Tahj Mowry is side-splittingly funny, naturally charming, and just seems… very familiar. It even feels like you grew up with him because in a way, you actually did. From being Michelle’s best friend Teddy on “Full House” to his current role as Tucker on ABC’s hit comedy “Baby Daddy,” this 27-year-old star is actually a 23-year vet in the entertainment industry and as he got older, we did too.
Through our televisions, Tahj has been our cute little brother, our extremely bright friend, and our super hilarious roommate, so it’s no wonder fans everywhere are drawn to his contagiously positive energy. He’s the true definition of a people-person. It is no surprise that his performances as an actor, singer, and athlete, take a backseat to his roles as son, brother, and now, uncle. Those positions reign supreme on this Hollywood prince’s list of priorities.
Tahj sits down with DOPE’s Arionne Alyssa for some cool kid talk on a beautifully breezy day in Malibu.
Written by Arionne Alyssa
Images by: Brian Luvar
Styled by: Isla Jewels
Creative Direction by: Eve Chen of Melange NYC
Grooming by: Dior Nicole
Location: Melange NYC, Queens, NY.
Read the Full Length Interview
(Arionne Alyssa: AA) After being in the industry for so long, I’m sure you’ve learned a bunch of career lessons. Which has been the most important?
(Tahj Mowry: Tahj) Probably just having patience to choose what you do. Saying yes to every role and not making time for you isn’t good. Taking time off is important and I’ve been smart enough to do that for myself. You need time to enjoy living life and not get all caught up in it.
(AA) Speaking of getting caught up, even though you and your sisters have always done a great job of never letting the lights and the fame get to you. What was it like being a kid and teen in Hollywood?
(Tahj) It was a little different back then. I knew exactly what I was doing and I knew that I was making money, but no one was forcing me to do anything. I had a relatively normal life. I went to a normal school and played sports. My parents were really good at helping me have a balanced mix with my job, school, and sports. I had a strong family supporting me and I just enjoyed it. I think it’s why the three of us have had such long careers. It’s a blessing.
(AA) What does family mean to you?
(Tahj) Family is my rock — it’s everything. You can have a hard day and your family can make it better. Your friends can come and go, but blood is thicker than water. Family is your backbone and that’s how it should be.
(AA) Success means a lot of different things to different people. What does it mean to you?
(Tahj) To me, it means longevity. In this business, you can be hot one minute and not the next so having consistency in your career and staying relevant is important. I keep working hard and I’m never comfortable in one spot. It’s a blessing to be able to always be working. To me, it’s staying relevant and people still wanting to be with you, growing up with you.
(AA) What does it feel like to have that loyalty?
(Tahj) When I was younger, I always wondered why people wanted to know what I was doing. When I got older, I realized how cool it is that people do that. They appreciate you and feel like you were a part of their childhood; that you grew up together. When people used to see me on shows they grew up watching and now watch me on “Baby Daddy,” it’s the best. It’s funny when fans approach me saying, “Hey man! How have you been?” like they know me personally (Laughs!). That’s because they relate to me. They say: “You’re like my bro or my friend” and that feels good.
(AA) The cast of “Baby Daddy” is really a great one. Everybody is so hilarious! What’s it like behind the cameras?
(Tahj) It’s so crazy! I don’t even know how we get any work done (Laughs!). The whole cast is cool. We love each other and that doesn’t happen with a lot cast mates. We’re all real people. None of us are focused on stardom or just having a hit show. It’s a nonstop comedy show every day at work.
(AA) So now you have two little nephews.
(Tahj) It’s awesome and such a great feeling to see how the fam is growing. I joke and tell everybody that it’s the best form of birth control (Laughs!). I get tired just playing with them for a few hours so I don’t know how my sisters do it. I am really excited though. I can’t wait to take them to sporting events and throw the football around with them. I’m actually scared to have a niece or daughter. I’m going to be so over protective.
(AA) Being young, fly, and affluent, how should stars turn their affluence into influence?
(Tahj) I definitely think I share a lot of my personal ideas. I allow my fans into my beliefs, what I learned at church that day. I get comments about it and I realize that it helps a lot of people. That and charity work. Just giving back is very important. People see that I’m not just out here buying Lamborghini’s. For me, it’s about being frugal and being humble.
(AA) You’re frugal?
(Tahj) Yes, I really am (Laughs!). I think that just comes from doing this for so long. Yes, I’m blessed and I have nice things, but it’s not about that.
(AA) You’re on TV so much that you probably don’t have much time to actually watch it, but when you do, what shows do you check out?
(Tahj) I watch “Bates Motel,” “American Horror Story,” I’m a huge “Breaking Bad” fan. I do so much comedy that I tend to watch different types of shows, like dramas, but I do still watch some comedy—“Parks and Recreation,” “Family Guy.” I don’t have much time but thank God for Netflix! I’m always watching in my dressing room.
(AA) Have you been in the studio lately? Do you have any new music up your sleeve?
(Tahj) I was actually in the studio until 4 a.m. last night. I started recording last week and I’ll have an EP out soon. I’ve been waiting for a long break from acting to get back into music and I’m working with a really awesome producer. It’s going to be fun, new, fresh. I can’t wait for people to hear it.
(AA) What’s one physical item that you can’t live without?
(Tahj) My Burt’s Bees ChapStick (Laughs!). I always lose it and then buy like six more—seems like half my paycheck goes to that.
(AA) When you’re a handsome face on TV, everyone tries to pry into your love life and figure out who you’re dating. What do you actually look for in a girl and how do you handle all those inquiries?
(Tahj) Well, faith is number one and that’s most important. But, I’m focused on music and the show right now. I like to keep my love life very private, always separating my personal life and work life, so I don’t talk about it, and I’m not afraid to say that.
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Watch Tahj Mowry‘s Hit Comedy Series “Baby Daddy” on ABC
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Tahj Mowry Shoots with Pure DOPE in New York
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