Jaren Lewison
Boxing Gloves by Everlast
Jaren Lewison, an actor from Dallas, Texas, is best known for his role as Ben Gross in the hit television series “Never Have I Ever,” which was created by Mindy Kaling, and inspired by her childhood. Ben Gross is a 4.0 student who dreams of attending an Ivy League university. In real life, Jaren recently graduated with honors from USC, where he was a full-time student for three years during the production of his series.
Left:
Vest by Charles & Ron
Shorts by Diesel
Leggings by New Balance
Gloves by Nike
Right:
Hoodie by William Lei
Tank by RUFSKIN
Shorts by Charles & Ron
Leggings by Charles & Ron
Sneakers by French Connection
How did you get into acting?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an actor. When I was 5 years old, an improv group came to my school as one of the aftercare programs. I participated in every game and exercise and had a real knack for performing in front of people. After my mom picked me up, the leader of the group gave her the number of a local film/TV agent and thus my career began.
Tell us about “Never Have I Ever.”
“Never Have I Ever” changed my life. It is a dream come true to be on a groundbreaking show that is a pioneer for diversity and inclusion while simultaneously being so funny, heartwarming, and beautiful.
Left:
Hoodie by William Lei
Tank by RUFSKIN
Shorts by Charles & Ron
Leggings by Charles & Ron
Sneakers by French Connection
Right:
Vest by Charles & Ron
Shorts by Diesel
Leggings by New Balance
Sneakers by Puma
Gloves by Nike
How did you prepare for the role of Ben Gross?
For my initial audition, I worked with one of my acting coaches, Alex Gay. We worked to find the balance between loud, brash, winning, and vulnerable that set’s the foundation for Ben’s personality. In order to dive deeper into him once I got the role.. I leaned heavily on my psychology degree from USC to understand his motivations and behaviors. From then on, I’ve tried to be present in each scene and let the brilliantly crafted script guide me.
What was the experience of working with Mindy Kaling like?
She’s truly one of my biggest role models. She is not only creative, collaborative, and a fierce titan in our industry, she is also genuinely so kind. She cares about her cast and crew on such a deeply personal level and does everything possible to provide tools so that we can be successful. She is a natural leader, and I am honored to know her and call her a friend.
Left:
Vest by Charles & Ron
Shorts by Diesel
Leggings by New Balance
Gloves by Nike
Right:
Hoodie by William Lei
Tank by RUFSKIN
Shorts by Charles & Ron
Leggings by Charles & Ron
Sneakers by French Connection
Who has been your favorite actor/actress to work with so far?
I worked with Adam Sandler on a movie called “Men, Women, & Children.” It was a small role, but he has been and continues to be one of my greatest inspirations, so it was so amazing to get to work with him.
What are your goals/dreams for the next five years?
Professionally, I’d love to continue being a part of projects that provide me the opportunity to impact people through my roles. Ben Gross has really resonated with people, and it gives me goosebumps when fans come up to me and explain how Ben has helped them through situations or how they relate to him. Personally, I just want to continue to be a great friend, son, and someone people can be themselves around. It’s very important to me that I’m a person who makes others feel valued and special.
Left:
Vest by Charles & Ron
Shorts by Diesel
Leggings by New Balance
Sneakers by Puma
Gloves by Nike
Right:
Matching set by Patta
Leggings by Charles & Ron
Sneakers by FILA
Sunglasses by Balenciaga
What advice do you have for individuals pursuing an acting career?
I think the advice that helps me the most is what is meant to be, will be. Work hard, and try to master your craft, but if you don’t get a certain role – don’t worry. The right role will find you. It may not be on your timeline, but if it’s meant to be – it will be!
Social Media.
Instagram: @JarenLewison
Twitter: @LewisonJaren
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Jaren Lewison
Fashion Stylist: Sky JT Naval
Groomer: Tatiyana Elias
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Lola Jarzemsky, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
