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If you're looking for new ways to make some extra cash (or, TBH, just want to kick back and relax with a good laugh), Jacques Chevelle has a new TV show that's *perfect* for you. And he's in it.

Side Hustle is a new Nicklodeon series following two BFFs Lex and Presley (Jules LeBlanc and Jayden Bartels) as they devise creative plans to earn money and pay back their friend's dad (also their principal!) for *accidentally* destroying his boat. Jaget, played by Jacques, has to keep up with their payments and tag along on their side hustling adventures. 

Jacques spills *all* the details on playing his new chracter, working with his costars and staying strong during these times. 

GL: How did you get started acting?

Jacques: I started acting when I was younger. The first actual audition was a Nickelodeon open call in Atlanta with over 200 people in this auditorium. Ever since then I've sort of gravitated towards that. It's been like, "Oh, this is what I want to do," so I started getting into theatre and auditioning more regularly. 

GL: Tell us *all* about Side Hustle and your role as Jaget.

Jacques: Side Hustle is about three kids who get into a lot of antics. They blow up my father's boat, and he's threatening me to send them to do jobs—but they don't want to do that. They try to make money in different ways. My character, Jaget, is given power by his dad to keep them in line to make sure they're bringing in money every week. My job is to keep checking in and to make sure they're doing things right by my standards. It's a fun character to play!

GL: Any fun BTS moments you can share?

Jacques: The sets are fun! There's cool instruments and pogo sticks. Mitchell, who plays Fisher, was pogo-ing around while the set was getting ready. For Halloween, the whole cast and crew dressed up our director. There's a lot of fun stuff behind the scenes. 

GL: How do you relate to your character?

Jacques: I pull a lot from the relationship I had with my older brother when I was younger. My character's tone and energy was influenced by how I spoke with my brother. We would give each other a hard time all the time and mess with each other—this energy manifests a lot into Jaget. 

GL: What do you hope kids like about the show?

Jacques: The writing is hilarious and the cast is great. I hope they're having fun watching it because we're having fun doing it. 

GL: How did it feel when filming was delayed due to the pandemic?

Jacques: There was so much going on in the world at the time that I was sure that the show would come back. It just needed some time, and it did. I was dealing with the day-to-day while checking in with myself, my family and my friends. 

GL: Who are your acting role models?

Jacques: I love Viola Davis. She's at the top. Issa Rae—she reminds me so much of my hometown Atlanta and she does such a good job with Insecure. Ben Platt, Josh Thomas. I pull from a lot of amazing actors and I'm inspired by their work. 

GL: What projects are you hoping to take on in the future?

Jacques: More interesting, off-beat characters. I like getting in their heads and figuring out what makes them tick, and then trying to express that. I like a little challenge, and making a weird character seem grounded and real. 

GL: We're living through a very tumultuous time in our world. What advice do you have for younger kids who may be struggling?

Jacques: Take a beat and breathe. You'd be surprised by how much you're not settling in the moment. Go outside and be okay with doing nothing. There's a lot of things going on, but there's a lot of beautiful things happening, too.

Watch new episodes of Side Hustle on Nickelodeon every Saturday at 8:30/7:30 Central!

Images: Courtesy of Nickelodeon 

by Katherine Hammer and Allie Lijewski | 11/16/2020