Spotlight on Jimmy Ace Lewis

Crafting Characters,  Creating Worlds

In the world of indie cinema, few actors possess the versatility, drive, and charisma that Jimmy Ace Lewis brings to every project. Hailing from the vibrant film scene of Atlanta, Lewis has emerged as a standout talent whose performances leave lasting impressions. Known for his dynamic range and fearless improvisation, Jimmy played a memorable role in High Rise: Path to Nowhere, the gripping first installment of the High Rise franchise, which was filmed across Charlotte, North Carolina and the Sacramento region. You can now catch the film on Prime Video, local Xfinity cable, IMDb, and YouTube.

We caught up with Jimmy to talk about his journey in acting, his experience on High Rise, and what’s next for this rising star.

Let’s start from the beginning—what inspired you to pursue a career in acting, and what keeps you passionate about it today?

I started acting when I was very young. I’ve always been drawn to stories and fascinating characters. Some of my early inspirations include James Dean, Johnny Depp, and Heath Ledger—especially Heath as the Joker. I was magnetically drawn to him in that role. What keeps me passionate today is the adventure of stepping into a new role and playing my part in bringing the director’s vision to life.

You played a role in High Rise: Path to Nowhere.  What was that experience like for you, and how did it help shape your journey in the industry?

I had a blast working on High Rise: Path to Nowhere. It was an excellent experience collaborating with the cast and director. Every role leaves a unique imprint on me, but what stood out most about this project was all the improv we did. Some directors don’t encourage improv at all, but I love getting to play with the scenes we’re given. It keeps your tools sharp as an actor—it really keeps you on your toes.

TV and film are two very different worlds. How do you approach each medium, and do you have a preference between the two?

Great question. Personally, my approach remains very similar for both. With television, everything has to move much quicker, whereas in film, things tend to go slower—unless it’s an indie movie, where the pace can be just as fast due to budget constraints. Each medium has its own rhythm, but the fundamentals of performance stay the same for me.

Building a career in entertainment requires a lot of resilience. Can you share a moment where you faced a major challenge—and how you pushed through it?

Rejection is a part of the game, and every actor who’s made it has hundreds—if not thousands—of rejections behind them. One of my biggest challenges came with my most recent film, Enter The Power Surge, based on a young adult superhero book I wrote, which is available on Amazon. I wore many hats for that project: writer, director, lead actor, special effects, set builder, wardrobe designer, prop builder, assistant stunt coordinator, casting director—you name it. Being the boss means putting out fires and keeping everyone happy. The day after filming wrapped, I stood up off my couch and collapsed—not from injury, just sheer exhaustion. I slept right there on the floor for a few hours. But it was all worth it. The film is set to release later this year.

Who have been some of your biggest influences or mentors in the industry, and what lessons have they taught you?

Some of my favorite actors I mentioned earlier, but in terms of people I’ve worked with, Matthew Ewald stands out. We worked together on Point Man and The Stalker. His passion for the craft is unmatched—he's humble, a true team player, and his improv work is some of the best I’ve ever seen. Every take he did as the stalker character was unique. I grew up watching him on reruns of  Galidor, and he even had his own action figure! I also learned a lot from Jason Faunt while working on The Stalker Part II. These guys took me under their wing in their own ways and taught me so much.

As your career grows, how do you choose the roles you take on, and what kind of characters do you most enjoy playing?

I love to be challenged. Whether it’s learning a new skill or diving into a character I never imagined playing, I embrace the challenge. I really enjoy superhero and sci-fi projects the most, but I don’t shy away from other genres. I’ve played real-life people, like Fred Langdale on the Disney+ series Something Bit Me and Kenny Bunn on the Oxygen series Snapped: Killer Couples. I'd love to play James Dean, one of the Ramones, or Ace Frehley—that would be a dream.

What’s next for you—any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about that you can share with our readers?

Absolutely. At the time of this interview, I’m preparing to head to Mississippi to play “Wyatt” in the feature film Jesus Land, which is based on a New York Times and London Times bestseller. Last year, I played the lead in a film called Action Juice directed by Jake Bongiovi, which should be coming out soon. I also worked on a very cool project for a well-known network that I can’t discuss yet due to NDAs. And of course, Enter The Power Surge is on the horizon. I post updates on everything I’m working on via Instagram @JimmyAceActor17, so stay tuned!

Final Thoughts

Jimmy Ace Lewis is more than an actor—he’s a storyteller, a creator, and a relentless force of nature in indie cinema. With an ever-growing resume, an unshakable passion for performance, and a drive to bring bold new stories to life, his journey is one to watch. From his breakout in High Rise: Path to Nowhere to his latest superhero saga, Jimmy continues to inspire with every role he takes on.

Catch High Rise: Path to Nowhere now streaming on Prime Video, Xfinity cable, IMDb, and YouTube—and keep an eye on this rising star as he takes the industry by storm.