Actor and Writer, John Thomas Golden Discusses 2022 Projects

John Thomas Golden is an actor, screenwriter and owner of John Kevin Thomas Golden Entertainment. Golden discussed in a recent interview that he would like to create additional opportunities for actors, writers, and artists through his production company, stating, “I see it as a dream factory of sorts - where a talented and driven group of people share talents, skills, ideas, and resources to create amazing and inspiring productions. It’s still evolving into what I envision it to be, but I want it to be somewhat of a lab that feeds the artist community.” Story lines that Golden would like to see more of in Hollywood and beyond, include stories that address current day, real time societal issues with ways to fight for resolution and positive outcomes, woven into them.” Stating, “I appreciate great family content, not without flawed individuals, yet composed of story lines that show the strength of relationships, as well as the strength of one’s spirit to overcome and beat the odds. Also, a “new generation” of action hero’s would be great. I want to see story lines that stretch diversity even more. I think we are beginning to grow and evolve in the industry, to include people from all walks of life, yet we still have a ways to go yet - we can always do more in the area of original content and diversity, and meaningful story lines.”
Golden is wrapping up a screenplay with a compelling story line about Alzheimer’s with his writing partner Max Luces-Tucker. Stating, “I’m very excited about it and we are on final notes and edits. I completed a feature recently entitled bUMS due out soon.”

John Thomas Golden, described his interest and work in acting, as one which was sparked in high school, when he was asked to participate in a comedy sketch. “It was hysterical,” states Golden, “The rush that I felt from being able to connect with people intimately through art was unreal. I continued to pursue acting from that point on. “ John Thomas Golden received his SAG card in 1998 while working on the set of “Gattaca;” other film credits include, “Havoc 2005,” “The 7th Day,” and “bUMS,” which is currently in post production. After high school Golden went on to study Drama and African-American Drama at Contra Costa College; Theater at the East Bay Center for The Performing Arts, and he attended Shelton Studios Theater and Film Acting school with Jean Shelton in San Francisco Bay Area. When he moved to Los Angeles he first signed with Weist Barron Hill Film and Television in Burbank to train.Concluding, “I have also had the pleasure of being coached and trained by Bruce Glover.”

What John Thomas Golden brings to the table in acting, which helps him to excel in every role, is his ability to be present. Stating “I take all of me into a production. A spirit of generosity is important, a desire to constantly learn, the willingness to go the extra mile, and a fighter's spirit is critical.” Stating, “I’m a charitable person by nature, which has allowed me to learn how to listen to the needs of others; growing up both in the suburbs and in more urban communities gave me an interesting perspective. My parent’s influence was huge in regard to establishing my work ethic. All of these things and more make me who I am today, and have created a passion in me. If I had to name my one greatest “superpower” or more specifically my God given gift, which I believe we all have true gifts and talents, it would be that I’m a hard working professional, with “no quit in me.”

Golden continued, “I want to work on productions where you can feel the family bond on the set, when cast and crew possess talent and skill that challenges to the highest level and cast and crew flow as one. And, Oh yes, there has to be fun!”

Golden discussed his background dancing role with Ronald McDonald, laughingly stating, “My “claim to fame” commercially is that I did some background dancing with Ronald McDonald years ago on a McDonald’s commercial. I’d say my biggest achievements though have come from film, where I’ve had the opportunity to be around and learn from some of the best actors and theater where I cut my chops on works by John Steinbeck when I was an actor in the classic , “Of Mice and Men” – Shelton Studio, and others.

John believes in using one’s gifts and talents to give back and to lift others up too. "Causes important to me include: children’s issues, to eradicate cancer and stop/prevent abuse; animal welfare having worked with the ASPCA on a fundraiser; working to eradicate homelessness and to provide greater resources for them, as he and his family overcame homelessness when he was a youth; and the underprivileged in general, with a focus on helping at risk youth so they can too find their gifts and go on to live happy, purposeful lives," states Golden, "many don’t have or don’t know how to find necessary resources. I plan on continuing to dig out ways to help others as much as I possibly can.”

John Thomas Golden spoke of his love for theater, “For me, theater is where I started, and where my love for acting began and truly blossomed. It became a home away from home for me. Being the wings, set design, rehearsals, building unity, the energy that comes from live productions, and building relationships in the green room; I find all of this to be nothing less than magical. After my introduction to theater in high school, I took a shot with musical theater, and was cast as an actor in Guys and Dolls. That was real fun. No singing role however - a man’s got to know his limits! Continuing, “ As I became more involved in the theater, I then went to the East Bay Center for The Performing Arts. It was here that I directed one act, worked on various productions and received an award for my take on the role of El Rahim in Miguel Pinero “Short Eyes.” Once I arrived at Shelton Studio, I was cast as an actor to portray the role of Crooks in “Of Mice and Men”. The production run for this production had a great response, so much so that it was extended. Upon arriving in Los Angeles I immediately was cast in the play “Love Supreme” as JC, (a John Coltrane adaptation). I have to admit there is nothing like theater. I truly love it.”

Golden spoke of his greatest accomplishment, “This is easy, “ states John Thomas Golden. “My greatest accomplishment is my family. God has blessed me with a great family, as well as a great group of friends that stand by me at all times, and all of them define my focus of what is most valuable in life. As far as entertainment, and with anything in life, I believe and truly know that if you aspire to something, and don’t quit, you will be presented with opportunities. It may not be when you want it or think you deserve it, but you must persevere. God is always on time.”

One of John Thomas Golden’s goals in 2021 is to wrap a Feature Film with a principal role. He tends to gravitate toward dramatic roles that explore the human condition, where the character is layered, flawed, and has redeeming qualities.

Stay tuned for much more inspiration from John Thomas Golden, as there are a lot of plans to make a positive impact in the entertainment industry, as well as in life in 2022 and beyond. To stay updated with his progress, follow this link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2608269/.