JASON WEAVER: Jason Weaver: How I Survived 40 Years in Hollywood

From playing a young Michael Jackson to starring in the hit series The Chi, Jason Weaver has been a staple in our homes for over four decades. In this deep dive, he opens up about the secrets to his longevity and why his journey is about so much more than just acting. Join us for an intimate conversation with a true industry legend who has successfully navigated the transition from child stardom to a thriving adult career. In this episode, Jason reflects on the pivotal role of faith and his mother’s guidance in surviving the entertainment industry. He shares fascinating stories about attending culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu during industry strikes, his deep connection to his Chicago roots, and the behind-the-scenes reality of filming classics like Smart Guy and The Jacksons: An American Dream. Jason also discusses the cultural impact of The Chi, the importance of mental health and healing for Black men, and his exciting new venture into the world of late-night television. Whether you know him as Marcus Henderson or Shaad, this interview reveals the man behind the iconic roles. Chapters 0:00 Welcome Jason Weaver 4:15 Staying grounded after 40 years in Hollywood 8:30 The influence of faith and family 13:45 Navigating the dry spells of an acting career 18:20 Why Jason went to culinary school 23:10 Masterclass in soul food and French techniques 28:05 Industry connections and the art of farming 33:40 Exploring African cuisine and food culture 38:15 Lessons from his mother’s kitchen 43:30 Returning to the music studio 48:50 Working with Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey 53:25 The Jacksons miniseries and Chicago roots 58:10 How Lena Waithe brought him onto The Chi 1:03:50 Breaking down mental health and healing circles 1:08:15 The legacy of Smart Guy and reboot ideas 1:12:00 New talk show Leave it to Weaver and wrap up Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to the channel for more exclusive interviews with your favorite icons. Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite Jason Weaver role! #jasonweaver #thechi #smartguy #hollywood #interview Enjoying this content? Let us know by joining our 'I got 5 on it!' membership! SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/SideDishTV Facebook: @SideDishTV IG: @sidedishTv Catch Side Dish LIVE EVERY weekday at 7pm ET / 4pm PT! SIDE DISH EPISODES 👉🏾 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSxo35ibGKsCB3vK1inEzXOZG08ZocwPZ&si=Rdt9wQ9ivbQNg9HZ SIDE DISH PODCAST 👉🏾 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSxo35ibGKsC5X8ozfLiORrLKDGiI4faw&si=EG6rjkMDFqcbPBEt WHAT'S #TRENDING 👉🏾 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSxo35ibGKsBZbCzB1JUaFy3sZty-JEEq&si=Tzbi2RUeFWpS4HDu Side Dish is a daily live interactive show that uses bold humor and unfiltered takes to discuss the hottest trending topics, wild celeb moments in pop culture, and more! Featuring hosts, Headkrack, Claudia Jordan and Tanner Thomason! SIDE DISH HOSTS: #Headkrack #ClaudiaJordan #TannerThomason