poulet Tchoupitoulas.”
What is next on your plate?
I would love to tackle more dramatic roles and work on producing some of my own projects.
How do you stay centered?
When I need to center myself, I usually go on a hike or do meditation.
Favorite book?
My favorite book currently is Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin.
Where can we catch some of your old work?
You can see bits and pieces of past projects scattered across the internet, primarily on Facebook and YouTube.
What is on your music playlist?
Lost One-Jazmine Sullivan
I Put A Spell On You- Alice Smith
Forrest Gump – Frank Ocean
Seventeen – Sharon Van Etton
Baptized – JID
Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine- Brockhampton
Make sure you keep up with Jacques Chevelle on Instagram via @jacqueschevelle for his latest updates!
Clothing: Ben Sherman & Stylist’s Own
Photography and Styling by: @LoveLenaOcean
Interview by: @LoveLenaOcean
Katz Pr
