Jax Malcolm is a teen actor, known for his roles in The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and his nominated voiceover work in FOX’s The Other Side of the Door.

However, Jax is more than an actor – he’s also an author and an activist.   Jax recently published his very first children’s book, titled “The Positively True Tale of George the Beluga Whale.”  He also works closely with Heal the Bay’s Hollywood Ambassador Board, of which is is a founding member, and helps teach environmental stewardship to children through the series Conservation Invasion.

Everly Mag talked to Jax Malcolm all about acting, activism, writing, and his dreams for the future.

Everly Mag: How did you get your start in acting?

Jax: It all started when I was 5 [years old].  I was watching TV one night and was amazed by the kids on it.  I asked my parents why I wasn’t one of them.  From there, I got an agent and manager and booked my first commercial – a PSA for Smart Power – within a couple of months.  This really was the same time I understood that acting was a job and that this is what I wanted to do as a career.  For me, acting is more than a passion, it’s a way of life.

Everly Mag: What’s the best thing about being a young professional actor?  What’s the biggest challenge?

Jax: The best thing about being a professional actor is getting to play so many different characters.  I love being able to share the story with the audience.  The challenges I personally face have to do with my learning disability.  I have an auditory processing disorder, which is similar to dyslexia, so it makes reading and writing more difficult for me.  So, learning scripts takes me a lot longer than most people.

Everly Mag: Tell us about your role on the CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.  What did you do to prepare for the role?  What was it like filming the show?  What was your favorite part of being on set?

Jax: On Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, I had the opportunity to work with Emmy Award Winner Rachel Bloom, who is a comedy genius.  I played the part of Jason, a friend from [Rachel’s character’s] youth, along with a group of kids.

In order to prepare for the audition, I did a lot of research on Rachel’s performance style to go into casting with a fully fledged character that fit into the show.  It was so much fun spending the day singing and dancing with the amazing cast.  The best part was the friends I made.   I still keep in touch with just about everyone from the younger cast.

Everly Mag: We saw you did some voiceover work in in Fox’s The Other Side of the Door.  What’s the biggest difference between voiceover and acting on film?  Which do you prefer?

Jax: I actually was nominated for my work in The Other Side of the Door, which was a huge honor to be recognized for my first voiceover job.  All my work on [the film] was done in the recording studio instead of being on set.  It was pretty cool to see everything done, and then get to add my voice.  I actually enjoy both voiceover and being on set equally, because they are so different.

Everly Mag: What has been your favorite acting project so far?

Jax: My favorite project (that I can share right now) was working on Comedy Central’s The Kroll Show.  I got to work with Nick Kroll for the first time, and Nathan Fielder again, and they are the funniest guys to be around.  But, on this show, I got to shoot my scenes  up in a tree which was the most fun!  It scared my mom a lot!  But, I had the best time working up high in the tree.

Everly Mag: Besides acting, you also wrote a children’s book!  What’s your book about and why should children read it?

Jax: “The Positively True Tale of George the Beluga Whale” is the first book in [a] series and it’s based on one of my childhood toys, a stuffed dog named George.

I think families will really enjoy the book, because it teaches the valuable lesson that there’s nothing better than being who you are.

Everly Mag: Tell us about your work with Heal the Bay and your upcoming series, Conservation Invasion.  Why are environmental causes important to you?

Jax: I should probably start with how I got involved with working for the environment. I spend every summer here in LA. at the beach, training. I am a three time certified LA County Jr. Lifeguard and the damage I’ve seen to animals, plants, and our ocean from humans’ lack of consideration for the natural world really upset me.  I wanted to help make a difference.

So, when I was approached by Heal the Bay to work with them it was a perfect fit! I’m a founding member of Heal the Bay’s Hollywood Ambassador Board.  In addition to doing beach cleanups, I work a lot with Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium on their children’s initiatives to promote environmental responsibility in our oceans and waterways.

 My series Conservation Invasion is about to release the first episode of our second season. Doing the show was a way for me to reach even more children to teach environmental stewardship to kids in easily accessible places like zoos and aquariums. We’ve been really successful with reaching our audience and making a positive impact with the show. At the end of every episode we provide tips that kids at home can follow to help care for the environment.

Everly Mag: What are 3 pieces of advice you’d give to aspiring young actors?

Jax: Follow your dreams, work hard, and trust in the process.

Everly Mag: What are your dreams for the future of your career?

Jax: I always talk about the first film that made an impression on me, and that’s the original Transformers film.  I want to star in a Transformers film, and turn my books into an animated series.

Connect and catch up with Jax Malcolm on IMDB, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Check out Jax’s book on Amazon and all major online retailers.

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Feature Image Credit: Michael D’Ambrosia