Within the past few years, you’ve made quite the impression with the various projects that we’ve seen you in. What made you decide to get into acting in the first place?
I wanted to become an actor when I loved horror movies so much as a teen, because I wanted to be in them. But, I didn’t think about pursuing it until college. So, I studied theater while there.
What was your first big break in the industry?
My first big break was the series Crash on Starz. It was their first original drama series, and I starred opposite the late Dennis Hopper.
Thus far, you’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some big names in the business. Which actors do you most admire and which ones have had the biggest impact on your career?
I have learned a lot from some very talented people. I was working side by side in the trenches (literally, on Jarhead and Dreamgirls) with Jamie Foxx, during the months that he won his academy award. He has been very influential. As has Mr. Dennis Hopper.
Let’s talk about the summer hit series, TNT’s “The Last Ship.” How did you first get introduced to the show and your role?
I first learned about the show through an audition for the character, Burk.
As mentioned, you play the role of ‘Lieutenant Carlton Burk.’ What are the good and bad sides of ‘Carlton’ and what do you enjoy about bringing this character to life?
Carlton Burk is a great leader and Lieutenant. He follows orders well and doesn’t stray away from the mission at-hand. He gets the job done. There has yet to be any revelations of a bad side to Burk, but if there was anything, he might have felt bad about. It was definitely being, maybe a little too hard on Miller when he was training for the new mission. When Miller proved himself later in a fire fight, Burk makes his peace offering via a bag of potato chips. “Spoils of war.”
You have an amazing ensemble on the show. How much fun do you have on set with your fellow actors and what do you appreciate most about working with this group?
The only thing stopping me from answering with “too much fun” is the fact that we get the job done on set. Sometimes our days have been as long as 17 hours, but it still flies by with this cast. They’re some of the most versatile, fun, and talented people I’ve ever worked with. Two people had just been singing on set…then writers walk by, and they’re like, “we’re writing that in,” then they’re singing on the show. Another actor is an insane martial artist …a world champion in fact…and when the writers found out, they immediately began writing scenes for him without his gun, so he could do damage with his fists. Dancers, singers, rappers, world-class chefs and even a former porn star comprise this season’s cast. I’m not kidding. We may look like we’re all about business on screen, but we’re all very….VERY interesting people.
This is an action packed series. What can fans of “The Last Ship” expect to see in the second season?
Fans can expect a new enemy, some huge shockers, some new faces and of course, maybe a romance or two…
What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t an actor?
I feel like I would either be a teacher, a motivational speaker, or a psychologist.
When it comes to fashion, who are your favorite designers that fit your sense of style?
Anthony Franco, Michael Kors, Theory, Banana Republic and Hugo Boss. My favorite shoe store is Aldo…get great affordable options!
We look forward to catching you on the second season of “The Last Ship” on TNT. What other projects do you have coming up?
I just did a comedy called “The Sweet Life” with Chris Messina (The Mindy Project), Abigail Spencer (Mad Men), and Maggie Siff (Sons of Anarchy), out next year!
Twitter: @JockoSims
Facebook: Jocko Sims Official
Instagram: @JockoSims
Photo Credits (Portraits of Jocko)
Photographer: Diana Ragland
Groomer: Veronica Arancibia
Wardrobe Stylist: Jordan Grossman
Photo Credits (The Last Ship)
“Photos by Karen Ballard, courtesy of TNT”