Daily Inspiration: Meet Jacob Keohane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Keohane.

Hi Jacob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my career in 2006 as a stage actor working for various theaters in NC. In 2010 I moved to Wilmington in an effort to expand to film acting as well. I signed with an agent and worked in small independent productions until 2016, when I landed a couple of episodes of “Turn” on AMC. Things picked up from there. I started landing better roles in indie features, including “Point Man,” shot in Vietnam and Cambodia, and “Condor’s Nest,” which received a limited theatrical release and was largely shot in NC. I got to tussle with Michael Myers in Halloween Kills, which was a horror fan’s dream come true. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and NC has been a great place to cultivate my silly little dream. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been smooth at all haha. There’s an extremely small percentage of actors who get work right away. For the rest of us it’s a lot of auditioning and low to no-paying jobs starting out, anything to gain experience and network, land the next contract. I remember years ago being almost destitute, working for close to nothing, and turning down opportunities that would have made me financially sound while making acting a non-option. I had a lot of doubt at the time that I was making the right choice. But I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s a cliche but the struggle was worth it, and it’s made me more grateful for the opportunities I’m getting. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor. I trained at UNCW and with teachers and coaches. I started out studying and performing Shakespeare but over the years that expanded into a little bit of everything. I’ve played a lot of shady cops and brooding soldiers lately, which has been fun, if a little unexpected. I’m most proud of the variety of characters I’ve had the opportunity to play. It’s a blast to step into the shoes of someone completely unlike myself. 

What do you think about happiness?
Acting, nature, dogs, creative people, cheeseburgers. I’m pretty basic. I try to be mindful of how lucky I am and appreciate everything, no matter how small. I don’t always succeed, but I’m working on it.