Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Jordan Ross as he discusses the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing one’s dreams, backed by unwavering faith and the support of a loving family. We delve into memorable experiences from the set of The Chosen, highlighting key moments and the camaraderie shared among cast and crew. Discover how Jordan uses his platform to inspire others, emphasizing the value of embracing one’s unique traits and vulnerabilities as strengths on their journey toward fulfilling dreams.
Welcome, everyone, to The Calling’s radio show to all the dreamers. I’m your radio host, Chrysandra Brunson, founder and CEO of The Calling. And it is such an honor to be with all of you today. At The Calling, we have realized that so many people are afraid to go after the dreams that God has put on their hearts. because they are afraid to fail. And that is just plain wrong because God has given each one of us a dream. And if we’re not living it out, we are wasting it. And we do not want to die with regret. The calling understands fear and how to overcome fear. And we are able to give tools and confidence for people to live out their dream through inspiration, empowerment, and equipment for people to know that they have a legacy to live out. Challenging them, what would they do if they knew they could not fail? We love doing this through lots of custom programs, including this radio show to all the dreamers and having incredible guests like we do today. the one and only Jordan Ross. And Jordan, thank you so much for being here today.
JORDAN ROSS :
Of course. Thank you for having me. I’m honored.
CHRYSANDRA :
We’re so glad to have you. And Jordan, you have so many unique titles in your background and just being a fearless leader of the Lord. But we would love to hear your story. And what does that look like? What are those titles look like underneath your name?
JORDAN ROSS :
Yeah. So I, uh, like I, I guess have a lot of different titles, you know, actor is probably what I’m best known for at this point or little James, uh, more specifically, but, uh, I also screen, right. I’m trying to, uh, kind of dip my toe into behind the scenes stuff with producing and, uh, directing and then, uh, podcast hosts. Um, I, uh, I do motivational speaking. Um, but I think the most important would be husband and dad. Uh, so those are my favorite titles, but I love, I love all of it.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes. Oh, we love that. And Jordan, it just looks like the Lord has just been taking you to so many different places and you have a background from being on Nickelodeon. I saw as well as, um, some others, but recently on the chosen and you, you shared it just briefly, but your little James and the chosen that’s correct.
JORDAN ROSS :
Yes, yes, that is correct. I play Little James on The Chosen and we started, I believe it was actually almost four years ago, like to the day that my first day on The Chosen was back in 2018. So it’s been a long and exciting journey.
CHRYSANDRA :
Wow. Well, we are so excited to dive into all of this. How did that happen? So you mentioned that you’re one of the most unique title is the title of actor. How did that happen to be able to be on The Chosen?
JORDAN ROSS :
Yeah. So, you know, I discovered my passion for acting when I was six years old, when I played Tiny Tim in a little community theater production of A Christmas Carol. And I from that moment forward, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. And I had a mom that was super supportive of that. And, you know, no matter what audition I was going out for, no matter what play I was in, like she always fully believed in me and supported me. Which helped a lot because I think even when the odds were stacked against me or even when it didn’t work out, having someone that believed in me that strongly helped with the rejection. And in order to make it in the arts in general, but really in any aspect of life, I think you have to have a certain level of delusion at times. And I, I definitely have that from my mom, but that helped teach me to, you know, get back up after, you know, being rejected 20 straight times and trying again. And eventually, yeah. It led to The Chosen, but it was a really long journey. I was working an office job at an acting school in Dallas. I moved to LA for a while and then moved back home to Texas because it just wasn’t working out. I felt stuck. I felt like I had all of these goals and aspirations and things that I wanted to do with what I felt like was a gift that I had been given for, for acting. Um, but I just didn’t know how to make that become a reality. And, you know, a lot of acting is, is, or a lot of pursuing acting is just waiting, waiting for auditions, waiting for the call that you got the part or didn’t get the part. Um, and I got an email one day from my agent that said I had an audition for a pilot, uh, for a TV show called the chosen. Um, Didn’t know anything about it. It just said it was like set in ancient Jerusalem and that I didn’t even realize that it was about like the apostles. Initially, I was just like, oh, cool, like a historical drama. And I auditioned for Matthew originally. And then I got a call back and they wanted me to read for Andrew and. And, uh, then I got a call a couple of weeks after the callback and found out that I got the role of little James and, you know, I didn’t think much of it. I thought that, you know, I’d get some good footage for my demo reel and that that would be that because my track record showed that, you know, most of the things that I, I booked didn’t really amount to much. Um, So I assumed this would be more of the same. So I was just grateful to have a job. And we did the first four episodes. And then I think it was nine months later or so, we did the next four. And then a year later, we did season two. And a year after that, now we’re done with season three. So we’re on this roller coaster now. And it’s the best thing that’s ever happened in my career. And personally as well, meeting these… amazing lifelong friends and you know, our chosen family. It really is like a family. So that’s that’s how it all came to be.
