parental guidance: “My dad, Bud Jones, taught
me the value of blue collar hard work. He made a living with
his hands (as a logger). He took me to church every Sunday,
made sure I knew my kin-folk and kept a roof over my head.
He always told me to be my own man, and taught me how
to make my own decisions and stand by it. My mom, Terri
Johnson, was a police officer, and she always wanted me to
look after my baby sister. My stepmom, Ilene Jones, treated
me like an adult when I was young. I used to hate it but
it helped me grow out of immature habits and taught me
responsibility. Between the three of them and the rest of my
family, I had a solid village to raise me.”
success story: “The Marine Corps is one of the major
factors in my success. I needed the structure and added
discipline of the military to really understand myself and
unlock the groundwork my family laid down.”
advice for parents: “Parents have to make sure
they lay a solid enough foundation that their kids don’t
break when the weight of society hits them when they leave
home. Bend, but don’t break.”
reality check: “When I started acting, I began
meeting people I grew up watching in movies. I realized
how normal they were! Some of them were really cool and
helpful. I didn’t think established individuals would give a
helping hand to a young country boy from Alabama.”
advice for teens: “Don’t make decisions based on
your high school sweetheart. You’re way too young for that,
and you both have a lot of growing up to do.”
rookie mistake: “Skipping class and not doing
homework.”
looking ahead: “In 5-10 years, I hope I’m still
IMAGE COURTE
SY OF COOK AL
LENDER
making movies. Whether I’m writing, directing or acting,
I’m happy.”
Nick on set with Gary Oldman
and Shia LaBeouf, in the upcoming film, “Man Down.”
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