As part of our Courageous Men Special Edition, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on legendary actor Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, celebrating 50 remarkable years in the entertainment industry. From his unforgettable role as Cochise in Cooley High to the smooth Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington in Welcome Back, Kotter, and the powerful portrayal of Joe Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream, Lawrence has not only graced our screens—he’s shaped our culture.
We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, legacy, and what keeps him grounded and going strong.
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs: No, you don’t know what anything is going to do. You just go do the work and try to do your best. Before Cooley High, I was already grinding in New York for six years. I was about 15 when I started, and 21 when I got Cooley High. I’m 71 now. What’s amazing is that everyone involved—we’re still tight. We still hug, we still connect. That’s the extra sparkle that came from Cooley High.
Hilton-Jacobs: It’s about the last days of innocence—kids being free before real life kicks in. It captured community, love, loyalty. It didn’t follow a typical narrative; it followed adventures. Eric Monte, who wrote it, told me he wrote it as vignettes, and that’s what made it honest. It was just us being us.
Hilton-Jacobs: First, I read the script just to get through it. The second read, I absorb what it’s trying to say. The third time, I start shaping the character. With Joe Jackson, I had to understand the layers—not just the toughness, but the love, the fear, the protection. I even wrote at the top of scenes: “Why I love my kids.” That gave me a different emotional perspective.
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs: No, you don’t know what anything is going to do. You just go do the work and try to do your best. Before Cooley High, I was already grinding in New York for six years. I was about 15 when I started, and 21 when I got Cooley High. I’m 71 now. What’s amazing is that everyone involved—we’re still tight. We still hug, we still connect. That’s the extra sparkle that came from Cooley High.
Hilton-Jacobs: It’s about the last days of innocence—kids being free before real life kicks in. It captured community, love, loyalty. It didn’t follow a typical narrative; it followed adventures. Eric Monte, who wrote it, told me he wrote it as vignettes, and that’s what made it honest. It was just us being us.
Hilton-Jacobs: First, I read the script just to get through it. The second read, I absorb what it’s trying to say. The third time, I start shaping the character. With Joe Jackson, I had to understand the layers—not just the toughness, but the love, the fear, the protection. I even wrote at the top of scenes: “Why I love my kids.” That gave me a different emotional perspective.
Hilton-Jacobs: There’s more diversity—more Black directors, writers, producers. We’re participating more, but we still don’t control it. What I’d love to see is more of us in power positions and young artists learning the history. Don’t just chase the “ta-da.” Learn your craft. Know who James Edwards and Oscar Micheaux were. There’s no shortcut to greatness.
Hilton-Jacobs: I never cared about celebrity. I care about the work. I’m not kissing anyone’s behind—never have. I go my own way. I’m a rebel, but I’m real. Longevity is about choices, persistence, and remembering that quitting is not an option. You can’t win if you quit.
Hilton-Jacobs: I’ve never done drugs. Barely smoked weed. I don’t drink. I walk two miles every other day, lift weights, and stay active. Movement is key. Stress will show up on your face and in your body. Just walk, breathe, think, and be still sometimes. That’s how I keep going.
Hilton-Jacobs: Yes! I’ve written four films—Family, Panic, Max, and At Christmas Time. I’ll be directing all of them and maybe acting in one. Each one is different: horror, family drama, holiday, and more. I want people to laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.
Photos by Tisha Brenee’
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs isn’t just an actor—he’s a cultural force, a storyteller, and a reminder that perseverance, purpose, and passion never go out of style.
Pick up your copy of the Courageous Men Special Edition featuring Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs on the cover.
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