In the heart of Hollywood’s glitzy realm, a new name is twinkling – Junes Zahdi. This multifaceted talent has not only earned acclaim as an award-winning actor but also carved his path as a producer, writer, choreographer, and musician. His journey stretches across continents and genres, revealing his remarkable versatility and exceptional talent in the entertainment world.
The Origin of a Passion
Junes Zahdi‘s journey into acting is deeply rooted in his unique life experiences. “I’ve lived a lot of life, early on. As a son of Moroccan immigrants in Germany, I never truly felt I belonged there. And some unfortunate experiences we had also signified that very firmly. Acting became an escape. A catharsis,” he shares. For Junes, acting offered solace and a canvas for empathy, transcending the confines of black-and-white thinking. “I never really believed in anything being black or white. Everything always seemed more complicated, more complex than how we were supposed to look at things.”
The spark ignited in 8th grade when he performed a scene from Romeo & Juliet in an English class. His teacher’s encouragement left an indelible mark. “I guess it wasn’t just play for me and I felt it deeply,” he recalls. Even as he pursued his education, Junes couldn’t resist the allure of the stage and screen. “While I continued with school I would still do plays on the side and even made my own film at 17.” However, his heart was firmly set on becoming an actor.
A Rising Star on Both Big and Small Screens
Junes’ journey officially began in 2003 when he ventured to New York to study method acting. “Most of it begins in finding the similarities. The common ground. The shared experiences and, if necessary, traumas” Junes explains, “I’m a method actor, and definitely want to become a character rather than just play one”. Graduation marked the beginning of his ascent, with the lead role in “The Man Who Killed Castro” earning acclaim at global film festivals.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and soon he found himself in notable projects like “Last Chance,” premiering on Steven Spielberg’s “On the Lot,” as well as appearances in “Law and Order” and Spike Lee’s “M.O.N.Y.” Beyond the screen he also performed on Off-Broadway stages, showcasing his versatility.
A Journey Westward to Los Angeles
In 2008, Junes made the big move to Los Angeles, where he further established himself as a rising star. His talents shone brightly in series like “Lincoln Heights,” where he starred alongside Vanessa Williams, and “Gigantic,” directed by the accomplished Fred Savage. Junes also ventured into the realm of independent films, making his mark with notable works such as “To Rest in Peace,” a beloved selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Collaborations with director Kasra Farahani resulted in memorable performances in films like “Noon,” acquired by 20th Century Fox, and “Tilt,” a prestigious premiere at Tribeca, subsequently released by AMC.
Beyond Acting: A Multifaceted Creative Force
Beyond acting, Junes Zahdi displayed his talents as a choreographer and musician, sharing the stage with Jennifer Lopez and guest-starring as the “International Salsa Master” on Tim Gunn’s BRAVO show series “Guide to style”, as well as choreographing Benjamin Bratt and Olivia Munn in “Ride Along 2.
His musical endeavors have been equally impressive, featuring collaborations like “Larmoyant” with Yves St. Laurent and releases like “Elephant” and “Home.” His appearances in viral YouTube hits have collectively amassed over 75 million views, attesting to his magnetic appeal as a performer. Junes even produced and headlined the captivating production “Love in Translation” at Los Angeles’ popular Rockwell Table and Stage.
“Acting is definitely always going to be my main craft and passion, but music and dance will also always be a part of my career. Dance allowed me to find my footing in this industry first. Allowed me to find confidence through the talent I didn’t know I had”. Junes shares.
A Producer and Visionary Writer
Junes’ journey took a unique turn when his controversial feature film, “MSOTG,” earned him nine “Best Lead Actor” awards. This propelled him into the realm of producing and screenwriting, driven by a desire to create thought-provoking content. “As an actor, I make sure to bring complexity and reasons to my character’s choices…And this is what drew me to writing,” he explains, “To create honest and thought provoking projects that help inspire and re-educate people away from false notions and prejudice that they were taught”. Now, Junes is developing numerous socio-critical projects and screenplays that promise to challenge and inspire.
What’s Next for Junes
The future continues to shine brightly for Junes Zahdi, with a slate of exciting projects on the horizon. Audiences can catch him in the MGM feature “Dog,” Kasra Farahani’s “Concerning the Bodyguard”, which premiered at TiFF, Mindy Project, Dick Wolf’s FBI, Lexi Alexander’s Absolute Dominion as well as the lead in the psychothriller “The Judgment” which premiered this month in Chicago. “I’m at the point of my career where I’m very passionate about what stories I help to tell” Junes shares, “As actors, we are on the forefront of bringing stories to life and are what is seen by audiences. I don’t take that responsibility lightly”.
In an industry that celebrates diversity and embraces talent from all backgrounds, Junes Zahdi serves as a stellar example of an artist who boldly and brilliantly embraces every aspect of his craft. With boundless creativity and unwavering dedication, Junes Zahdi is poised to remain in Hollywood’s spotlight for years to come.
