Actor Joshua T. Shipman soared to unprecedented heights last year in his acting career. Shipman’s work garnered significant attention last year, as he featured in numerous commercials for various brands such as Hallow, the NC Educational Lottery, Dish TV, HGTV, Delta Airlines, UNC Health, 980 Maintenance, Vystar Credit Union, and a voiceover for Popeye’s. Additionally, he starred in movies including Double Standards, Bee Hive, Swagger, Periodt, Busted & Disgusted, and Missing You This Christmas.
His unwavering passion for acting, ingrained in him since childhood, fuels his journey, akin to a rocket ship journeying into orbit. As an astronaut of his dreams, he’s cruising in his spacecraft on a quest to reach new heights in the “acting” universe.
In an “EXCLUSIVE” interview, Shipman shares his vision for the year, his pace in handling the workload, and his advancing in the acting industry as he continues to shine as a versatile actor in the game.
SPACE MISSION
Everything aligned as planned, according to the 37-year-old in reaching his goals in 2024, which set the stage for what’s to come in his new season.
“That was from God [acting roles], and it played out well. Nothing is by coincidence. Things come when they’re supposed to,” he shared in investing in himself.
He shared that 2025 is personal for him to really put himself out there and elevate through the universe. Shipman is committed to pitching himself to the point he wants producers to say, quote, “This person is it! We want to work with him.”
So far this year, he has made featured appearances in commercials for Home Depot and Mosquito Authority, and film projects for Uneven Deception and Double Standards 2, with more on the way. Double Standards 2, which recently finished production, is his first indie project he co-wrote.
STEADY WHILE PROPELLING INTO SPACE
While the projects are a blessing for him, he shared that the key is pacing himself in his line of work. He emphasizes the importance of being productive but also wise about his choices.
“You don’t want to take on everything, especially if you know you have a high success rate,” he stated.
“You have to consider what you hope to book, whether you can manage with or without it, how far you have to travel, and how long you will be away. Of course, that’s not to say that you have to look down on a project. If you’re doing something small, it can lead to something bigger,” he added.
The Hallsboro, NC native shared that he’s been blessed to have a streak where things are going his way and doing the best of his abilities during auditions. He admits the auditions are the hardest part of the job, but he makes sure he’s on point by reading the directions and breakdown carefully, visualizing the scenes before the record button is pushed, and minimizing overthinking and overdoing it.
Shipman, who has a strong resume background in TV commercials, for instance, shares that commercials consist of more motion on screen (M.O.S.) versus memorizing lines, which also helps curtail his workload.
Shipman’s work is praiseworthy at his pace, all while juggling single fatherhood. His 8-year-old son, who also did a military-themed photo shoot with him for Navy Federal Credit Union that’s still plastered at Norfolk International Airport, is a big supporter of his dreams and gets excited to see him on TV.
STARS AND GALAXIES—THE UNIVERSE’S GUIDING LIGHT
Being onstage is a magical experience, as he soaks in each moment while making the most of his beloved job. The key to becoming a great actor, according to the Harriet actor, is to stay level headed and understand the business side of the entertainment industry.
Actor, Joshua T. Shipman, on the set of his newly released commercial for HGTV-Dish in collaboration with actor, David Bromstad; Courtesy of Joshua T. Shipman/FACEBOOK
He states that any actors aspiring to make it can take acting classes and attend auditions all day, but learning the business side of the industry and advocating for oneself will help one go further. He also noted if any newcomers to the industry lack knowledge, others can easily exploit them and disregard their intelligence.
“If you’re bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, it’s easy for people to take advantage of you. A light bulb is going off to a scammer in this industry on how they can scam this person or how they can sell them the dream. You’ll learn over time and don’t allow people to waste your time,” he stated.
He mentioned that this business will come with many rejections, reflecting on the many cricket noises he heard in the past in the early stage of his career. He advises individuals to establish a solid foundation in God, noting that many aspiring actors may stumble, exhausting themselves in their pursuit of visibility and recognition.
His advice serves as a guiding light for those stepping into the industry, offering them a sense of direction and protection.
He also believes onstage authenticity, like his admirers who solidify their stance in the game like Denzel Washington, Michael B. Jordan, Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, and Laurence Fishburne, sets the standard for brothers like himself to stay and want to be in the game.
THE BEAMING STAR
Each investment is an opportunity to advance him further into his career, as he states that there is no perfect pathway in this career.
“If you’re being your organic self and putting in the work, trust me, whatever you want will come to you,”
-Actor Joshua Shipman
He shared that success won’t come immediately while sharing a story about the small steps Ryan Coogler (writer and director) and Michael B. Jordan took in the acclaimed biographical drama film, Fruitvale Station, which served as a gateway for them both to rise to the top as one of Hollywood’s notable faces in acting, writing, and directing.
Shipman too said he appreciates the steps in doing major commercial sets that provide him with opportunity after opportunity.
“That big blast-off with the fire shooting under it is coming, and we’re warming up. This year is personal! This year is strategic! I’m investing in myself more and not playing. I’m hitting the ground this year and grateful for where God is taking me,” he expressed.
The rocket ship continues its blast-off as Shipman is exploring the stars he envisioned as a kid growing up in a small town, hitting the “acting” universe. #FromLocalToGlobal, as he best describes it in his favorite hashtag.
