With a career that spans genres, continents, and even mediums, Black opens up about his journey so far: the surreal thrill of his first on-set interrogation scene, the emotional depth behind his creative process, and why stepping into the spotlight as a singer was his most terrifying (and transformative) experience yet. In this candid conversation, we explore the layers behind his characters—and the ambition driving his next chapter.
Tony, you recently appeared as Toran in NCIS: Sydney. Can you walk us through your experience filming Season 2, Episode 7—any memorable moments on set?
I really enjoyed my time filming NCIS: Sydney. One of the most memorable moments for me was actually on the first day, when we shot the interrogation scene. Growing up, I watched a lot of police and procedural shows with my grandpa, and those iconic interrogation scenes were always a staple. So to be on set, sitting across the table and actually being part of one—it was a bit surreal.
You’ve had diverse roles lately—from Apples Never Fall to the horror film Sting. How do you approach such drastically different characters like Jeff and Officer Miller?
I approach character development by starting with myself and asking a series of questions that help me build a deeper understanding of who the character is. These questions can range from something simple—like, “How did this character wake up this morning?”—to more layered ones, such as, “Have they been in this circumstance before, or is this a first?” I also consider their relationships: “How do they feel about the other characters in the scene?” or “What’s their history with them?”
By diving into those details, I start to form a clearer picture of the character’s mindset, emotional state, and background. That process gives me the freedom to make creative and grounded choices when bringing them to life on screen.
NCIS: Sydney and Apples Never Fall are both major productions. What was it like working with networks like CBS/Paramount+ and Peacock?
It was an amazing experience, especially because of the sheer scale of the productions. I don’t think I fully realized just how many people are involved in setting up even a single shot—let alone everything that happens afterward in post-production. From lighting and camera to sound, makeup, and direction, there’s this entire behind-the-scenes machine working in sync. Being part of something that massive was honestly awe-inspiring. It really gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaborative effort behind what we eventually see on screen.
Your short film TALK has been nominated for Best International Film at the International Hope & Love Film Festival in Barcelona—congrats! What inspired this project, and what message are you hoping audiences take away from it?
Thank you! TALK actually came from a very personal place—my own experiences and reflections on how to improve relationships in my life. What I kept coming back to was communication. It sounds simple, but I mean real, unfiltered, vulnerable communication—the kind where you show up fully, without shame or pretense.
I’ve found that kind of openness can heal, deepen, and transform relationships in profound ways. With the film, I wanted to explore and share that message—to contribute something honest and emotionally raw to the world, and hopefully inspire others to connect more authentically in their own lives.
TALK is not just a film you acted in—you also wrote and produced it. How did wearing multiple hats influence the final product?
I think it’s something every actor should experience at some point. Taking on multiple roles—writing, producing, and acting—gives you a much deeper understanding of what everyone else on set is doing and how collaborative filmmaking truly is.
It also teaches you to be more strategic and sensitive to others’ goals. As a writer, you understand how much thought and struggle goes into crafting each line, so as an actor, you do your best to honor that intent. From a directing standpoint, you’re aware that the director has a vision, and it’s your job to help realize it.
And then there’s post-production—when you’ve been involved in producing or editing, you realize how valuable it is to have options. What might seem perfect on paper or on set may not work in the edit. That awareness makes you more flexible and generous as an actor—you start thinking ahead and giving the team more to work with.
Ultimately, wearing multiple hats made me more thoughtful and collaborative.
From stage to screen, you’ve done it all. What was your experience like touring with Girl From the North Country across Australia and New Zealand?
It was honestly one of the most terrifying—and yet rewarding—experiences of my career. Girl From the North Country was my first professional production in any medium, and on top of that, I had to sing in front of thousands of people. That was incredibly daunting, especially since I hadn’t sung professionally before. Singing was a newly discovered talent for me, and I worked hard to hone it with the help of my vocal coach, Jennifer, in Sydney.
Stepping out on stage, with all those eyes on me, was a vulnerable and humbling experience. Singing can feel so exposed, but pushing through that fear really helped me grow—not just as an actor, but as a person. It gave me a stronger sense of confidence and resilience.
And the cast—just phenomenal. I had the chance to work alongside some of Australia’s most respected actors, and I learned so much just by watching and collaborating with them. It was a masterclass every day.
Having studied acting both in Australia and the U.S., how would you compare the acting scenes in both countries? Any unique lessons or cultural differences you’ve embraced?
One interesting difference I’ve noticed is in the audition process. In the U.S., especially for TV and film, there’s a bit more flexibility around whether or not you’re off-book. Of course, it’s ideal to have your lines memorized, but there’s also a certain skill to delivering a strong audition while still reading from the script—it’s an accepted part of the craft there.
In contrast, in Australia, there’s a stronger expectation that you’re completely off-script for your audition tapes. That pressure is definitely present because you know most others will be going in fully memorized. It creates a different kind of prep culture and energy going into the room.
Both approaches have their merits, but it’s been interesting to experience and adapt to those cultural nuances in the craft.
Looking at your career so far, is there a role or project that you feel really pushed you to grow as an artist?
I wouldn’t say there’s one particular project that stands out above the rest. Instead, each project I’ve worked on has brought its own unique challenges and lessons. Whether it’s navigating a complex character, adapting to a new genre, or working with different creative teams, every experience has helped shape me and pushed me to grow in different ways as an actor. It’s that accumulation of varied experiences that continues to develop me artistically.
With a new feature film on the horizon, what can you tell us—if anything—about what’s next for you?
Right now, I’m still in that exciting, ever-humbling phase of my career where I’m actively auditioning and continuing to build. But I’m thrilled to share that I’ve booked a feature film, which is set to shoot in early 2026. It falls into the crime-meets-dark-comedy genre, and I’ll be playing a lead supporting role.
What makes this project even more exciting is that it’ll be my first time doing action and stunt work on a film set. That’s a whole new world for me, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge and the physicality it brings to the role. It’s shaping up to be a great opportunity for growth, both creatively and physically.
Lastly, where can people keep up with your latest work and projects? Any festivals or screenings coming up we should watch for?
You can keep up with everything I’m working on through my Instagram, @TonyJamalBlack, or by visiting my website at TonyJBlack.com. For updates on my film and TV credits, my IMDb page is also a great place to stay in the loop. I’m always sharing news there as new projects and screenings come up.
