Jay Ellis hosted his book release event, Did Everybody Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood, CA.
The military brat and South Carolina-born star is best known for recurring roles on BET’s The Game and HBO’s Insecure. He also stars in Ms. America of FX and appears to act alongside Tom Cruise on Top Gun: Maverick. Ellis is expanding into the literary world with his new memoir.
Ellis released the book on July 30th and included Inglewood in his 15-city tour. Malik Books hosted a live chat with former Insecure co-star and friend Issa Rae to delve deeper into Ellis’ new memoir. Following the event, a book signing and social event took place.
Ellis’ book is a unique blend of his personal growth and the story of his imaginary friend, Mikey. He vividly describes Mikey as a mix of Dwayne Wayne from A Different World and Will from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a friend who accompanied him through the challenges of being an only child in a military family. This unique storytelling style is sure to intrigue readers.
Highlights of Jay Ellis and Issa Rae in Conversation in celebration of Ellis’ new memoir – August 13, 2024 at Inglewood’s Miracle Theater; Photo Credit: Robin Marshall/Getty Images
The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, with nostalgic moments and challenging experiences. He shares nostalgic stories of his first love, a third-grade teacher. When he asked her to be his girlfriend, she broke his heart by refusing. He recounted how he had joined a gang in 7th grade for a week before realizing it wasn’t the right place for him to tag along with his grandparents on road trips across the country. All of these stories made him who he is, as well as why he had an imaginary friend, Mikey. His imaginary friend was a constant companion during the toughest times, including the heartbreaking loss of his cousin in a mistaken drive-by shooting. This emotional journey is sure to resonate with readers.
“People might not know this, but I’ve loved storytelling and books my entire life,” he shared with People Magazine.
L-R: (L) Cast and Crew Members of former HBO comedy-drama Insecure attends Jay Ellis and Issa Rae in Conversation for Ellis’s New Memoir; and (R) Issa Rae, Jay Ellis, and Yvonne Orji group picture; Photo Credit: Robin L. Marshall/Getty Images
He states that stories show people different perspectives on the world we all share, reaffirming and teaching us new ways to process it. He also notes that stories give voice to people who don’t often get to tell their truth or relate to someone like them, which can suspend disbelief and let our imagination run wild.
According to People Magazine, having an imaginary friend like Mikey has not only been a source of comfort for Ellis but has also shaped him into a more thoughtful parent. The article from People also states that he has passed on his overactive imagination to his toddler daughter as an inspiration. This personal memoir is sure to inspire readers.
His last tour stop is August 19th at the Guild Theater at 2828 35th Street, Sacramento, California.
Jay Ellis’ website, www.jayellis.com, allows readers to learn more about Jay and purchase the book. Readers can also order his book through Amazon.