Career TOOLBOX #42: Peter Lawson Jones – Creating Your Third Act

“I plan to live to 100, so this is Act 2.” – Peter Lawson Jones

Peter Lawson Jones is a man with strong presence. With his family or in front of a classroom, over a meal or at a cultural event, his magnetic personality and deep curiosity draw people in, quickly. He somehow manages to recall every detail of your life, all the while remaining humble about his. And his life, well, it’s larger than life: Harvard Law, County Commissioner, Hollywood Actor.

Regardless of what coast he’s on, Peter makes an impact with anyone who meets him. He’s generously spoken with my CSU students on multiple occasions, both as guest judge on their presentations as well as a memorable evening at the Cleveland Clinic where, in Fall, 2012, he thinly sliced through the recent Presidential candidate debate, then educated all of us in the room on the real reason we have a two-party system.

Whether starring in Alex Cross, alongside Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox, or flying across the country to audition for a heavy-weight name, Peter’s tenacity, energy and focus propel him towards opportunities most only wish for. At the same time, he also deeply cares for the people in his inner circle, including their success.

He’s acted against against Michael Imperioli, Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson. He’s changed Ohio legislature. And in his favorite role he’s a loving husband to the love of his life and a dedicated father to his three beautiful children.

On the heels of a career-altering audition to New York City, Peter took the time to break his big news with me and to discuss his professional path. And how in our youth-obsessed world, how we design and live our third acts can lead to deep happiness and inner satisfaction.

Alex Sukhoy: You graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. How did that education prepare you for the trajectory of your career?

Peter Lawson Jones: Harvard gave me extraordinary advantage: people assume I’m smart. When people make that assumption you’re welcome to achieve anything. I never thought I was smart. Everyone I was in school with was smart. I met some amazingly talented men and women during my seven years in Cambridge. It forces you to set a bar high on what you plan achieve and how you plan on achieving it.

AS: You were a lawyer and then served the people of Cleveland as the Cuyahoga County Commissioner. What was the best part of your job?

PLJ: Everyday I had the opportunity to help somebody. Do something to create an opportunity for a deserving person. I still find opportunity to be of assistance. But not with the kind or regularity that I had when I was an elected official. Having established the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative (is something I’m very proud of). Cuyahoga Arts & Culture helps support various cultural organizations (from cigarette tax)…It was wonderful to have a voice that mattered on the matters of the day and the influence was on the whole state of Ohio.

AS: You’ve since transitioned your career to actor, starring in plays and in films. What is it about acting that turns you on?

PLJ: If you would’ve asked me when I was ten or eleven, I would have said a professional baseball player, an elected official or an actor. Two out of three ain’t bad. There’s a strong intersection between what I’ve wanted to do and what I’ve done. Acting, elected official, law are all related. (It’s about) moving and touching and reaching people. I like the sound of applause. It’s a performance reward.

AS: Of all the acting roles you’ve done so far, which has been your favorite?

PLJ: I find performing on stage more rewarding in terms of affirmation as a performer and an actor. You don’t get a do-over. You often have to improvise. (Yet) it’s a wonderful boost to the ego when you see yourself on the large screen. The roles I enjoyed most are Christian in Ruined, where I played a traveling salesman. I had to do African dance moves. The other play was the lead role in Ceremonies in Dark Old Man, a play I also did in high school. I had to learn a little soft shoe. It only took me an hour to learn a 5-minute monologue because it was so well written and so logical.

AS: What dream director would you like to work with?

PLJ: Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Bill Duke, Steve McQueen. They have the golden touch. And clearly you’ll be working with top-notch talent. They have turned one extraordinary film after another. And you can throw Clint Eastwood in there. In terms of up and coming, Ava DuVernay, who did Selma.

AS: What one actor would you love to play in a scene with?

PLJ: Ralph Fiennes, Denzel Washington, Kristen Scott Thomas, Jeffrey Wright, Kate Blanchet, Christopher Plummer, Viola Davis. I want to be in a scene with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. And Helen Mirren. Without her, it’s a flawed list.

AS: What actors inspired you when you were a kid?

PLJ: Not anyone specific actor. (But watching) The Guns of Navarone and Ben Hur in surround sound, you couldn’t help but be swept away. It was a tsunami. It was the medium itself. I wasn’t influenced by individual performance. The art form connected with me in my soul.

AS: What’s next for you?

PLJ: A play. Martin Sheen is acting in it. Project Unspeakable. The stage reading is on April 25th, in Harlem. Jeremy Williams is directing.

This past December, I played the lead in Seasons to Win: Against All Odds, The Ted Ginn Sr. Story at the Hanna Theater, a play by Prester Pickett (via a grant from the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture). I will (soon) reprise the role at Karamu. Also, a film I did, Starve, is playing on Sci-Fi Channel. And Umbrella Man just won Best Film at Kansas Film Festival.

AS: What advice do you have for people who want to make a meaningful third act of their lives?

PLJ: Do those things that you’re passionate about. Do your passion. Your Third Act should be your passion play. You have to continue do the things that keep you excited and youthful. I’m 62 and I play basketball with 22 years olds. I’m engaged with my kids, who are ages 14 – 26. I engaged in a new profession and had the same passion when I started at 50 as if I had started at 20.

It’s so important to keep a youthful perspective. With the music you listen to and the people with whom you engage. I’ve never been someone who celebrated previous accomplishments. For me it’s about what’s next. It’s about what have I done lately? I’m thinking about today and tomorrow and the goals to be obtained.

I have gotten much more out of life than I deserve. I’m appreciative and I’m grateful and I’m mindful of all the blessings I have: great family and great opportunity.

Reprinted with permission and gratitude from CoolCleveland.com.