CHRYSANDRA :
wow that is so special well it was neat jordan i was able to come on set a couple months ago to be able to see behind the scenes um with chad one of the yeah with you guys and just to see it and he mentioned he’s like it’s kind of like you know like a disney of what’s being formed out there just with all the different parts for the scenes and building out jerusalem over in texas yeah
JORDAN ROSS :
It’s it’s it is it’s like a playground almost like you you walk on the set and it’s hard not to immediately be in character because you’re totally immersed in this beautiful new, you know, backlot that they built for the show. And, you know, it’s it’s a far cry from, you know, I’ve done other shows. projects where you’re in front of a green screen the entire time. And it’s, it’s really hard to connect with, you know, your surroundings or what your surroundings are supposed to be and that, uh, you know, type of working environment, but on the chosen, it’s really easy to, to fully, you know, immerse yourself into everything.
CHRYSANDRA :
That is so powerful. Well, Jordan, so when you mentioned it a little bit, so your mom was a huge believer in this gift of acting in your heart. When you look back of being little Jordan, per se, what did God do in your heart that you remember of just knowing that this was what you were called to do when you grew up?
JORDAN ROSS :
Well, you know, being someone with disabilities, I have cerebral palsy and scoliosis. And that was something that growing up, I didn’t really see many people that walked like me that had a limp on TV. And if they did have a limp, it was typically an able-bodied actor pretending to have a limp for the character, which was fine. But I didn’t really see the type of representation that I wanted to. And There were times where it was discouraging because I thought, well, it hasn’t been done yet. So why is it going to be any different for me? And thankfully, the industry is drastically changing in that area. But it was always a goal of mine as a kid to build. be kind of a, um, an example for other kids that have disabilities that may want to be actors to see themselves reflected on screen and represented. And, uh, so that was always a goal and, you know, the, the chosen, it was a long journey of self-acceptance as well, because I had a lot of bitterness and resentment, but the chosen has helped me, uh, as a person, accept myself a little bit more and realize, uh, it’s reminded me how important it is to have representation because the the feedback and the response from fans specifically fans with disabilities or loved ones that have disabilities has just been you know out of this world it’s it’s been the most powerful interactions i’ve ever had um and i’m so grateful Me too.
CHRYSANDRA :
I’m so grateful. Wow. Jordan, well, that is such an inspiration because you wouldn’t know that you really do have any disability. It just looks, you know, when you’re watching the shows or anything on TV, a lot of times you think that it’s not real. So to know that it is and that you have been able to persevere and when you were little to want to be that spokesperson, to know that nothing’s impossible is amazing. It’s just incredible. So thank you for doing that.
JORDAN ROSS :
Thank you. I mean, it’s, it’s a privilege.
CHRYSANDRA :
Oh, that is so powerful. Well, George, so when you, so going through these last three seasons for the chosen, what has been one of your most favorite moments so far?
JORDAN ROSS :
My favorite moment, I mean, there’s so many throughout the entire production of all three seasons, but I’ll stick with season three since that’s what’s coming up here soon. So for season three, one of the most memorable moments was obviously shooting the feeding of the 5,000 because we had over the course of three days, 12,000 extras there from all 50 states from I think 20 different countries. Like it was unbelievable. It looked like a-
CHRYSANDRA :
There was more than 5,000. There was 12,000 overall.
JORDAN ROSS :
We have three, we shot the scene over the course of three days. So we had 12,000 different people over that period. And yeah, so it was like, you know, it looked like a music festival with how many people were roaming around these big fields. I called it chose Ella instead of Coachella, but we, that was a blast. And then the very last thing I shot for season three was a arguably little James’s biggest scene yet where I actually confront Jesus about why he hasn’t healed me, but he’s healing all of these other people. Um, so that was clearly a very personal scene and it was really emotional for so many different reasons. It was the very last day of production. So we were emotional because of that. Um, it was my first scene with Jonathan one-on-one. So that was really cool. So yeah, that, that will forever be one of the most, uh, powerful moments I’ve ever experienced as an actor.
CHRYSANDRA :
Wow. I, yeah, there’s these ones. Jordan, what did, so just tell all the listeners tuning in, what did Jesus say when you were asking as little James, why didn’t you heal me? What did, what did he say?
JORDAN ROSS :
Well, you’ll have to tune in and go to theaters to check it out because that scene is actually in episode two, which we are releasing episodes one and two theatrically on November 18th. And you can go get your tickets at thechosentickets.com. And they have, everyone that is curious about that scene will get to see it in theaters starting November 18th. So I’m really excited for that. I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes. Well, we need to take a short break, but we’ll be right back. We thank everybody for tuning in to this edition of To All the Dreamers radio show. We have Jordan Ross on with us from The Chosen. We’ll be right back. Hi guys, this is Chrysandra Brunson, host of To All The Dreamers. I am so happy to introduce personal training, nutritional guidance, and behavioral change coaching. Healthy, happy, and heavenly for your wellness, spirit, soul, and body. Contact Mimi Kroger at healthyhappyandheavenly.com.
