By: Sarah Morton
Tyrone Jackson has always had a knack for capturing attention. As a child, Jackson found joy in performing for any crowd he could find. “From an early age I loved performing for other people. If there was a crowd anywhere, they felt like an audience to me,” Jackson recalls. This innate passion for entertaining others sparked a career that would eventually position him as one of the influential figures in the world of entertainment news. Today, Jackson is the creator and host of Hot in Hollywood, a show that offers a unique multicultural lens on the entertainment industry, covering both blockbuster hits and smaller, independent projects.
For Jackson, storytelling was second nature. “As a teenager in school, I could tell a story that would entertain everyone,” he says. It was in junior high school, however, that his path started to take shape. “It was in junior high school when I was allowed to join the drama program, I realized I was going to be a professional performer,” Jackson shares. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for his career, one that would traverse from stage to screen, and eventually into the realm of content creation and production.
Jackson’s time at New York’s famed High School of Performing Arts, the very institution that inspired the movie Fame, was another significant stepping stone. “That was the school the movie Fame was based on. There I met and studied with some of the talented kids in the city. Many of whom went on to become big stars in Hollywood and Broadway,” Jackson says, reflecting on the intense environment that cultivated his talent and ambition.
Like many in the entertainment industry, Jackson encountered challenges that tested his resolve. His biggest realization? The importance of ownership. “My most significant challenge started when I realized in Show Business you need to own and produce content. Without ownership, you’re just an employee going from job to job,” Jackson explains. This lesson shaped his career and business approach, pushing him to not only host but also create and own his content, which has led to the success of Hot in Hollywood.
Photo Courtesy: Hot In Hollywood Media (@hotinhollywoodmedia)
The journey from performer to content mogul wasn’t easy, and Jackson quickly learned that creating a show was only half the battle. “Being a producer, you must have a vision for each show you create. Next is pitching that idea to one of our distribution partners,” Jackson notes. “What I’ve had to understand is that as a producer, you are also a salesperson. Here in Hollywood, learning how to sell a show to an executive is a necessary skill.”
Hot in Hollywood wasn’t an overnight success. The show gained traction due to its unique approach, blending entertainment news with multicultural representation. “Hot in Hollywood is known for its multicultural approach to entertainment news. We cover both big Hollywood blockbusters and smaller independent projects,” Jackson shares. The show’s emphasis on diversity, both in front of and behind the camera, sets it apart in a crowded market. “Many of today’s writers, producers, and directors come from very diverse backgrounds. Our show celebrates that diversity.”
Keeping the content fresh and exciting is one of Jackson’s main goals. The show’s appeal lies not only in its broad coverage of Hollywood but also in how it connects with audiences on a personal level. “We are all curious about the lives of the people who entertain us. We want to know what they eat, drink, and their secret for looking so good. That hunger and curiosity are never going away,” Jackson says. His hosting style taps into this curiosity, turning viewers into loyal followers who see him as a friend offering insider access to the hidden world of Hollywood.
In a rapidly changing entertainment landscape, Jackson knows the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Social media, streaming platforms, and on-demand content have revolutionized how audiences consume entertainment news, and Jackson is ready to embrace the future. “These days, entertainment news travels fast, and the public wants details, not just headlines in a social media post,” he explains. To meet this demand, Jackson plans to launch the Hot in Hollywood TV app in 2025. “The cool thing is once you download The Hot in Hollywood app onto all of your devices, you’ll be able to enjoy entertainment news, celebrity news, and podcasts direct from Hollywood 24/7. You’ll no longer need to pay for Hollywood news and updates.”
But that’s not all. Jackson’s vision extends far beyond entertainment reporting. “We are working on five hundred new channels with original content that has never been seen before,” he reveals. This bold move underscores his ambition to dominate the digital landscape. “In today’s world, an app that people download is essentially a television network with programming. That’s where I see myself doing exceptionally well.”
While Jackson’s on-screen persona is well-known, his love for producing content behind the scenes is equally strong. “I love creating new shows. Coming up with a show idea and six weeks later we are at my studio in Burbank building the set. I also love the process of casting and directing,” Jackson says. He sees casting as a crucial part of the creative process, believing that when the right performers are chosen, the show comes together in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.
Despite his many roles, Jackson remains grounded, attributing much of his balance to his personal life. “To balance the demands of a creative profession, you need to find something you really love outside of the entertainment industry. For me, it’s cooking. I love to cook high-end meals. When all of the flavors blend and the table is set, it’s magic!” he shares, offering a glimpse into the man behind the TV mogul.
Photo Courtesy: JOPR
Looking ahead, Jackson envisions a future where Hot in Hollywood continues to evolve and expand its reach, both domestically and internationally. His goal is clear: “I’d like to become the King of digital programming that is distributed around the world,” Jackson says confidently. With his upcoming app and a relentless drive to create original content, it’s a goal that seems well within reach.
As Jackson continues to build his brand, one thing is certain: his passion for storytelling and content creation is unwavering. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Tyrone Jackson is a name that will continue to shape the future of entertainment.
Published by: Martin De Juan
