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Jasmine Cephas Jones

stars in

STARZ series

Blindspotting

London born and Brooklyn raised to a rock and roll singer and an actor, Jasmine Cephas Jones had music and acting predetermined in her destiny. One can undoubtedly say she was born with the talent but she put in the work. In 2015 she originated the dual roles of Maria Reynolds and Peggy Schuyler in the original off-Broadway production of “Hamilton”. She continued these roles when it moved to Broadway until December 2016, when she won a Grammy award for the “Hamilton” cast album.

Jone’s first professional role was alongside her father, Ron Cephas in the independent film, “Titus”. Her father once told her that she will be better than him because that is how it’s supposed to be. In 2020 Jones and her father made history when they both won Emmys, making them the first father-daughter duo to win Emmy awards in the same year. Moreover, Jones’s win as Tyisha in the short series “#Freerayshawn” made her the first-ever black woman to win the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.

Jones continues to build success with the series, “Blindspotting”. “Blindspotting” was a critically acclaimed film in 2018 and was later adapted into a series on STARZ alongside with Lionsgate Television. Jones is not only the lead role, Ashley, she also produced the first season which was released in October of 2021. Audiences can now watch the much anticipated Season 2 of “Blindspotting” on STARZ. