Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 7-5-19

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Tampa Native Is Cast In ‘Saints And Sinners’
The acclaimed television show, Saints and Sinners, is back for its most anticipated fourth season with a new character: Chief Bobbit.
Citizens of Tampa, you do not want to miss our very own J. Oscar Simmons portraying the role of Chief Bobbit.
His appearance as Chief Bobbit on Saints and Sin- ners will air Sunday, July 7th at9p.m.onBounce TV. J. Oscar is not new to the television screen. You may have seen him on episodes of OWN's The Haves and Have Nots. You may have also seen him on shows such as Madame Secretary, CBS' Elementary, BET's Tales, and Saturday Night Live, to name a few. He is continuing to fulfill his love of acting while still maintaining his day job.
Yes, this proud Florida A&M Rattler is still a Phar- macist by day. He explains that it is very tricky to ma- neuver working as a Phar- macist and actively pursuing his acting career. To people wanting to step out and take on acting, but still needing to pay bills, maintain insurance and other benefits, J. Oscar says, "I understand totally; especially when you have
J. OSCAR SIMMONS ...Pharmacist
children or family and other responsibilities outside of yourself. Just trust your gut feeling, you’ll know what to do. Listen to your inner thoughts and feelings and don’t be afraid to act on them. Trust in Your inner voice (I Call mine GOD). Do what you have to, until you can do your craft. Frankly, speaking I have changed jobs and lost jobs, all for the love of my craft. God always makes a way. Always!"
Right now, J. Oscar is popping! In addition to Saints and Sinners, he will appear in Will Packer's new comedy "Bigger," pre- miering on the new “BET Plus” streaming network this Fall. Asked, ‘how do you stay focused, juggling your day job and a very booked acting
J. OSCAR SIMMONS ... “Saints And Sinners”
schedule.’ He says, "For me staying focused is easy. I LOVE the craft of acting so much that it keeps me fo- cused. People do things that are important to them. If it’s important to you, then the focus will come very easy.”
J. Oscar has never wa- vered from his dream of being in television and film. He states, "If you say it’s too late, then it’s too late. Your
words and thoughts become your reality. BUT, if you change your mind and say it’s NOT too late for me, then guess what, it can be as real as your thoughts and be- liefs."
J. Oscar started his act- ing career right here in the Tampa Bay Area with Bay Community Players over 30 years ago. Since his start, he has not stopped. He immedi- ately began appearing in nu- merous plays, fashion shows and commercials.
An accomplished singer, J. Oscar has performed around the bay, including the annual Dr. Mr. Luther King Showcase. J. Oscar is the son of James Oscar Simmons and the late Al- tamese Harvey Sim- mons, attended Brandon High School and sang with the Aquilla Group. He is also a graduate of Florida A and M University and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater- nity, Inc. J. Oscar has been
a Pharmacist for over 30 years having started in his family business known as the College Hill Pharmacy.
Yes, J. Oscar is a legacy here in the Tampa Bay Area. And we are proud to call him our own. For any aspiring actors and actresses here in the area, J. Oscar will be conducting an Actor's work- shop here in Tampa later this year. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, make sure your television is on Bounce T. V. on Sunday, July 7th at 9 p. m., for the Season 4 pre- mier of Saints and Sinners, starring Vanessa Bell Cal- loway, Clifton Powell and guest starring our very own J. Oscar Simmons. Look for Chief Bobbit. You can also chat with J. Oscar prior to the show on Face- book live at 8:30 p. m. Fol- low him on Facebook and Instagram@JOscarSim- mons.
BY YOLANDA ERVIN
Meeting
East Tampa Partnership Meeting
The East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership (ETCRP) will meet on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 10 a. m. The meet- ing will be held at Ragan Park Community Center, 1200 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa 33610.
Natasha Goodley is chairperson.
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A