Jay Ellis

NAACP Image Award-winning actor, director, producer, and author of Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?

“I think our life is a journey, and we make mistakes, and it's how we learn from them that sets us on the path that we're meant to be on.”

Photo credit: Rick Bhatia

Jay Ellis is a dynamic force both on and off the screen, seamlessly bridging the worlds of entertainment and impactful storytelling. Best known for his performances in the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure and the box-office hit Top Gun: Maverick, Ellis has not only proven his prowess as an actor but also as a producer and advocate for diverse narratives in Hollywood. A self-proclaimed book lover, in 2024 Ellis published his personal and humorous memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?.

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About Jay Ellis

Jay Ellis is an accomplished actor, producer, and advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry. Born in Sumter, South Carolina, and raised in a military family, Ellis’ journey to stardom is marked by determination and a passion for storytelling.

Ellis is best known for his standout role as Lawrence Walker on HBO’s critically acclaimed and Golden Globe-nominated series Insecure, created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore. His nuanced performance earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase. Ellis also played Lt. Reuben ‘Playback’ Fitch in Top Gun: Maverick and appeared opposite Alison Brie in the Amazon Prime romantic comedy, Somebody I Used to Know.

Ellis’ journey from aspiring actor to a household name is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. As a keynote speaker, he talks about the value of perseverance in the face of adversity and shares his unique perspective on the importance of representation. Whether discussing the intricacies of his craft, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes or exploring broader societal issues, Ellis’ compelling talks and in-conversation formats resonate with a wide array of audiences.

During Covid quarantine, Ellis wrote a post on Instagram introducing his imaginary friend, Mikey, to the world. After receiving countless positive responses, he decided to compile his personal stories into a laugh-out-loud memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?. A heartfelt and humorous book, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?, delves into Ellis’ childhood experiences and the imaginary friend that shaped his early years. Through a series of poignant and entertaining anecdotes, Ellis explores themes of creativity, loneliness, and the power of imagination, offering readers a glimpse into the formative moments that influenced his journey to stardom. The book is a touching reflection on the universal need for connection and the extraordinary ways in which our imaginations can guide us through life’s challenges.

As a producer, Ellis is committed to bringing diverse and underrepresented voices to the forefront and contributing to a more inclusive media landscape. His production company Black Bar Mitzvah has set up TV and film projects at Hulu, BET, AMC, Viacom, FX, HBO, MRC, Netflix, Sony, Escape Artists, Endeavor Content, and Amazon. His company’s feature Black Box, also produced by Blumhouse, premiered on Amazon and became its 6th most streamed film of 2020.

In 2018 Ellis won an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor” in a Comedy Series. Beyond his professional achievements, Ellis is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, advocating for social justice, and supporting initiatives that promote education and empowerment in underserved communities. He has served as the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Spokesman.

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Speaking Topics

Living Beyond the Don'ts

In this conversation, Jay Ellis shares his personal journey of overcoming limitations, societal expectations, and self-doubt to achieve success in his career and life. He explores the importance of challenging the negative voices and restrictions—both external and internal—that tell us what we can't do. Through inspiring stories and practical insights, Ellis empowers audiences to break free from these constraints, embrace their true potential, and live a life defined by possibility and purpose.

Quitting Vs. Pivoting and Knowing the Difference

Drawing from his own experiences in the entertainment industry and beyond, in this conversation Jay Ellis helps audiences understand the subtle but significant difference between giving up and strategically changing direction. He discusses the importance of recognizing when persistence is leading to a dead end and when it's time to shift focus towards new opportunities. With practical advice and compelling examples, Ellis equips listeners with the tools to make confident, informed decisions that align with their goals and values.

Putting Dreams into Action

In this personal and compelling in-conversation format, Jay Ellis recounts his personal path to success in the entertainment industry. He reflects on the challenges he faced while navigating Hollywood and finding his voice in a competitive field. Drawing from his memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?, Ellis also explores the crucial role that imagination has played in his life and career. He shares how the power of imagination fueled his dreams and his commitment to creating and promoting stories that reflect diverse voices and experiences. Through his journey, Ellis inspires audiences to pursue their passions, challenge the status quo, and embrace authentic storytelling.

Categories: Black History Month Speakers, College + University Speakers, Comedy and Humor Speakers, Commencement + Convocation Speakers, Culture + Arts Speakers, Diversity + Inclusion Speakers, Film and TV Adaptation Speakers, First-Year Experience Speakers, Library + Community Reads Speakers, Motivational + Inspirational Speakers, New Speakers, Performing Arts Speakers
Video

Jay Ellis | Creators Of Color Ep 7

“Insecure” star Jay Ellis shares childhood stories in new book
Praise for Jay Ellis

Praise for Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?

Pairing youthful exuberance with the nostalgia of a man looking back on his formative years, this book is told with verve, charm, and joy. By the time you finish, you’ll wish you had an imaginary friend like Mikey, too.

— Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of The American Daughters

Poignant and delightfully nostalgic with a perfect blend of humor and candid self-reflection . . . This is an essential reminder to nurture the worlds we build in our minds as children—and as adults, too.

— Zakiya Dalila Harris, bestselling author of The Other Black Girl

Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and seriously hilarious, this book is an ode to imagination—that which dwells inside all of us, waiting to run free. Jay Ellis has written a brave, necessary book, filled with coming-of-age stories packed with solid life lessons. I wish I’d read this as a young person, but am even more grateful to have found it as an adult.

— Mateo Askaripour, author of Black Buck

Not only affirming but also transporting, a true beacon for both our younger and older selves who were once lonely, and perhaps are still lonely at times, but always capable of wielding our immense imaginations . . . This is a joyous, celebratory, fluorescent, and fully alive book.

— Hanif Abdurraqib, author of A Little Devil in America
Books by Jay Ellis

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Media About Jay Ellis

Jay Ellis’ New Memoir Explores the Transformative Power of Imaginary Friends

Actor Jay Ellis inspires minority students at HCC Black, Brown & College Bound Summit

“Insecure’s” Jay Ellis, TV’s Most Divisive Good Guy