Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Side Hustle’s Jacques Chevelle

Jacques Chevelle is a fresh face who’s doing big things in Hollywood. He recently made his television debut in Nickelodeon’s newest comedy series, Side Hustle, starring opposite Jules LeBlanc and Jayden Bartels.

The series follows two best friends who devise a plan to earn some extra cash after they accidentally destroy their neighbor’s boat.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Jacques, who is a standout in the role of Jaget, to learn more about the show, his character, and how he got his start in the biz.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Jacques: I did Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors in middle school. I played Dromio of Ephesus. From there, I got interested in theatre and musicals. That led to film and TV.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jacques: This may come from left field, but when I was younger, I was fascinated with Queen Latifah. I watched Set It Off, Last Holiday, Bringing Down the House—all of her movies. I’m still a big fan of her. She made me gravitate towards acting. Also, the person who makes me try to be a better actor every day is Viola Davis. I remember seeing Fences and literally having shivers watching her performance and a ball of emotions. But she gave me that push to want to dig deeper, explore more, and carve out characters more.

Side Hustle

PC: Tell us about Side Hustle, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jacques: Jaget is a character that reminds me a lot of my brother and I. I’m not so much like him in the everyday, but I remember when I read the script, I was like, “I know this character. This is how my brother and I are. This is our relationship. It’s very aggressive and funny.” I knew who he was when I went in.

The casting director, Jamie [Snow], said to me, “I thought of you when I saw this.” I was like, “Oh yeah, I feel super confident. I know who Jaget is.” He’s also a very offbeat character. The things he does are very weird. I liked the challenge of figuring out how to keep him grounded, what makes him tick, and who he is.

PC: You’re joining the Nickelodeon family, which is a huge milestone for any actor. Did you feel any pressure because of that?
Jacques: My younger self definitely put pressure on me. If he was here, he would have been shocked and taken aback by this. I just want to make that kid proud of who I’ve become and be like, “Look, we got here. We did it.”

PC: This is a breakout television role for you. Did anything surprise you about the process? What did you learn about yourself?
Jacques: That my instincts are pretty good. I can trust them. That the process is quicker than I thought it would be. Also how much work everyone puts in to put on a show. The creative team behind the scenes and on screen put so much work in to make these characters come alive. It motivates you to do a good job.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jacques: Every night, I watch an episode of Bob’s Burgers.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jacques: Last Holiday. If I was on a deserted island, that’s the movie I want. I can relax and watch Queen do Queen.

PC: Favorite book?
Jacques: Yes Please by Amy Poehler. Boy, does she take you on an emotional roller coaster. I was laughing and crying and just in awe of who she is. It’s a great book.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jacques: Dear Evan Hansen.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jacques: Brockhampton, Twenty One Pilots, and Fleetwood Mac.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jacques: Kevin Hart.

To keep up with Jacques, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Side Hustle every Saturday on Nickelodeon.

Photo Credit: Nickelodeon