Jou Jou Papailler, a talented individual with a multifaceted career, graduated from the premed program at the University of Louisville with a degree in biology and the prestigious title of Homecoming King.
He was soon discovered by Jane Stuart on a Drug Free America commercial, which led him to move to New York and collaborate with Jane on a series regular role as Jamal, The Park Ranger on Sesame Street, appearing in over 30 episodes.
During his time at the American Place Theatre, where he studied under the guidance of renowned instructor Wynn Handman, who has taught notable actors such as Denzel Washington, John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, and Raul Julia, Connie Britton from Nashville, Jou Jou secured recurring roles on popular television shows like The Guiding Light, As the World Turns, and Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect.
Under Wynn's mentorship, Jou Jou had the opportunity to write songs, sing, and star in a co-written Off-Broadway hit, Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine, in New York City. He later transitioned to Los Angeles, where he appeared in feature films such as The Socratic Method and Welcome to Hollywood.
Jou Jou has spent over two decades honing his skills as a writer, director, and producer. His short film, By Means of Natural Selection, which he wrote, produced, and starred in, won three awards, including Best Actor for his performance, at the 168 Film Festival in Bel Air, California. Smoke Screen, which he directed and associate produced, was screened at Universal Studios and later sold for distribution.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Jou Jou has stage managed and assistant directed for NBC and National Lampoon Network, working alongside notable stars such as Mario Lopez and Robert Englund. Before leaving Los Angeles, he served as the production coordinator for Restraining Order, starring Robin Givens.
Recently, Jou Jou appeared as a supporting lead opposite Taye Diggs in the 2018 drama, The River Runs Red. He has also starred in two other feature film comedies, Tan Lines and The Split, in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played the roles of Turner and Sheldon, respectively.
Jou Jou is an active member of the Kentucky Film Commission and has several projects in development, including a nationwide youth fitness program and a feature film he wrote and is producing about cops, teens, and gun violence. With the guidance of his mentor and consultant, Danny Glover, he is also developing a film about the most successful jockey in history, Isaac Murphy.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Jou Jou is a passionate coach. He co-created and ran the Film Actor's Academy with DK Casting in Los Angeles and established the first professional-level high school TV/Film Production department in Kentucky at Fern Creek High School, his alma mater, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for soccer after scoring 75 goals in four years, a record that stood for over two decades.
Now, Jou Jou brings his extensive experience to Louisville and is excited to work with Beth Hall and Helen Wells Talent Agency.
