Jimmy Riley(IV)
- Actor
Jimmy was born just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up in
the Tri City areas. Growing up without a father and attending many grade
schools, he often found it tough fitting in. His only interest was watching
television and movies. He often memorized films and adopted various characters
to the point where it became an obsession. When he was nine years old, he was
asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up"? He responded, "I wanna be
Richard Dreyfuss from Jaws." Jimmy often changed his name very early on. It was
a way to escape his own reality. He once refused to address a teacher because
they never referred to him as Louis, (as in Louis Creed, Pet Sematary). He took
acting in high school but was too self conscious to enroll in any productions. It was
easier to pretend to be an actor, rather than to actually be one. Graduated from
Port Moody Senior in 1995, he took a couple of acting classes at night and did a few
workshops just to get his feet wet. Feeling strong that this was what he wanted to do,
nothing really materialized. In 2001, Jimmy and a friend of his, entered a "Two Person
Scene" contest at the Fire Hall Arts Theater and won second place. He married in 2002
and received his first video camera. With little or no real training he made short videos,
while maintaining a job and young family. He would document his life on film as an outlet
because work kept him busy, often turning down opportunities because of his crazy work
ethic. Although none of his projects are of "silver screen caliber", he hopes of one day to be
working full time in movies and television. Although, being cast in various student films,
trying to be an actor and a family guy was taking it's toll. Jimmy hung up the acting gloves
never to return again. In 2006, he became a follower of the Christian faith. It was there
when he realized that 'old habits die hard'. He performed for Sunday school kids, playing
various characters and eventually was cast as Jesus for the annual Christmas production.
Jimmy also picked up the drums on the way and played at various functions. Finding it hard
to balance the church and regular life, in 2011 he left the faith to find himself again. Even
being "married with children" Jimmy somehow finds time to make a go of the industry. He
studied at Shoreline Studios out in Vancouver. If it is one thing he has learned, it is patience.
Good things come to those who wait.