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CHRYSANDRA :
we are back thank you for tuning in to all the dreamers radio show we have jordan ross on with us he is little james in the chosen and we were just asking about a very special scene and we have to stay tuned for the premiere happening november 18th but we are just so excited for just how your influence and how God is just allowing you to be able to impact so many hearts, especially those with disabilities. And, you know, Jordan, what have, so you’ve been able to live through a lot of different scenarios. How have you been able to overcome those different giants along the way? having disabilities or even just setbacks with not getting the role that you wanted at different times or whatever it may be, how have you been able to overcome and persevere?
JORDAN ROSS :
I think it really like I give all credit to my mom, honestly, with with her positive attitude. And, you know, no matter what is happening, like there could be a tornado that’s tearing our house apart with us inside of it. And she would be optimistic and positive and be like, everything’s going to be fine. Like no matter what, like you cannot shake her. She’s just so positive. like sometimes it scares me how positive she is because I, I worry about like, you know, I’m like, don’t be so naive mom, but, um, I’m, I’m so, it’s also my favorite quality of hers. And I, I am so grateful that she passed down a lot of that optimism to me. And I think too, you know, undergoing so many different surgeries and having, you know, some, uh, near-death experiences as a kid and and a bunch of all of the medical stuff um that i grew up with there were i think that kind of taught me um that the fact that i got through all of that anything else that happens i feel confident that i’m going to get through that as well um Even if I can’t see how it’s going to work out, it always does. And so I think just with life experience, you know, at an early age, I experienced a lot of life, a lot of stuff that a lot of people don’t experience at that age. And I think that kind of… It’s all about perspective. And, you know, it can always be worse. And, you know, I didn’t get this job, but there’s another one down the road. And just kind of having faith that it’s going to work out, that everything is going to line up eventually. And, you know, my favorite quote is, this too shall pass, whether it’s good or bad. So, yeah. Yeah, I think that just kind of keeping that mindset and keeping your loved ones close and having a really good support group is essential as well.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes. Well, I love that. Yeah, this too shall pass. We will see what will happen and just know that time is so fleeting. So just to embrace the moment and do the best you can. Exactly. And you have done that. So thank you for being such an inspiration. And can you just tell us a little bit more about your disability so that we can have an awareness of what this is and how we can help those in our communities?
JORDAN ROSS :
Yeah, of course. So my cerebral palsy is pretty mild. It was a result of being born premature and it’s like scarring on the brain that causes, you know, it can have some mental effects on some, it can have cause mobility issues like with with hands and uh not being able to to grip well uh for me it basically made from the waist down the right side of my body is much weaker than the left side so my right leg uh has about half the muscle amount of muscle as my left leg it’s uh my left leg has to do all of the work uh And then with my scoliosis, I had a 98 degree curve in my spine when I was seven and it was beginning to crush my right lung and I already have severe asthma. So it was making my asthma worse. So they had to go ahead and do a full spinal fusion when I was seven. And normally they wait until you’re in your teens and most of your growing is done, but they did it at that age. So to, to help my lungs and that’s why I’m short, which works out now I’m playing little James and it all worked out, but it’s yeah. So the scoliosis was a little more severe, but the, you know, Both of them, you know, scoliosis and cerebral palsy can affect people in totally different ways. So it’s all just about removing the stigma of like talking about disability. You know, before it was something I felt I needed to hide. And every audition on every set, I didn’t want people to see it because I thought they would think that I’m a liability or that I’m. incapable or, you know, it was like this elephant in the room. And it was embarrassing. I had shame towards it. I hated looking at, you know, if I walked past a reflective surface, I hated to see myself walking. I hated seeing it on camera. And now the more I’ve talked about it, the less shame I have and the more I’ve grown to love it about myself. And I think that’s key is just the giving people the freedom and the, the safe place to talk about what they’re going through and to share their experiences and to ask for help when they need it. And I think that just allowing people that safe place is, is what, what will make the most difference overall.
CHRYSANDRA :
Right. Wow. Well, thank you for sharing that. And I think, you know, a lot of times I think that we have to, just like you said, we have to hide what, whatever’s wrong with us. Cause all of us have different things going on, you know, just to be able to have that confidence that it’s actually meant to be a pedestal and to be able to be a spokesperson in that arena. And Yeah, so that’s just so incredible that you’re doing that, and especially just throughout this role. And with The Chosen, Jordan, can you just tell us, so throughout season one and season two, what you learned and what we can get excited for for season three?
