Actor Justiin Davis Talks About Theatre Background, Filming In A Pandemic, And “The Boys” Role

This talented actor is back with a new role!

This performer has a long list of appearances in our favorite TV shows and films, and we don’t ever want it to stop. You can catch him in everything from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” to CBS’s “The Equalizer”. Now, he’s about to make waves starring as ‘Young Stand Edgar’ in Amazon’s hit series “The Boys”.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Justiin about dream roles, advice to others, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

J: “I would say I first discovered my passion for theater and acting when I was a kid. In 1993 a movie by the name of Sister Act 2 hit theatre’s and it changed my life forever! I can honestly say I’ve seen that film over 150 times and know just about every word to every scene, including the free style during Joyful Joyful in the end. Watching Whoopi Goldberg and the students of Saint Francis high school San Francisco inspired me to dream. It taught me to follow your heart and dare to be different. Once I got to elementary school I joined the drama club and played Charlie Bucket in the schools production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Pretty fair to say I got bitten by the bug pretty hard. I always said if I can make the audience forget about the troubles of their day or what they’re going through in the moment and take them on a journey of exploration and excitement, that inspires them to dream bigger and push farther, then I’ve done my job. I get to make characters for a living that hopefully people find therapeutic and an escape from their own lives, even for an hour. It’s literally the best job in the world!”

Tell us about your role as ‘Young Stan Edgar’ in the Amazon hit “The Boys”.

J: “Well, the new season of The Boys is exciting because it’s even gorier than the last 2 seasons but also because the audience will get to go on flashbacks and see just how diabolical the history of Vought really is. This season we get to see Stan Edgar both past and present. We see Edgar as we know him in present day as well as before he becomes the leading executive of Vought. With the new season everyone will begin to understand just how much control he really has, even then. Everyone will get to see him in a younger form but just as suave and direct as he is in the present day. The power and status this man holds whenever he’s in a room is a super power all it’s own. No one should ever underestimate Stan Edgar.”

Do you think you have anything in common with your character?

J: “Well yes, I like to think of myself as a strong leader type who doesn’t take no for an answer. At the end of the day I’m a New Yorker and come with a hard exterior just like Stan. Unlike him though I have soft spots. There’s nothing soft about Stan Edgar though. Then, now or ever! I also think I have his confidence and while I’m a big nerd I think I have a bit of his suave smooth demeanor as well.”

Any stories from being behind the scenes?

J: “I can’t share anything from the set directly but what I can say is that team is like a family. A lot of season three was filmed during the pandemic when much of Canada and the US were still practicing heavy social distancing and vaccination protocols. While this kept many people separated it also brought the people in your social bubble together and much closer. My flashback family and I talk all the time. Some about how we can fit into the show even more and other times about our next pool party lol. They’re close friends that I’ll love forever! Oh and Colby Minifie who plays Ashley and I even went to high school together so this was another full circle experience that I’ll always always treasure.”

You have starred with so many amazing actors and actresses. Have you ever been starstruck?

J: “I wouldn’t say Starstruck but recently when rehearsal for The Equalizer began I was a bit like oh shoot that’s Cleo from Set it off and Mama Morton from Chicago and Khadija from Livin’ Single and Bessie! Oh shoot! So not starstruck but definitely in awe of some of the great artists I get to play with. Before working with Bette Midler on season 1 of The Politician I wasn’t told who I’d be working with since that world is very hush hush. One day just before filming Co-creator Brad Falchuk phoned and said “The girls wanted to have a little rehearsal just so I was comfortable.” And I’m like “Cool. Rehearsal with the girls. No big deal, right?” I get to work and out of no where Judith Light and Bette come walking from behind the corner and I’m like =•O. Needless to say we all had an awesome time filming and even got to celebrate Bette’s birthday.”

Is there a type of character you’ve always wanted to play?

J: “Yeah, actually. An actual superhero would be great! What’s cool about The Boys though is I get to be the most powerful person in the room even when the most powerful person in the room is Homelander, or Soldier Boy or Black Noir. One thing I have always wanted to play outside of superheroes are a detective like those in the Law and Order universe and a doctor like those on Grey’s Anatomy/ Chicago Med.”

What advice would you give to young guys wanting to pursue musical theatre and acting?

J: “Never stop believing in you! Don’t stop pushing, dreaming and going for it. We’re all 1 email away from the role of a life time. Don’t stop before exceeding you’re own expectations because it will happen! Perhaps not as you planned but exactly as it should.  And who knows, it may even find a way to surprise you!”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

J: “You can always follow me on Instagram @officialjustiindavis. I also just joined the world of cameo! So see you there!

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.