From Child Actor to Serial Entrepreneur: Julian Griffith’s Inspiring Journey
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Julian Griffith, an actor, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur with roots deeply embedded in Chicago. Julian’s journey began at the tender age of three when he first stepped into the world of acting, eventually booking movie roles by age ten. Reflecting on his early start, Julian shared how his parents were prompted by strangers who admired his and his twin brother’s charm to get them into modeling. Their mother, taking advantage of a coincidental day off, started submitting them to talent agencies — a decision that would shape Julian’s future.
Growing up in Chicago, Julian found himself motivated to stand out not just as the shy, chubby kid who sometimes faced bullying, but as someone recognized for his talents and gifts. This desire to be seen for who he truly was fueled his passion for acting and set him on a path that would lead to significant roles on major television series like “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med.” These opportunities allowed Julian to reintroduce himself to the world as an adult actor with range, shedding the typecast image from his earlier role as Jefferson Albert Tibbs in “Hardball.”
Julian’s filmography is as diverse as it is impressive, with titles like “Proven Innocent,” “Utopia,” “South Side,” and “Christmas in Chicago.” Each project has contributed to his growth as an actor, allowing him to showcase his athletic, dramatic, and comedic sides. Julian particularly relishes roles that let him improvise and bring humor to the screen, aligning with his naturally humorous personality.
Aside from acting, Julian’s career took a detour into professional baseball — a transition that was surprisingly seamless, given his background in “Hardball.” This experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience and handling rejection, skills that have proven invaluable in both the entertainment and sports industries.
Julian is also the proud owner of Juiced Up Athletics, a business he founded in 2018 to provide high-intensity baseball and softball training in the Chicagoland area. His motivation stemmed from his own experiences of feeling underprepared compared to his peers during his youth. Now, Julian is committed to offering young athletes the resources and training he wished he had.
Balancing his time between acting, running a business, and his other commitments is no small feat, but Julian manages it with a disciplined schedule and a relentless work ethic. Despite the demands of his career, he still finds time to engage in motivational speaking and run baseball camps, aiming to inspire young athletes and aspiring actors alike. Julian’s message is clear: to reach the next level, one must push beyond their perceived limits, both mentally and physically.
At just 34 years old, Julian Griffith has already achieved an extraordinary amount. His journey from child actor to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance, and his story continues to inspire those around him. Follow him on social media at @officialjuliangriffith @juathleticslife
