Rising Star Stephen Cofield Jr On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Find your tribe. Having loved ones in your corner is a true blessing, but it’s incredibly difficult to find like-minded, genuinely good people in this business who are on the same path as you. Start cultivating relationships so that when the going gets tough, you have folks you can lean on for guidance or just an ear because they also went through a similar sh*tty experience. When things are rocking, you’ll have a Rolodex of people you can trust to build a small team that’ll help elevate your craft & business.
As part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Stephen Cofield Jr.
Stephen Cofield Jr. is an award-winning actor from Brooklyn, New York. He recently starred as Leo in Stella Saccá’s play Lions Don’t Hug. Stephen studied the Stanislavsky method with Maria Riboli Acting School and has since made a household name for himself, starring in numerous television series, feature films, and award-winning short films. With over 15 years of experience, Stephen continues to bring various skills, an innate sense of humor, and a passion for each role he portrays.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Shucks, thank you for having me! I grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. My Mom and Dad were loving folks trying to do their very best for their son while maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship. They passed away when I was a teenager, so the tribe (fair warning, you’ll hear this word throughout the interview) of my Godparents and my Uncle and Aunt stepped in as bonus parents to help carry the torch. New York during the 1990s wasn’t the safest for children my age, so we made do with a vast imagination and a tight-knit community of people who would look out for one another. I played sports as a kid and earned good grades in school, but I would always give minimum effort if I felt I wasn’t challenged enough. Being an artist was a significant part of my upbringing because although it was in the family, I never thought that one day it could be a reality for myself. I really thought it was magic — I couldn’t fathom that somebody who looked like me, who was from where I’m from, could possibly make quite the living in entertainment — boy, was I wrong :)
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I have been acting professionally for about 15 years, but I have always shown glimpses of something to family & friends in early childhood, more specifically to my mommy, Debra Harris. [Fun fact: I was voted Class Clown in High School]. Back then, she and the television were my BFFs. We would share a room with that one TV, and I would hold court during the commercial breaks, performing everything I had absorbed. She was my audience and would always speak power into what she saw for me. She would say that I belonged on TV, but it wasn’t until after I was a college graduate, working a 9–5 job, that I felt confident enough to pursue it. I went three whole years before I would give it a try. I was in this place where I felt like there was this huge piece of life’s purpose that I was missing out on, and that would only change once I embarked on pursuing the craft of acting.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Once I started living with intention, the dots began to connect. I was a few years into moonlighting as an actor while working a full-time corporate job, and up to this point, I had done everything under the sun — short films, commercials, print modeling, hosting, you name it. But then I started showing up to work feeling empty and stagnant.
I remembered I had this book someone recommended for me to read that was sitting at home collecting dust. It was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Every time I’d try to read it, I would put it right back down. It would be years later before I finally picked it up again, and it blew me away. The Alchemist’s themes of breaking the monotony, trusting the signs of the universe, practicing patience & persistence, and not being afraid of fear helped me identify my purpose and understand what more life had to offer.
Things started to click instantaneously. I quit my job not long after as opportunities began to line up (by the way, I had an excellent financial exit strategy up until that point). The book had such an effect on me that I started paying attention to the language of the world (aka those omens) as I began to pour more into my craft. For example, I would take myself on an artist date to the movies every Tuesday. This day in particular, they were showing a trailer for a highly intense Christopher Nolan spy thriller starring John David Washington (I’m a fan of this brother’s work and an even bigger fan of his sort of famous father, Denzel Washington). As I watch the trailer, I say aloud, “That’s gonna be me.” Not to be a son of Pauletta & Denzel, but to be a leading man starring in my own action motion picture. Little did I know that after the movie, headed to my favorite lunch spot, I’d walk right into, you guessed it — John David Washington. I gave him the New York City, “I see you’re doing big things, man, congrats!” head nod, and he gave me the “appreciate that, bro, thank you!” head nod right back. That moment helped solidify that I was on the right path and to keep doing what I’m doing — that what’s for me will be for me.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My funniest mistake actually happened well before I officially decided to pursue a career in acting. It came during childhood when I was unknowingly developing my ability and resilience as a performer.
Seventh grade was a time when I was the ultimate shy kid. A classmate approached me about breaking out of that shell by participating in the school’s talent show. Appearing in a talent show was a complete risk I normally wouldn’t take, but something triggered me to try it and show people that I had some skills. [clears throat] What started as an innocent rap song about Black History, turned into one of my most embarrassing moments when I said an expletive into the microphone, as soon as I forgot the lyrics. Woof! Nothing says ‘you messed up badly’ than an auditorium full of kids & family members saying “Oooooooooo!” in unison, as said expletive echoes throughout the auditorium. My classmates (and the rest of the school) wouldn’t let me forget it for a whole year — until it was time for the eighth-grade Christmas recital. The class needed a savior, someone to lead the chosen gospel/hip hop song with James Brown/Michael Jackson-esque flavor. I didn’t have to think about it twice, I’ve already watched everything under the sun from all my favorite entertainers — music, film & television. I was a game! Needless to say, in a perfect storybook fashion, I CRUSHED IT!
