HBO’s ‘Insecure’ Star Jean Elie Feels Secure In His Power Of Belief

The combination of hard work, drive, and determination equates to a recipe for success. They’re the key ingredients to making a dream become a reality. A well-known barrier that’s designed to prevent a person from achieving success is an obstacle known as fear. The assumption in regards to the mere possibility of failure can elevate a person’s level of trepidation. Actor Jean Elie overrides fear with the power of belief. Elie had a dream, and he identified the fact his reality was in a place nearly 3,000 miles away.

A product of Brockton, Massachusetts, Jean Elie is a first-generation Haitian American. He grew up with a brother and three sisters. Elie looked up to his older brother. His big brother taught him how to defend himself, talk to girls, and be confident. During the course of his upbringing with his brother and sisters, Jean Elie assumed the role of the utility person. For example, if something around the house needed to be repaired, Elie would shadow the repairman and study his every move. If that particular item was to breakdown a second time, Elie would be the person to fix it.

As a young adult in his early twenties, Jean Elie developed an interest in becoming an actor. It all started when a radio ad about acting grabbed his attention. Unfortunately, the ad that captured his attention was a scam. He quickly moved on and found a legitimate opportunity on Craigslist in the form of a student film. He was awarded a part as a supporting character.

A turning point in Jean Elie’s life was when his older brother passed away. The tragic event pushed him to make the decision that it was time to go hard or go home. Elie felt the need to take a chance on himself. He made an aggressive move in the form of relocating cross country to Los Angeles. The decision to make the move paid off in a big way in 2017 when Jean Elie was awarded the role of Ahmal Dee in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Insecure”.

Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer went one on one with the multi-talented Jean Elie.

Vince: Define your swagger. What makes Jean Elie, Jean Elie?

Jean: My drive and my determination. My willingness to go with the flow and accomplish my goals.

Vince: Fact or Fiction. As a young boy did you try to build a time machine?

Jean: That is a fact. I was in my neighbor’s basement trying to make a time machine with a stationary bike, two speakers, wires connected to the speakers, a car battery, and a clock. After I watched the movie “Back To The Future” I thought it was going to work. The car battery was hooked up to the stationary bike, it started sparking and got the speakers going, but nothing happened.

Vince: You made a bold move from Massachusetts to Los Angeles. After making the transition were you ever scared or nervous?

Jean: When I first arrived I was set up to stay with a friend. He showed up at the airport and told me I couldn’t stay with him. I had to basically move in with a guy I met at the baggage claim. From that point, I was like I’m here and I got to make this happen. I couldn’t let the guy down who let me move in with him, and I couldn’t let myself down.

Vince: Early in the transitional process, did you ever feel like you made a mistake?

Jean: All I did was try to figure out how to get jobs I wanted. When I wasn’t getting the jobs I wanted, I had to figure out how to create the jobs I wanted, or put myself in a position to get the jobs I wanted. I put myself in position by working with people who created their own content.

Vince: After moving to Los Angeles, What was your first job?

Jean: My first paying job was “Project X”. I was so determined to get the job. I kept calling casting. I told them this is my character. This job is mine.

Vince: How did you get the role on “Insecure”?

Jean: I did what actors do when they start off. I auditioned for the part. I wasn’t sure I would get the part because it’s about a gay man and I’m heterosexual. Fortunately, they called me a week later and I read with Issa and the cast.

Vince: Who is Ahmal Dee?

Jean: My character Ahmal Dee is a strong black man who happens to be gay. He’s confident, driven, and an all-around good person.

Vince: Your character is a gay character who is rather masculine and laid back. Did you create the character’s demeanor, or was it the creators of the show?

Jean: A little bit of both. I knew I wanted to portray a different type of gay character. I try to make sure he is as grounded as possible.

Vince: How is it working with Issa?

Jean: It’s amazing to work with someone that gets it. She lets you play and she wants you to win. It’s the best thing anyone can ask for. Issa inspires me. People like her who write their own ticket are inspirational to me.

The HBO hit series “Insecure” is a show focused on millennial women living their best life. The entire cast portrays characters who are strong, confident, and encounter real-life situations on a daily basis. The “Insecure” series represents a seasonal security blanket for HBO. Every time the show comes back with new episodes HBO receives a huge spike in subscribers and Sunday night viewership.

Iconic names such as Denzel Washington, Robert Deniro, and Al Pacino are just a few of the entertainers Jean Elie admires. Elie is a person who prides himself on his sheer will and determination. He’s a firm believer in investing in yourself and moving forward. In addition to acting, he also writes, produces, and creates his own content. He is currently pushing a show entitled “Send Help”.

Jean Elie is a true professional. He’s a person who is dedicated to doing the research and displaying an impressive work ethic. His confidence and determination are a potent combination.

Actor/Writer/Producer Jean Elie is a true example of the old adage of “believe and you shall achieve”.