Tyler Johnson talks his time as Theo on Y&R, his exciting new projects and much more. Check it out here--->>
Tyler Johnson’s career in the entertainment industry began with appearances in commercials. At the age of nine, he performed in his first professional theatre production, the play Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You. His on-screen acting credits comprise both television and film including Gardener of Eden, Gossip Girl, Men in Black 3, and The Young and the Restless. Without question, Johnson has caught the industry’s eye with a body of work brimming with memorable performances and his star meter is most definitely on the rise!
Soap Opera News caught up with Johnson who is on location in Miami, Florida filming his upcoming rom-com Falling for the Nanny. We talked with Johnson about his current projects, The Young and the Restless, his passion for his craft and what acting means to him. “I started acting at a young age. It was and still is a way for me to explore myself and a way for me to relate to the world. Also, acting gives me the opportunity to experience situations I might not personally go through but experiencing them through art grants me the capacity to feel empathy and compassion for others. Honestly, things came very easily to me at the beginning of my career. Now looking back, I am so glad that even though they did, I made sure to discipline and commit myself to the development of the craft. I believe this is what sustains you and keeps you centered.”
Johnson stars in the new comedy romance film, My Favorite Girlfriend, which follows Conrad (Johnson) who meets Molly (Bonnie Piesse), the perfect girl, who has multiple personalities – Vanessa, Sarah, Silk, and more. The movie was released for a limited theatrical run beginning on August 5. Now audiences can check it out on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Vudu. “I am very grateful for a role like Conrad that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I play someone with OCD. In a project geared toward destigmatizing mental health issues, I was happy they cast someone like me in the role. When I got on set, they told me they were going to make me look like a Ken doll.
The film purposely created this aesthetically pleasing individual who is struggling with mental health issues. I appreciated I wasn’t told to lose 20 pounds or not to get any sleep, which I am always willing to do as an actor. But for this role, the film didn’t create a picture of what some may think someone with mental issues would look like. Instead, the character was very put together. There are times when we can be afraid to admit our weaknesses but we all need help sometimes. This is ideally what art is all about, bringing acceptance and inclusion into the world.”
Johnson played Theo Vanderway for two years in the soap opera The Young and the Restless. As those of us in the soap community are very much aware, the community is unlike any other. We loved hearing Johnson’s insightful take and perspective on the topic as a soap actor. “I enjoyed my time on the show. The soap opera community is an amazing group of people. What I love most is that everyone has their own opinions and there is a very active dialogue surrounding the characters. It was especially fun for me to see how polarizing Theo could be among the fans. The passion in the soap community is unmatched and unrivaled by any other and I am honored and humbled by it. People who are passionate about art are my kind of people. The people in the soap community are my kind of people.”
And yes, we did ask...Johnson shared with us that he would be open to returning to The Young and the Restless if the stars aligned.
If there is one thing, we can say with absolute certainty after speaking with Johnson is that he is an artist who loves, is passionate about and is committed to his craft of acting. The doors of opportunity are swinging wide for Johnson and he is looking with gratitude and excitement toward his future. “I am working, auditioning and in demand. This is as good as it gets. This is what I asked for. What a Blessing it all is. As I continue along this journey, what is most important to me is to do good work that people can connect with and that my compassion and love for humanity comes shining through my art.”
Interview by Angela Ryan-Duncan
Written by Kenyan Smith
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