JORDAN ROSS :
Yeah. So season one and season two kind of taught me to never underestimate this show because it’s one of those things where, you know, in Hollywood or in the film industry in general, you never want to like what’s the saying count your eggs before they count your chickens before they hatch. So you don’t want to get too excited about anything. But with The Chosen, now we’re done with season three. We already have an idea of when we’re doing season four. It’s like things are, it’s not as up in the air as maybe it was earlier on. So that’s exciting. Like we’re at a place where we’re kind of allowing ourselves to get excited about it now. And so that’s been really cool. But for season three of The Chosen, I think people can look forward to the stakes being higher than ever before the, the honeymoon phase is over, uh, all of the apostles, little James included are kind of there. They’re the reality of, you know, what it means for them to just pick up everything and follow Jesus is kind of sinking in. It’s not all fun and games anymore. Um, there’s a lot more enemies this time around there. So the enemies are growing, the followers are growing. Um, doubt is growing there’s a lot of uh you know wondering like did i make the right choice and uh comparing yourself to others and and there’s there’s a lot of that in season three of the chosen so i’m excited for people to see that because it’s real and i think that’s the the great thing about the show i think that’s what people connected to in the first place is these real life issues and uh you’ll get much more of that in season three
CHRYSANDRA :
We can’t wait. And I think especially in this season of just, you know, overcoming the pandemic and just everything being so rattled in humanity right now, that that is very parallel to life. And are we going to hold on to Jesus? Are we going to follow him? You need that encouragement. So I’m excited to see it. And I know everyone tuning in as well. And so, Jordan, what would you say in going on this journey has been your biggest tips and wisdom? I know that you shared a little bit. Your mom, we just have to honor her just being such a pillar of faith and optimism throughout all of your life. And that to ripple out now to… you know, everyone that’s tuning into the chosen and, um, here through all these different media outlets, but what has really stuck to your heart to know that you’re called to this and just like Jesus saying, are you going to follow me? And how can we, how can we keep on following him?
JORDAN ROSS :
Yeah. I think that, um, you know, specifically with, with acting, it’s something that I felt like I was given this, this gift for acting, but I also felt like my limp was a curse that was going to prevent me from ever accomplishing what I wanted to. Um, But it wasn’t until I embraced the things that made me different that I started to really find success as an actor. And it was like, you know, I broke through that wall. And I think that the more that we embrace that about ourselves and find the confidence to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and to talk to each other and open up to each other and not be afraid of vulnerability because that’s a strength, not a weakness. Yeah. The more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the more you can embrace the things that make you different. And then also, if there’s something that you want to accomplish, don’t let anyone tell you, including yourself, that you can’t do it. You owe it to yourself to go out and give it your all. Because like you said at the very beginning of this interview, you don’t want to have regrets on your deathbed. So it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes. Thank you so much, Jordan. And we love asking this question, but what would you do if you knew you could not fail?
JORDAN ROSS :
Whoa. That’s an interesting question. If I knew I couldn’t fail. I mean, wow. Well, auditioning would be a lot easier for one. But if I knew I couldn’t fail, I would… you know, something I’ve become passionate about, I’ve always been passionate about, but I’ve, I’ve started to become more involved with is speaking to kids and teens about bullying and the effects that it can have, because it was something I experienced really badly as a teenager. So maybe something in that area, maybe if I knew I could speak to like any kid I spoke to would never bully anyone again and would stand up for, you know, victims of bullying. Um, that would be a really, I think that would have a big impact overall. So, um, maybe that, yeah.
CHRYSANDRA :
You know, I was bullied too. And it is, that would be an amazing dream for you to live out. And we are just so thankful for you, Jordan. And we know that we’re coming up to the end of our time together, but hopefully we would love for you on again. You’re always welcome. And, um, We know all of our listeners want to be able to stay in touch with you and cheer you on to tune into The Chosen. What is the best way to do that?
JORDAN ROSS :
You can follow me mostly on Instagram and Twitter at the Jordan Ross and also at what’s your limp, which is my podcast where I talk about all the stuff we’ve been talking about. And yeah, so it’s and then also in theaters on November 18th, where you can watch episodes one and two of season three of The Chosen.
CHRYSANDRA :
Thank you so much, Jordan. We really appreciate you and we’re so excited to be able to have a voice and, you know, just this personal experience with you to be able to relate to season three and with all of the Chosen’s upcoming seasons. And we thank everybody for tuning into all the Dreamers radio show today. We welcome everyone to stay in touch with Jordan and with all of the guests to be able to go after what God’s calling you to at thecallingnonprofit.org. We want you to know that God has a dream in your heart from his heart to yours to live out for such a time as this. The best kind of hero is someone who inspires, empowers, and equips people to be the hero of their own story. Become God’s dreamer. We look forward to staying in touch with you to live out God’s dreams for your life every single day. Till next time, dreamer. Keep dreaming big.
