Jon Chaffin – The Haves and the Have Nots

By starrymag | July 18, 2017

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) Currently, I’m working on a feature film that is being shot in Oakland. It’s a great piece written by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, Black-ish), who both star in it as well. I play, Dez, their close friend and all-around hustler. I’m also doing an August Wilson reading series, where we are doing live reads of each of his ten plays. I love theatre and Mr. Wilson is an icon in American Theatre. It’s an honor to bring his works to life. Early this year, I performed in one of Mr. Wilson’s beloved plays “King Hedley II” at The Matrix Theatre here in LA. I’m hoping to do another play before the end of the year.

 

Q) How was Warlock originally described to you?

 

A) I honestly don’t remember what the breakdown (character description) was for War. When I read the script, I immediately knew who he was. He was people I knew growing up. Family members and friends. I just fused them together to create War. The thing about Tyler [Perry] is, he gives you the room and space to create. He provides the canvas (script), but he allows his actors to paint the portrait how they see it. It’s art in it’s purest form.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about your portrayal?

 

A) I think the most challenging part of playing War, is the dark places I have to go to pull him out. Since I’m not like War, in my life, I have to find the connection in order for me to understand and justify his actions. It goes deeper than just putting on a mean face and saying the lines. In order for me to go “there” and do the things War does, things I may not agree with I truly have to transform. It’s fun and exhilarating, but still challenging all the same time.

 

Q) Fans are not very pleased this season with Warlock. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to the series?

 

A) I love the fans and being able to interact with them. They are so invested in the story and these characters. It’s truly a gift, social media; it gives the audience an opportunity to speak directly with the actors, writers, producers, directors, etc. But this season, it’s been tough to defend War. The audience truly hates him now, which is great. I love reading the comments. People are hilarious!

 

Q) How does it feel to have people so invested in your character that they are moved by your performance?

 

A) As an actor, it’s our goal to bring truth and honesty to every role. So, when the audience is moved by a performance and compelled to express it, that means everything! That’s all I can ask for. I just want to do great work. That’s all that matters to me, the work. I don’t think about how it’s going to be received while I’m doing it, I’m just in it. In the moment. If I can look at a performance and not see myself, then I know I’ve found something. Now, if its good or not, that’s for the audience to decide.

 

Q) What have you learned throughout the series working with Tyler Perry?

 

A) I’ve learned how to be a professional. How to be a fearless dreamer. Tyler is about his business and I appreciate that. I mean, look at what he’s created, and from where he started. If that doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what will. Everything about my experience on this show can be summed up in one word: amazing. Literally. Amazing. I also learned how to digest unimaginable amounts of dialogue, in a very short time. Tyler shoots at a pace that can be very challenging, if you don’t have technique. I’m thankful for the lessons I learned on his set; lessons I’ll carry with me throughout me career.

 

Q) What can you tease are some memorable moments you are looking forward to fans seeing this season on “HAHN?”

 

A) All I can say is there will be a “show down” with the Malones and War. It’ll be epic. Everything is building up to it already.

 

Q) Who haven’t you worked with on the show that you’d like to have scenes with or have worked with before that you’d like to have more scenes with?

 

A) I wish that I could work with Angela [Robinson], who plays Veronica. She’s amazing! Simply amazing!

 

Q) What would you like to be sure fans know about Warlock and this season of “HAHN?”

 

A) Even though War may make some stupid choices, ([laughs]), it’s born from a very deep place and sense of needing to be loved. His “respect me” attitude is really the need to be accepted. His parents basically abandoned him and he’s had to navigate the world on his own. So, while we may want him to go a different path, I hope the audience gets that he’s a very damaged man who’s trying to find the pieces to fix what’s broken in him. Perhaps if War had received the love he needed early in life, he wouldn’t have went down the path he did.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I just want to thank EVERYONE who has supported me and who has given me words of encouragement, inspiration and shown love for War. I’m humbled and grateful that my work has reached and touched so many people. I had no idea this character would grow and become so beloved by the fans. Now, they are #teamwarlock and whatnot. [laughs] It’s been an amazing journey and I’m honored to have been given such an awesome character to play. The fans will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart.