Greenville Native Shines in New Film “Rob Peace”
In the heart of Greenville, there’s a rising star who’s just made a splash in the film industry. Jay Will, a local talent, has taken on the lead role in “Rob Peace,” a deeply moving film that explores the life of a remarkable man who rose from challenging circumstances to attend Yale University, only to face tragedy way too soon.
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, Jay Will was a typical teenager in Greenville, dreaming of a future in the NFL. With a love for football, he played junior varsity at Southside High School. But, as many know, life often takes unexpected turns. “This ain’t gonna get me nowhere,” Jay remembered thinking, leading him to step away from the field and dive into speech and debate instead.
A Journey to the Screen
Fast forward to the present, Will is now basking in the glow of his recent success, sharing the screen with big names like Camila Cabello and Mary J. Blige. The film “Rob Peace” tells the true story of Robert DeShaun Peace, a gifted individual from Orange, New Jersey, who faced a multitude of challenges during his lifetime—all while striving for greatness. Will’s heartfelt portrayal of Peace has earned him rave reviews, with media outlets praising his performance as both “moving” and “magnetic.”
The film is rooted in the real-life experiences of Peace, a Yale-educated teacher who, despite his accomplishments, was tragically killed at the young age of 30. It sheds light on his journey through adversity, detailing how he juggled a brilliant academic life while dealing with the weight of his father’s wrongful conviction.
From the Church to the Silver Screen
For Will, it’s interesting how his past experiences in the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Greenville played a role in shaping his talents. Growing up, he participated in church productions and marveled at the ways the pastor would resonate with the congregation. “I was always studying theater, just not in a traditional sense,” Will shared. This love for performance drove him to audition for the Governor’s School, a renowned performing arts high school where he truly found his footing in acting.
Against all odds, he made it to this prestigious school, showing up in a church suit and red bow tie, reciting passages that would one day become a cornerstone of his career. Even at a young age, his unique ability to encapsulate emotions and make each character feel personal stood him out among his peers. Will’s drive led him to Julliard, where he continued refining his craft, even after an initial scare of missing the application deadline.
Immersing Himself in a Tragic Story
When offered the chance to play Rob Peace, Will jumped at the opportunity, deeply resonating with the story. He saw parallels between his life and Peace’s—both striving to uplift their families and communities. “I want to honor his life,” Will explained as he worked to embody the spirit of Peace, which was no small feat given the darker elements of the storyline.
After filming wrapped, Will sought out Peace’s family to connect personally and ensure that he accurately portrayed his life. His genuine approach endeared him to Peace’s relatives, who shared stories and memories, helping him delve deeper into the character he was bringing to life on screen.
A Grand Premiere
As the film was released, Will celebrated with his family in a very special way. In a move that showcased his gratitude, he rented a large white stretch limo to take his loved ones to the local premiere in Greenville. It was a heartwarming moment, not just for Jay but for his family, especially his grandma, who had never been in a limo before. “I just want to do stuff for them,” he remarked, beaming with pride.
For the moment, things may not have drastically shifted for Will post-premiere, but his dedication to honoring Robert Peace and representing his hometown remains steadfast. With dreams set just as high as the clouds above, he appears to be just on the cusp of something even bigger in his career.
As rainy season approaches, just like the weather forecast predicting a slight chance of showers, we can’t help but hope that we will see more of Jay Will lighting up the screens in the near future, always carrying a piece of Greenville with him wherever he goes.
