Jax Malcolm known for his work on the CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and has two nominations for his work on the FOX film the Other Side of the Door. His children’s book The Positively True Tale of George the Beluga Whale, is now available at all major online retailers. Jax is a speaker and Ambassador for CHLA and a founding member of Heal the Bay‘s Hollywood Ambassador Board. He works closely with Heal the Bay‘s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and their children’s initiatives. Jax stars in the new series Conservation Invasion that teaches environmental stewardship to children.
Jax! We (Occhi Magazine Team) are so impressed! You’re a teen actor and recently published your first children’s book, The Positively True Tale of George the Beluga Whale (Dog). Tell us more.
The Positively True Tale of George the Beluga Whale (Dog), is the first book in the 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.
I was inspired to write it for several reasons, one George’s story was one I wanted to tell, and two I have four little cousins under five years old that love to see what I do. A lot of the shows I work on are not appropriate for kids so having a children’s story for them was important to me. And finally, I have a learning disability, an auditory processing disorder that makes reading and writing very difficult for me. Writing the story was a way for me to learn just like George did in the book that having an auditory processing disorder is part of who I am and there is nothing better than being yourself. You can purchase the book on Amazon and all major online retailers.
Also, you’re known for your work on CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and have two nominations for your work on the FOX film the Other Side of the Door. What an accomplishment! Have these experiences increased your desire to be a filmmaker?
I’ve been working professionally since I was five years old, so I have almost a decade of experience working and being on-set. While I enjoy all parts of the creative process the main reason, I decided to start directing shows of my own is because I really love seeing the completed work, and by being in charge I can control the story from start to finish. In fact, I was just nominated for a Young Entertainer Award for Best Young Director. My goal is to continue to be on both sides of the camera as my career continues.
Congrats on your nomination! You’re also a speaker and Ambassador for CHLA and a founding member of Heal the Bay‘s Hollywood Ambassador Board. Tell us more.
When I was an infant, I had two kidney surgeries at CHLA, essentially the hospital saved my life. When I was old enough to understand what my family went through I decided to become an Ambassador for the hospital to give back. Every year I host my #ActionJax fundraiser on Jr. Ambassador Action Day in October to help raise critically needed funds for CHLA and their patients.
My work with Heal the Bay really started with spending 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! 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.
You star in the new series Conservation Invasion that teaches environmental stewardship to children. Impressive and we love to know more!
My series, Conservation Invasion, teaches environmental stewardship to kids in easily accessible places like zoos and aquariums. We’ve been really successful in reaching our audience and making a positive impact on the show. My role as “Conservationist” and host is to educate and inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious youth.
What should the audience expect?
In the show, we usually visit a zoo, aquarium, or non-profit organization that is working to preserve the environment. The organization’s work can range anywhere from endangered species to recycling. We try to partner with experts in the field to provide our audience accurate information on each topic. The best part is every episode ends with doable tips for kids at home to put into action.
Why should teens get involved with conservation?
It’s pretty simple. We have one world. If we don’t take care of it who will?
Oh, and you sing! Tell us more.
I do sing. I have a holiday album called Jax Malcolm Holiday that celebrates one of my favorite holidays, Christmas! Currently, you can find me singing on-stage. I’ve been cast in the role of Babkak in a local production of Aladdin. It’s been a lot of hard work but I really enjoy the character and songs!
Do you have any other upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
Yes, I am very excited for the Young Entertainer Awards in April at Universal Studios, Hollywood. I’m nominated for Best Young Director and Best Young Actor- Web Host. I do have some work in post-production that I can’t discuss yet… but I’d love to share it with OCCHI and your readers when they come out!
We would love to have you back, too! Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would ___________.
I would star in a Marvel Superhero Franchise. The Super Hero I would play would definitely have power over water. My goal with my books is to have them become an animated series.
Where can we find you on social media to keep up with your projects?
Instagram @thejaxmalcolm
Twitter @thejaxmalcolm
Facebook @actorjaxmalcolm
Website: www.jaxmalcolm.com