Actor | Writer | Producer

About Me

My name is Cedrick Riggs Jr., though most people know me as CJ Riggs. I’m originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and later moved to Jackson, Mississippi to study acting at Belhaven University, where I earned my BFA in Acting. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on commercials through the advertising agency Mad Genius and attend SETC, where I landed my first professional acting tour.

As an actor, writer, and creative, I’m drawn to stories that feel honest and human. I want my work to entertain people, but also leave room for conversation — especially around topics like mental health, identity, relationships, faith, and the societal issues people quietly struggle with every day.

That passion is a big part of why I created Ciege Productions: a space centered around original storytelling, collaboration, and giving artists the freedom to create work that feels real, vulnerable, and impactful.

At the end of the day, I just want to create stories that make people feel seen.

Discover Ciege Productions

Reels

Demo Reel - 2026

A collection of television and film work highlighting grounded, emotionally driven performances across drama, suspense, and character-focused storytelling. Featuring scenes centered around tension, betrayal, interrogation, vulnerability, and the complicated relationships that shape people.

Demo Reel - 2026 (Extended)

An extended look into my work as an actor, featuring additional scenes in drama, romance, comedy, and emotionally layered character work. This reel gives a fuller picture of my range, including quieter moments, relationship dynamics, and performances that lean more personal and human.

Commercial Reel - 2026

A mix of commercial work showcasing natural energy, personality, relatability, and comedic timing. Whether the tone is heartfelt, confident, or lighthearted, this reel reflects the kind of approachable and grounded presence I bring on camera.

Testimonials

National Players' Tour 71

"CJ is a generous, thoughtful, hardworking and creative performer. He put in the time with me to work on our Rosalind and Orlando dynamic, spending hours outside of rehearsal. He had tons of ideas and was willing to challenge himself and play, drawing from multiple sources of inspiration. We had a particular challenge for one of our scenes together, and the result was a tango dance that really made the scene ours. It was one of the most sublime acting experiences I have had, and I hope all my acting partners will be as devoted as CJ. It makes the work worth doing!"

-Lisa Danielle Bush, As You Like It (Rosalind)

Olney Theatre Center

National Players' Tour 71

"CJ is an absolute dream to have in your process. He is always eager to play and is fearless in his emotional risk-taking, but he’ll always keep the clarity of the text and the story at the forefront. He’s able to retain his technical skills while letting all of his walls down for his fellow actors and audience, and that’s a combination that is undeniably wonderful for all. His Orlando in As You Like It and his Reverend Hale in The Crucible were raw, fresh, and unpredictable while remaining structured enough to give consistent performances over the course of a year-long tour. CJ struck the balance perfectly. More than all of that, though, CJ brings endless light to the room. He remains positive in the worst of circumstances. His huge heart and empathy for all inherently bring comfort and safety to those around him, which means everyone feels supported to do their best work when CJ is there."

-Jenna Duncan, Casting Director for the National Players

Belhaven University

“CJ Riggs is a consummate professional actor with great skill and even greater heart. His energy on the stage cannot be beat and the characters he embodies are specific, intriguing, and real. It has been an honor and a pleasure to direct CJ, act alongside him, and to help prepare him for a career that will not only reflect his talent, but also his passion, his integrity, and his compassion as a human being trying to make the world a better place!”

-Dr. David Sollish, former Chairman of the Belhaven University Theatre Department

On Set!

Belhaven University

“It was a pleasure working with C.J. during the production of LYFE. He was professional, eager to learn, and made those around him a better actor. The best part about working with CJ was his loving and kind energy. He has the ability to make everyone in the room smile.”

-Jerry Fennell, creator and director of L.Y.F.E.