Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Jefferson.
Carol, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always say life is an amazing journey! It truly has been an amazing journey for me. I’m a former television news reporter turned prosecutor and now a professional actress who recently relocated to Los Angeles.
I got my start in television news as an intern at KRON-TV in San Francisco and my first job as a television news reporter at WOWT- TV in Omaha, Nebraska. Yes, I covered a lot of snowstorms! After a few years in the heartland, I headed west to sin city to work for KTNV-TV in Las Vegas. Over the years, I covered crime, politics, breaking news stories and entertainment. I was fortunate to interview many inspiring individuals including former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, former gymnast Bart Conner, country singer Leann Rimes and R&B legend Patti LaBelle. A career as a television news reporter was my dream as a shy little girl. Imagine that… this shy little girl now on television every day.
While covering the courts, I became interested in our legal system. I decided to go to law school and started my legal career as a prosecutor. By far, it’s one of most rewarding and challenging experiences I’ve had in my legal career. I worked with great attorneys and learned so much about the profession. I learned how to be a successful trial attorney and skilled negotiator. The experience has been the foundation of my legal career and I am grateful for the opportunity to use my legal knowledge to be an advocate for others.
Interestingly, I discovered my passion for acting working as an attorney. One day I was simply having a conversation with a friend about interests outside my legal career and she recommended that I check out an acting workshop. I had absolutely no experience as an actress. But in that moment, I thought.. why not? It sounded fun and exciting. So, I started taking classes and getting involved in one act plays in Sacramento. Then a stage manager I worked with recommended me for the part of “Pecola” in “The Bluest Eye” based on Toni Morrison’s novel. I auditioned for the part and was cast much to my surprise. The play was named one of the best stage productions of the year.
Next, I focused on opportunities in film and television drawing upon my previous career as a television news reporter and training. My desire to pursue my passion for acting often required driving two hours each way to San Francisco for auditions, projects and training. I was still a practicing attorney who travelled for work to meet with clients and for hearings. So, it was definitely a lot of hard work and a lot of balancing. But it was worth it for sure. I signed with a talent agency in San Francisco and became an active member of SAG-AFTRA as a professional actress.
I have been featured in independent films and commercials for companies such as Western Union, Society of Human Resources Management and My Wireless TV. Now I’m here in Los Angeles ready to start the next chapter of this amazing journey!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! A legal career is not a 9-5 profession, especially as a litigator. Generally, you work a lot of hours. When I was engaged in trial work, I was working 6 days a week. That was normal for me. So, trying to balance my legal career with the demands of pursuing an acting career is very challenging. I’m always busy! It seems there’s never enough time. But I absolutely love acting. It makes me feel so alive! I love being both inspired and challenged by the different roles I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m an actress. As an actress, I bring characters to life both on stage and film. In essence, I am a storyteller!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m really excited to finally be here in LA! I absolutely love it here. I’m in the process of building a great creative management team to help guide this new chapter of my acting career.
Yes, life is truly an amazing journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: carol-jefferson.com
- Email: actress_carol@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actresscarole
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Actress_Carol
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