The Source Magazine interviewed “The Soul Man” star Wesley Jonathan to discuss all things soul as well as his journey through the entertainment industry. Wesley has appeared in a plethora of versatile roles both on the big screen as well as on television. Some of his major previous works include: “What I Like About You,” “Roll Bounce,” “Crossover,” and “City Guys.”
Speaking of “What I Like About You,” Wesley had nothing but praise for his former co-star Amanda Bynes. When asked about their friendship Wesley replied: “I worked with her every day for four years, and at that time of course we were friends. We’re friends now, but we just don’t communicate because she’s doing her thing and I’m doing my thing.” And when asked if Wesley had anything he wanted to say to Amanda he added, “just that I love her and I miss her.”
Wesley is currently playing the role of Burrell “Stamps” Ballentine alongside Cedric the Entertainer on TV Land’s sitcom, “The Soul Man.” The show centers around Cedric, who plays Wesley’s older brother, and is a former R&B superstar that has left the glamorous lifestyle of a singer for the more humble existence of a preacher. The cast sounds like it has quite the camaraderie as Wesley discussed how much he learned just from being around Cedric on set. He quipped, “Cedric is great, he’s funny. We all know he’s funny, but he’s very down to earth. That’s one of the things I love most about him. He’s about his business, man. He takes care of his business. He’s very hands on with the show with the decision making and he’s funny, it’s a good environment.” An interesting aspect of Wesley being on the show that many viewers might not realize is some of the personal connections he has to the plot. The show touches on a myriad of religious issues and Wesley was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Aside from “The Soul Man” Wesley is currently at the helm of a number of different projects including the animated series “The LeBrons.” Wesley discussed the show as well as his other ventures with the Source: “I have an animated web series called “The LeBrons,” it’s a LeBron James cartoon. We finished our second season and I’m a lead voice on that. It’s on the internet right now. I just executive produced a short film called “Kings And Beggars” that just premiered at the American Black Film Festival in Miami. And I have a 3D dance movie called “Make Your Move” that I think is coming out July 24th internationally and here in the states I don’t know the drop date yet but it’ll be out sometime this year. It’s called “Make Your Move” and it stars myself and Derek Hough.”
THE SOUL MAN airs every Wednesday on TV Land.
-Jagpal Khahera
