Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Janes.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m the youngest of three kids and I think that I fully lived up to the baby-of-the-family-need-for-attention stereotype. We moved every 2-3 years during my childhood due to my dad’s Chemical Engineering job. I always loved it! Every time we moved, my Mom would work hard to get us signed up for all of the extracurricular activities that we wanted so that we could get involved and make friends ASAP. Singing and performing was always the place that I felt most at home, the most me, and I could truly fit in. I think that moving, starting over, and constantly rolling with the punches has helped shape me into the artist I am today.
If you would’ve told eleven-year-old me that the cross-dressed, goofy, news anchor host character I’d created with my middle school bestie, Olivia, would be an accurate reflection of my future artistic identity…well, I actually would’ve believed you because no one laughed harder at my own jokes than ME. In the days before cell phone cameras and TikTok, we’d set up my parent’s camcorder and dress-up trunk and improvise to our heart’s content. Somehow the “Tiffany & George Show” even made it into school presentations and our sketches became my first self-created content.
PS: Olivia ended up becoming a real-life, serious news anchor.
Flash forward past years of theatrical training, working professionally in musical and regional theatre, and becoming a proud member of Actors Equity along the way. I decided to make the move to Los Angeles and began performing stand-up, writing sketch videos for Instagram, and generally trying to harness my comedic abilities. I’ve been lucky to book guest stars on TV shows and starred in some independent films along with being a cast member and writer for the sketch team “The Babes”. I had the best time performing multiple roles in Richelle Meiss’s “Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical” at Dynasty Typewriter. I love living in LA and there is always an opportunity to become creatively involved if you just put yourself out there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I spent about seven years working as a professional actor/singer in Houston’s theatre and music scene. Being so artistically and socially involved in a community meant that when I decided to make the move to Los Angeles, I really felt the disparity of re-building my career in a new city. By taking classes and workshops, I was able to discover and explore old avenues of myself as an artist and also meet some beautiful humans who have remained as my core group. However, that initial shock of not working after several consistent years on stage was incredibly difficult, and it took some time to remember the value in the process of artistic growth. Once I got out of my head and found contentment in the things I could control – creating, building community, and enjoying Southern California – things felt a lot easier.
I know that the pandemic is probably listed by everyone as a difficulty in their life’s path, and yeah – it was (and still is?), but I also experienced the loss of my mother following her January 2020 cancer diagnosis. Spending two years with her through the pandemic and caring for her through her treatments led up to the hardest time in my life. We always found ways to laugh through the tears and I’m currently working to try and find those pockets of joy in the wake of her absence.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actor, singer, writer, and comedian. I really love it all; I want to do it all. I’m also proud to be a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA.
In addition to performing, I enjoy watercoloring. It’s a wonderful meditation and a great way to put my phone away and disconnect from the world. I’ve started selling my paintings but it always feels strange monetizing something I enjoy doing. I guess that’s the ongoing crux of being a creative!
I’m proud to be a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA. When I was living in Houston, I was named one of Houston’s Top 100 Creatives.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think it’s so important to have a true sense of identity and surround yourself with people who lift you up and truly want the best for you. In this line of work, we are facing regular rejection and it’s really easy to be hard on yourself. I always try to not take myself too seriously and remember that we are playing pretend—it’s fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justjessjanes.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/justjessjanes
Claire McAdams Photography
Image Credits
Leah Huebner, Anthony Rathbun, George Hixson, Christian Brown, Sean Askandari, Claire McAdams, Matt Misisco
