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Jimmy Jean-Louis is making waves in Hollywood. Known for his striking looks, undeniable charisma, and natural talent, the Haitian-born actor was quickly becoming a recognizable face on both the big screen and television. Audiences may have first noticed him in films like Tears of the Sun and The Bourne Identity, but it was his role as Tunde Jonathan, a Nigerian doctor and Monique’s love interest in Phat Girlz, that put him firmly on the international radar.
Curious about the man behind the roles, I reached out for an interview. To my surprise and delight, Jimmy kept his promise and called, laughing warmly when I admitted how shocked I was to hear his voice on the line. At 38, he was already carving out a unique path as a Haitian actor in Hollywood, but what struck me most was his humility and sense of purpose.
What followed was an honest conversation about his career, his love for Haiti, and his mission to give back.
Cheyna: I have to confess, I didn’t know you were Haitian until recently. Did the casting directors of Phat Girlz know you weren’t Nigerian?
Jimmy: I really don’t know. When I got there, the casting director was determined to have a Nigerian play the role. I saw Nigerians who flew in from all over the world, even from Nigeria. But when I read the script, they picked me right away.
Cheyna: You were born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, but left at 12. Tell me a little about your background.
Jimmy: I moved to Paris at 12. I earned a business degree there, but I also attended the Académie Internationale de Danse and spent a lot of time in Paris nightclubs. That actually paid off because it was in one of those clubs that I was discovered and given my first opportunity—a Coca-Cola commercial.
Cheyna: You’ve done TV, film, and theater. Which role did you enjoy the most?
Jimmy: I can’t name just one. Each role was a unique experience. I’ve starred alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and of course Mo’Nique. Sometimes I have to say, whoa! But one role I really enjoyed was playing Joe Gaetjens in The Game of Their Lives. He was a Haitian-born dishwasher in New York who helped the U.S. beat England 1–0 in the 1950s. It was important to me because I was playing a Haitian character in a meaningful story.
Cheyna: How connected are you to Haitian culture, and what have you done for the Haitian film industry?
Jimmy: I’m very connected. I’ve gone back to Haiti to film movies like Cousines and Le Président a-t-il le Sida?. Haitians love good stories they can relate to, but unfortunately, the quality of productions and acting still needs to improve. We have so many rich stories, and if we can tell them properly, it can even help Haiti’s economy. Why should a company fly all the way to Africa to film when Haiti is right here? That’s one of my goals.
Cheyna: Tell me a little more about Le Président a-t-il le Sida?
Jimmy: It’s about a Haitian musician named Dao Samba, who’s loved so much they call him “The President.” He has AIDS, and while it’s not based on a true story, it delivers a powerful message about the disease.
Cheyna: How was it playing Monique’s love interest in Phat Girlz?
Jimmy: I loved the role because I got to portray an elegant doctor. He was shown as an iconic figure, and Monique was wonderful to work with.
Cheyna: Would you date a plus-size woman in real life?
Jimmy: Yes, I would. It’s about connection, not size.
Cheyna: Have you ever dated someone Monique’s size?
Jimmy: Not exactly her size, but close.
Cheyna: Tell me about your nonprofit, A Hand to AIDS.
Jimmy: I formed it to help people living with AIDS. Too many people still don’t believe how real this disease is. I hope to raise awareness and provide services by partnering with other organizations.
Cheyna: Who’s your favorite Haitian Konpa artist?
Jimmy: I’m not too up to date, but I go to T-Vice parties when they’re in L.A. The last one I went to was two weeks ago. This past Saturday, I went to see Nu Look in Florida.
Cheyna: Did they know who you were?
Jimmy: Yes! Gazzman Pierre even called me on stage to congratulate me and said he loved Phat Girlz.
Cheyna: I know you can dance, but can you dance Konpa?
Jimmy: Yes, of course. It’s something you just have to know.
Cheyna: What are your fondest memories of growing up in Haiti?
Jimmy: Playing soccer in a dirt field with no shoes, making a ball out of plastic bags, playing marbles for coins even though my father whipped me for it, and climbing coconut trees. Those moments stay with me.
Cheyna: You’re funny! Ever thought of being a comedian?
Jimmy: (laughing) No, not at all.
Cheyna: How do you think television affects today’s youth?
Jimmy: Honestly, I don’t watch TV. I only use mine for DVDs and news. I think TV feeds kids too much negativity. It keeps them from experiencing life. Growing up without TV forced me to be creative, and I think kids today miss that.
Cheyna: Since you don’t watch much TV, who are your favorite musical artists?
Jimmy: Kanye West stands out. A lot of artists today just follow trends, but Kanye seems positive and willing to be different.
Cheyna: Jimmy, it was so nice talking to you. What would you like to say to your Haitian fans?
Jimmy: There is hope for Haiti. Haiti is a beautiful place. We have to stay Haitian. The diaspora has to continue to help Haiti, because without them, Haiti will lose. Stay Haitian and support the culture.
Jimmy Jean-Louis may have left Pétion-Ville at 12, but his heart never left Haiti. From Paris nightclubs to Hollywood sets, his journey is a testament to resilience, versatility, and pride in his roots. In 2006, with roles in international films, a growing reputation in Hollywood, and a nonprofit aimed at fighting AIDS, Jimmy represented more than just himself—he represented Haiti on the world stage. And if this interview revealed anything, it’s that his story was only just beginning.
