Conversations with Jackie Rhoads

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Rhoads.

Hi Jackie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from New York City and have been acting since I was a baby—literally! My first role was at 18 months old after my mom and her friend took me and another baby to an open call just for fun. Somehow, I ended up getting signed. From as early as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to storytelling. I’d watch movie musicals on TV and then perform scenes and songs for my mom. She put me in music and dance classes and eventually into the Lee Strasberg Young Actors program. It was just always part of who I was and what I wanted to do. I was obsessed with performing.

When I was six, I booked a short horror proof-of-concept called Sweet Tooth, Timothée Chalamet and I played siblings. I’m pretty sure it was both of our first credits! It went on to win awards at international film festivals—such a cool early experience.

My family later moved to Connecticut, and I ended up going to Vanderbilt University, where I majored in Human and Organizational Development and minored in Theatre, Film, and Business. I loved my time there. I had an agent in Nashville and got to do fun projects like music videos for Luke Bryan and Canaan Smith.

During COVID, everything shut down, including theater. For the first time, I didn’t have a creative outlet—so I started a YouTube channel. I began posting videos about college life and whatever else I felt excited to talk about. I fell in love with the whole process—planning, filming, editing—it was so creatively fulfilling. My channel started growing quickly, and I built an amazing community.
But acting has always been the heart of it for me. After graduating, I moved to LA to really go for it. I started as an intern/assistant at a casting office called Betty Mae, eventually becoming the assistant to the founder/owner. For me, that experience was a masterclass in how the industry works. I learned so much and built relationships I really treasure.

After about a year and a half, I left that position to fully pursue acting. Since then, I’ve been working on sets—acting in film, TV, and commercials, doing production assistant work, and taking classes. I’m in Deborah Aquila’s Master Scene Study class, where I’m now her TA.

I also work part-time at Castability, an audition-simulation app that helps actors get discovered and receive feedback directly from casting directors. It’s such a cool intersection of tech and creativity, and I’m proud to be part of something that’s making the industry more accessible.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but I make a point to see challenges as part of the process. In high school, I had terrible anxiety and put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect in school. College brought its own set of challenges—especially figuring out how to stay creatively fulfilled during COVID. Starting a YouTube channel helped me reconnect with my creativity, but it was still hard to believe in myself and commit fully to my path as an actor.

Moving to LA was a leap of faith. I didn’t have a built-in community, and it took a little bit of time to find all of “my people.” Working in casting was incredible, but intense, and I had to really center myself again and remember that acting was my “why.” Balancing flexible jobs that support my acting without burning out has also been a constant juggling act—but I’m figuring it out!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actor, first and foremost. Though I always knew I loved it more than anything, in the last few years, I’ve realized how aligned it is with my life path. To me, being an actor means getting to know yourself so deeply that you can access and channel those parts of you through a character. It requires sitting with the full range of human emotion—even the uncomfortable stuff—and being present enough in life to truly observe and understand people. Acting has become a way for me to connect more deeply with myself and others.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done so far, but even more so, I’m proud of how much I’ve committed to my art. I train constantly and put in the work for every character that comes across my path – whether it’s for a quick co-star audition or an entire 15-minute scene in class. I want to keep growing and one day, produce my own projects and tell the stories I am most passionate about.

My YouTube channel is still a creative outlet I love, and it’s helped me connect with so many amazing people. My most recent video is actually about why I believe everyone should pursue their creative passion.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of my family—my mom, dad, and sister have always believed in me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. From taking me to every class and audition growing up to being my emotional support system as I navigate life in LA.

I also learned so much from my time at Betty Mae—those experiences shaped me in ways I’ll always be grateful for. And Deborah Aquila, my acting teacher, has been absolutely life-changing. Her class has transformed not just my craft but how I show up in the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackierhoads
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackierhoads/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_7QpUaBzwE

Image Credits
Riker Brothers