I felt this was my coming out party, and folks couldn’t believe what they witnessed. The students and faculty were dazzled by the same shy kid who completely blew it a year ago. I was now revered and celebrated as this wonderful talent who might have a shot at doing something big one day. That moment taught me the biggest lesson in fearlessness and how to evolve from ‘not-so-good’ experiences. It’s okay to fall on your face; just make sure to get back up!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Well, I’m currently waiting to hear an update regarding an Interim Agreement for a really awesome opportunity in Japan. The industry is in dire need of significant change for the sake of artists making a decent living. So, due to the strikes, I can’t reveal much more right now. However, if all goes well with resolving things, next year will be a glorious rollout of the genre surfing I was able to do, working in the horror, sci-fi & buddy-action-drama spaces within both the short & feature narrative forms.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
One of my biggest obstacles is fighting through imposter syndrome. I either feel like I’m not doing enough or don’t belong. What tempers those thoughts and keeps me motivated is doing all it takes to be the best version of myself every waking day. Working on my craft by any means adds to that fire. I obsess over my process and challenge myself in areas of my game that could help me be a better performer, like how any legendary artist works on their craft. I deserve to be here, and if I know I’m bustin’ my a** to be the best I can be, then my confidence will help drown out the voices of doubt.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
“I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.” — Tupac Shakur
It’s necessary and precious for a young person to identify with characters on the screen. I wouldn’t be working in film/TV if I didn’t see myself in the likes of “The Fresh Prince’s,” or the “All That’s, “or the “Ghostwriter’s,” etc. (do your Google people). I feel fresh voices from multi-ethnic backgrounds with different perspectives would help bring more empathy to what’s missing from today’s society.
It’s getting harder and harder for our youth to know their history, so we also have a need and a responsibility to inform them and the rest of the world about the contributions of people of color. And by executing this, we’ll get more fresh stories, not just the same IP recycled repeatedly with the latest hot influencer/TikTok star. No shade.
The third one? Hmm… let me work on that. TDB.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Find your tribe. Having loved ones in your corner is a true blessing, but it’s incredibly difficult to find like-minded, genuinely good people in this business who are on the same path as you. Start cultivating relationships so that when the going gets tough, you have folks you can lean on for guidance or just an ear because they also went through a similar sh*tty experience. When things are rocking, you’ll have a Rolodex of people you can trust to build a small team that’ll help elevate your craft & business.
2. Plan B’s are okay, really. I know it’s our dream to be successful working actors, but we also have to be real with ourselves. People think once you’re on TV, you’ve made it. Made what exactly? Almost only 13% of SAG/AFTRA members make enough to qualify for health benefits. At the time of this interview, the industry is at a standstill; both writers & actors are simultaneously on strike (for the first time since 1960). So, unless your last name is “B. Jordan,” it’s okay to work a few side hustles to fund your dream. We hear stories about people quitting their jobs to pursue acting all the time, [raises hand] but thoroughly plan it the best you can! Make it a calculated risk. If you’ve tried and need to return to the workforce at any point in your journey, do that sh*t! [now raises both hands]. It’s not a step back but more like a pivot so you can keep pursuing your dreams. Be smart. Stay resilient.
3. Your job is to audition. As an actor, your job is to approach the work with your best interpretation of the material over & over again. You may get 100 no’s before you book that large co-star on a popular network television show, but please understand that you’re not trying to book the job — you’re trying to book the room. “Stephen, I killed that self-tape though?!” Yes, but you’re also 6’1, and the series regular in that scene is 5’5, so it may not work for the casting office. If you’re brought in multiple times for said show, it’s because they actually like what you’re bringing, and casting is trying to find the best opportunity for you. One time, I auditioned for a popular show 6–7 times before I finally booked a role. I would get so bent out of shape because I felt like they were playing with my emotions (drama king, I know…). It wasn’t until my manager told me they would ask for me specifically that I started to feel like they were working with me. Whoa. I must have won the room 3 or 4 times ago, but it just wasn’t the right fit at the moment! I went in there the next time and did my thing! Simply put, control what you can control; see below :)
4. Control what you can control. Life will always find a way to throw a curve ball or three. So, the only thing we can do is control what we can. We can control how we show up for ourselves, for others, and for the work. This business isn’t the kindest, but you can control how you approach the work if you’re passionate about it. I can’t control the outcome of an audition, but I can control how prepared I am to give the very best I can. Once you make peace with that, you’re able to adapt and keep your emotions & ego in check.
