It is a pleasure to welcome actor, producer, and writer Justin Johnson Cortez to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Born and raised in Santa Paula, California – just outside of rustic Ojai – Justin still lives in the rural house he grew up in. As a youth, he loved and excelled in everything athletic from skateboarding to football. However, he was not until his mid-20s that Justin began showing an interest in acting. He took classes, which ultimately lead him to be signed by an agent and a manager. At this same time, Justin began writing as he did not see roles that featured characters like him. Half Native Yaqui and Latino on his mother’s side, Justin Johnson-Cortez stated that he was disappointed in the lack of representation in film and television.

Starting this fall, Justin will star in the CW’s Walker: Independence as Calian. Set in the late 1800s, Walker: Independence follows Abby Walker (played by Kate McNamara) on her revenge after being left for dead while her husband was murdered. Calian, serves as her Native guide as they head to Independence. Along the way, the duo crosses paths with Hoyt Rawlins (played by Matt Barr), which leads to an entangled relationship for the three characters. Justin takes on this role with the weight of his ancestors on his shoulders. A Native Yaqui, he learned to speak Apache through an Apache translator on set. He also performed his own stunts including horseback.

In this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Justin Johnson Cortez previewed The CW’s Walker: Independence and his short film: The Fall.