Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Bogdanowitsch.
Hi Jay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in elementary school performing my “Rabbit Stories” during Show and Tell time. I would tell stories I created inspired by Richard Adams’ animated movie “Watership Down”. I would draw the illustrations and perform all the characters. I became known for the practice and continued telling these original “Rabbit Stories” all the way up to Sixth Grade, when I started performing in school plays.
I continued acting in plays with an after school drama group and continued onto High School becoming heavily involved in my high school thespian troupe to the point I became Thespian President my Senior Year. Then, continued in college obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and a minor in Scriptwriting graduating Cum Laude with Departmental Honors from Ithaca College.
I began working in the Television and Film Industry working as the Executive Assistant to Film Producer Ilya Salkind, the Producer of the Christopher Reeve “Superman” motion pictures. I then moved to Los Angeles, and continued to pursue my acting and filmmaking. Producing two mock-documentaries THE BURKITTSVILLE 7 and THE SHADOW OF THE BLAIR WITCH to promote the motion picture THE BOOK OF SHADOWS: BLAIR WITCH 2, which aired on Showtime and the SyFy Channel separately and both Directed and Written by Ben Rock. Directing, Writing, and Producing my own Short Film, TEA TIME, that garnered four awards including First Place in its category of Sci-Fi / Fantasy at the Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival and was official selection at over 40 Film Festivals, which starred Joel McCrary (Dwight In Shining Armor) and Jonathan Mangum (Let’s Make a Deal).
I worked as a Professional Actor in Los Angeles for many years, performing in numerous plays, films, and commercials. As a writer and filmmaker I wrote plays and short films and produced films that garnered numerous accolades.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, it’s definitely been an interesting ride, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The road to where I am now wasn’t always straight, but it’s been such a rewarding journey. There have been challenges along the way, of course. But they helped me grow, and every experience added something valuable to my career.
Honestly, one of the things I love most about acting is how unpredictable it is. You never know what role will come next or what new adventure you’ll get to dive into. Even though I’ve been fortunate to have had some great successes, I always feel like I’m still learning and growing. It’s not about reaching some final destination; it’s about constantly evolving, staying curious, and excited by the work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Actor working in Theater, Television, Film, and Commercials along with my own filmmaking. I recently Wrote, Directed, and Produced my own Film FAMILY TRADITIONS that was an official selection at over 40 Film Festivals and garnered 25 awards including Best Comedy at the Kyoto Independent Film Festival. As an Actor, I am proud of performing as Polonius/Referee in the original play HAMLET SHUT UP! that played to sold out houses in Los Angeles and a sold out run at the NYCFringe. Commercials of note that I have performed in as Principal Talent is WWE Slim Jim with LA Knight and Bianca Belair along with Hard Rock Bet.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To anyone just starting out in the business, my advice would be to never give up.. Keep working hard, keep believing in your talent, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejaybog/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaybogdanowitsch
- Other: https://www.IMDb.me/JayBogdanowitsch