5. Don’t be a d***. Point blank. There’s plenty of them in the world, in this industry — don’t add to it. You never know who may be in a position down the line that could offer you a great opportunity, but you were snappy at them in an exchange five years prior. Oh, and 5b, if you can help it, don’t burn bridges. Reputations travel lightning fast in this industry, so if you’re a d*** that burns bridges, you won’t last very long.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
This is supercritical. In this business of “busyness,” you tend to get bogged down with the next job, then the next big one, then the next, instead of living in the present… So, I would say live in the moment while exploring a life outside of the business. If you keep looking forward to whatever the next thing is, you’ll never be satisfied with what you’re accomplishing now, potentially leading to angst or, even worse, resentment.
Slow down and nurture different facets of your creativity. Continue to pour into your own cup because you’ll run dry waiting for it to fill on its own. I was in a space where I was busy being booked but still felt unfulfilled. Instead, I felt anxious and inadequate. When you find your tribe, you can trust them with your vulnerability & transparency, even when it’s perceived that you’ve got it all together. I confided in my dear friend Shauna, who told me that to help grow my craft, I’d have to find grace and practice self-regulation. Commit to building tangible schedules. Life can be unpredictable, but if you make that dedication yourself, you’ll discover all the other wonderful avenues of fulfillment. Do you operate in this space consistently? It’ll shine through your work and person.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Enormous influence? You’re incredibly kind, thank you! :)
It’s beautiful that mental health has been a huge focal point, so I think we all need a ‘Break from Social Media’ Day. We are overstimulated with information and don’t know what to believe anymore. If we put our phones down for just a day, we’ll be in a better space — emotionally, mentally & spiritually.
I spoke of Michael B. Jordan earlier… shout-out to his ‘Outlier Society’ production company as well as Queen Ava DuVerney’s ‘ARRAY’ as they’re the few that I can think of that’s bringing more diverse stories to the big screen while hiring more diverse faces behind the camera. That’s something that I admire and will look forward to myself, so I hope more folks will jump on board. There are plenty of incredibly skilled professionals of diverse backgrounds in all facets of filmmaking — from grips to cinematographers and even from production designers to the folks who greenlight the budgets for these opportunities.
And while we’re on financials — let’s ramp up how early financial literacy is taught to our elementary schools, especially in our black & brown communities. Kids are going to be kids, sure, but they’ll need to start learning how they could potentially invest more than just time in these Xbox/PS games. Okay, that’s my one old man rant for the day.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I’m grateful for my family & close friends, my tribe! I give thanks to my people and how supportive they’ve been. When I decided to (finally) pursue a career in acting, they gave me very “what took you so long?” energy, haha.
One story I often think of is an exchange I had with my good buddy Gordon regarding an opportunity to audition for an NYU Graduate film. This was the time when I had just graduated from college and started my new 9–5 corporate job. Until then, I’ve performed in different facets of my life, whether dance, hosting, or grade school recitals [see previous 8th grade Christmas recital takeover]. I was still flirting with the idea of pursuing an acting career but was too chicken to commit. My pal sent me the info, and I found every excuse not to go through with it. He told me very brotherly, “Aye man, if you really want this, you’ll make the time…” That hit me like a bag of nickels, and I tell that story at nausea because it was a huge turning point in my life. I was no longer working to live but now loving to live life as an artist. Boom! I ended up booking the role and experiencing the wonders of the film festival circuit — my first film ever! Nevertheless, it wasn’t all glorious after the Ball because this Cinderfella had to really work his tail off with coaching, conservatoires, training…and more training.
It’s a lot of hard work, but the journey of self-discovery and building meaningful relationships became most precious — Did I mention I’m thankful for my people?
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite line has got to be, “Manage your expectations.” You learn this the hard way, especially in this industry. Promises are forever thrown around, so unless the ink dries on an agreement and/or the project is in the can, try to keep it close to the chest until you know for sure about said opportunity. I take this and apply it to all areas of my life. If you expect the unexpected, then anything outside of your control won’t sting as much.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Hmm, interesting — I’ve always wanted to be part of a real Hollywood Reporters Roundtable (no shade to my comedy pals Jeremy & Raj of their viral ‘Hollywood Recorder’ video that I was featured in), but I would love to sit and talk shop with some of my biggest influencers — Mr. Denzel Washington, Mr. Harry Lennix, Deepak Chopra, Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Majors & Leon Robinson. We’ll need a little spice mixed with some insightful, thoughtful questioning, so it would be moderated by TV & radio personality, New York Times best-selling author and mental health advocate Charlamagne tha God. I’ve admired and taken a piece (and, in Mr. Washington’s case, a chunk) from these artists quite a bit in my approach to performing and sustaining a healthy mindset amidst challenging circumstances.
Sorry, Authority, I completely hijacked that private breakfast/lunch idea and transformed it into a Roc Nation brunch party, haha. Shout-out to JAY.
IYKYK
How can our readers follow you online?
Oh wow, sure… Readers, you can follow me on instagram @stephencofieldjr :)
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
I appreciate the feature, so thank YOU!
Photos Courtesy of Mylineal Films and Lionel Taurus
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
