Luc Berthelette
Learn • Get Inspired • Grow
Justin Johnson Cortez
Walker: Independence, Walker, 9-1-1 Lodestar, Gift of Fear
What did you want to become when you were a child?
Growing up I loved sports, so like a lot of young kids I dreamt of becoming an athlete. But with me, the sports were always changing. It was baseball, basketball, and motorcycles, then skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, football. But as you get older, you realize how talented the people going on to the next level are, and how much dedication it takes. Even though I was naturally athletic, I could never sit still with one sport long enough to put in amount of work it really takes to become great at it. I always wanted to do it all. Experience it all. I think that’s one thing I love about acting. Getting to experience more lives than I would have naturally.
What aspects of your career do you like best/least?
I love getting to tell stories. To find my way into a character and portray that character’s experience with truth and depth. Each one is different and requires a different approach, a different amount of focus and attention. Some are more challenging, some come more naturally. I love that exploration and discovery. Sometimes you get a ninety minute movie or ten forty minute episodes to tell the story, and others just a moment. Just a look. But all of them have the potential to be real and honest, to stir an emotion in whoever might be watching.
The aspect of acting that I have found to be the most difficult to navigate is that it requires a certain amount of collaboration to make a film or put on a play. There are some brilliant people who have been able to write, direct, and produce one person plays or films, but most of the time you have to have a team. A group of people who each contribute something different to the production. It can feel different from other forms of art in that way, like painting or writing, where you can sit alone in a room and complete a piece from start to finish, all on your own. Not that those avenues of creating are any easier, I’ve experienced how difficult that can be, but there is a sense of normalcy to the isolation of those mediums. Where I feel like acting is one part of a bigger whole that is the production. It can be frustrating at times because all you want to do is create, but you may not have those other resources at your disposal.
If you could send a note to your 15 year-old self, what would it say?
I don’t think he’d listen to me, but maybe I'd tell him to join theater…? Truthfully, he wouldn’t even know what I meant, he didn’t know his school had a theater program. I don’t actually know if it did. I wouldn’t want to say too much to him, I think it was good for him to bump his way through life. Gave me lots of practice for how I’m bumping through it now.
If you could send a note to your 75 year-old self, what would it say?
I’d have so many questions. But I’d say I hope he is still giving it his all. Loving his wife the way she deserves. Loving his children and still being there for them when they might need him, even though they may have partners and children or grandchildren of their own. And if so, I hope he is an amazing grandfather and great grandfather, the kind that is always up for a laugh and a good talk, even if his body is always in pain. I hope he never stopped dreaming, never stopped playing, never stopped creating, and never stopped learning from others. I hope he always put his phone down when his girls wanted to talk. I hope he cherished every kiss, every hug, and every opportunity he got to hold them. I hope he found a way to contribute to the world while he was still here. I hope he is proud of the life he got to experience.
Happiness is…
An elusive fuck. Haha. No, but really, I think the word and the idea has been put on a pedestal, like it’s the determining factor of a successful life. I definitely experience moments of happiness— Playing with my children, laughing with my wife, creating art— But I also struggle with anxiety and depression. So I’ve learned not to put so much emphasis on the idea of happiness, because it is always fleeting. And that’s okay. There are many things in life that bring me joy, and I take them as they come, just like I take the the things that may make me feel less happy.
What/who inspires you?
So many things. Books, art, music, poetry. The way children process the world, play and imagine. Mothers. Movies. People who smile at the DMV. It’s incredible to see people doing what they love or watch those who are the best at what they do. But I’m more inspired by people who are doing what they might hate because they have to provide for their family or get out of a bad situation, or chase down a dream. Working long hours or multiple jobs. Grinding away for a greater purpose. Also people who aren’t so good at what they are doing, but keep at it, keep getting up when they fall, because they know what they want to achieve.
What three books would you insist everyone read?
This is a hard question. Book choices are so subjective and I’ve read so many that I’ve enjoyed. Fifteen years ago I would have said something like “Brave New World”, or “Guns Germs and Steel”, or “Sidartha". But now, maybe “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. Or “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Every time I read those to my kids, they would impact me. A few years ago I was gifted the story “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Back. I remember it really fascinating me.
If in a bad (sad, sour, or angry) mood, I pop this movie (or TV show) in and know I will feel better once the film wraps up:
I don’t really have one. I love movies and shows, but I’m not one to rewatch a lot. When I’m in an unpleasant mood I tend to go see what my kids are up to and join their game or just sit and watch them be. That usually helps me.
A meal that I serve that I know will be a crowd-pleaser is:
Oh no, other than my wife and kids, I don’t cook for people. I love food, but I’m also easy when it comes to flavor. If something is lacking, I’ll just throw some hot sauce on it and be good. I know that’s not the case for others so I’d rather get takeout and know they’ll be satisfied then worry about serving something they might not enjoy.
What do you consider to be the best mistake you have ever made?
When I was 20, I went to the court house and got hitched to the woman that I have now been married to for almost 15 years and have two amazing children with. We’d known each other less than a year and spent less than two weeks together. It didn’t feel like a mistake, but it definitely could have been seen as one. Best choice I’ve ever made.
The key to my personal well-being is:
Time with my family and physical activity. If I’m away from my wife or my kids too long I start to loose bits of myself. Even with FaceTime, it’s hard not to have physical connection with them. And I need to get my body moving. Hitting a heavy bag, hiking, climbing. Something that gets me sweating, out of my head for a while, and lets me focus on the present moment is important.
What do you believe to be the greatest gift to offer one another?
I think it’s time. Intentional, quality time. Whether it's talking or playing or creating or just existing in the same space together with no distractions. It’s hard to come by at times. With how “available” we all are with our phones in our pockets, it can be difficult to put parts of our lives aside long enough to really connect with those we care about.
Any advice for those wanting to become performers &/or live their best lives?
Have a solid support group. What has been most valuable for me is having somebody who is there to support me and also help keep life in perspective. Sometimes it’s more than one person. While chasing your dream, it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated 100 percent of the time. In my experience, it comes with highs and lows. Confidences and insecurities. Find people who inspire you and push you to be better. Find someone you can trust to be real with you, keep you grounded, remind you why you do what you do. And don’t lose yourself in the pursuit of your goals, remember to experience life as well.
Any last words?
Just thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me. I hope there is something in here that someone out there can relate to, find comfort in, or just have a laugh at.
Follow Justin on: