You never know who you will start a conversation with on Twitter. For the last few months I have been following Lendale Johnson. I recently started chatting with him about his career and his numerous media interviews. His multi creative lifestyle as a professional tennis player, actor and model has inspired many to reach for stardom, Check out our latest chat…
If you had to sort your “career” by preference, how would you rank athletes, actors, entertainers, and models?
Many models dream of becoming actors. I’m going to throw it out here and say I could do it all and more. I call myself first an athlete, then a model, and at last an actor. Tennis has put me where I’m now. I like playing games, and also coaching other people. I’m branching out more and more into modeling, which feeds my love of fashion and shooting. Acting is something I look forward to in the next 2 years. I enjoyed practicing and learning the ropes as an actor. I in fact do not like to label myself as an entertainer. I just do what I love, and what my heart enjoys. Sometimes I see myself on television doing interviews, and laughing at myself. I would think, “Why would I say that on TV?” That right there, is entertainment. I sometimes yell at myself in French on the pitch during games. Then, I believed, “I hope nobody understands what I’m saying. Stay positive…. Stay positive.” Coaching myself through stressful situations is key. I’m honestly very humbled and grateful for all the opportunities sport has given me. I most love connecting with my fans from all walks of life. It makes everything I do priceless price.
Tell me about your professional tennis career. How did it start?
It’s in fact a long story and I’m still in the early stages. Success certainly does not occur overnight, but you can never give up. I started out entering ITF Pro Circuit tournaments, but then had to drop out because of the big financial requirements of going on tour. I told Bleacher Report all about it. While I was on tour in LA, I met Ally Michalka, and also hung out with former top American tennis player Taylor Dent. We met in the players room during my Calabasas tournament. I’m an aggressive player and fighting for breakthroughs on tour this year.
Have you met Serena yet?
I have not yet, but hope to meet him later this year. You know we love our selfies! So follow us on social media, and who knows? Maybe I’ll get lucky and take a selfie with him! He is an inspiration to many people, myself included. I’d be happy just to have coffee with him. (Serena CALL ME!) 😉
What got you off the field and onto the runway?
I like to express myself and take on new things that will add to my skills. I had the pleasure of being the celebrity guest model for the 1st annual Black Fashion Week in the US. During fashion shows I cover for a few designers and talk after I finish walking. It’s like second nature. I must have a modeling bug!
Give me some modeling advice. Is it true that ladies must be very tall and super skinny?
To me, it is all about confidence, your presence on the runway, and owning it. Surprisingly, the super skinny cliché is not all the time true. Thankfully, models are now accepted in all sizes and shapes. Top tier agencies still tend to be very selective, which I believe will all the time be something of a standard across fashion. However, the final season of America’s Next Top Model didn’t have a height requirement. Some countries have even regulated model sizes for numerous reasons, such as health problems caused by such unreasonable standards. Just goes to show how social media and progressive thinking have changed the fashion industry. If you have a good commercial display, then you can all the time print too, which is great fun! It’s 2016. Sure there are supermodels and out-of-reach looks, but at the end of the day we are all real people. Own who you are and rock your look!
Do you have a favourite clothing line or accessory brand that you just cannot give up?
Oh yes. I love Perry Ellis! A friend of mine at home gave me a crystal, and it stays around my neck unless I must take it off for a gig.
Do you think modeling gets you a gig on Empire?
Very. Empire is casting an “African-American male model.” I believed, “Wow! This is the perfect opportunity!” I’m sending some of my best pictures with best wishes, and praying every second of the day. Next thing I know I’m ready with the stars! I’m like a child in a candy store!
Tell us about your acting career, is this something you plan to continue in the future?
Certain! Since Empire, I’ve been making films for Spike Lee’s ChiRaq, and have been offered gigs with an agency called Pyramid Talent based in ATL, LA, and NY. I’ve also collaborated with famous casting directors who worked with Tyler Perry.
I love your charitable side. I see you walking to help the homeless…
I like helping people. There is too much money in the world for people not to help the homeless. I volunteered with the UIC Chicago Men’s Tennis Team at the end of the summer and we literally feed the homeless on Michigan Ave and State St. for their non-profit program called “SPARK.” My hometown asked me to stop by again this spring to walk and support their annual “Walk To End Homelessness 5K.” I plan to try this so long as my tennis schedule is not disturbed. In the near future, I plan to have my own charity organization.
You get plenty of big media appearances. What was your first experience on Fox news like? Where are you nervous?
It took a while, but ultimately I got used to being on television. My first television interview was really thrilling! Being a new highlight at the time, I remember waiting in line in Chicago and folks kept asking for photos and autographs. It’s like a snowball effect. The audience, fans or not, can be very engaging at times, and not very supportive, but I do appreciate the big fan following I have gained from all of this. They don’t have any idea how much I appreciate and lean on them to keep me motivated. Although, oddly enough I also appreciate naysayers because I’m all the time up for a challenge and do what others think I can not do. Guess it is the athlete in me!
What’s your motto in life?
Be grateful for what you have and more of it will come into your life. Stay positive, and never give up. If there are not any opportunities, create them. It’s all about making dreams come true!
The biggest lesson you have learned so far?
Stay humble, be true to yourself and chase your dreams. Life will test and challenge everybody, but you must adopt a new mindset and keep moving.
Where can we find you on the Internet?
Anywhere! I love going online and interacting with my fans. Plus, I all the time work online. I just joined WhoSay last summer. It is a social media platform for celebrities and influencers. I must admit that I’m an enormous Twitter fan. I post a lot. This might annoy some people, but hello, I had an excellent time! It keeps me connected to everybody in all aspects of my life and work. I also like to be nosy and follow my favourite fans, celebrities and brands. I post on Instagram and Facebook too. Twitter can get crazy although. Sometimes I actually have to disregard the shenanigans there, but I can all the time count on him for entertainment during the downtime between shows.
What upcoming projects can we see in 2016 from you?
This year got off to an excellent start. I recently signed with a global talent and management agency in Texas called Meraki Models & Talent. I had a book signing at Barnes & Nobles (location coming soon – check my social media and website for more information). I’ve also spoken at community Scout events, worked on projects with TLC, my reality TV show, Arthur Ashe’s “Kids Day” at the US Open, and plenty of other interesting stuff. I love to work and stay busy… I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love, and live my dreams. I’m looking forward to the best year yet, and it just keeps getting better!
You can visit me on my website, www.lendalejohnson.com, which will have some cool updates soon, and you can take a look at my training info as well. I’m @lendalejohnson on all my accounts. Find me, follow me, and follow me on my crimes!
www.lendalejohnson.com
Celebrity WhoSay Accounts:
Twitter: @lendalejohnson
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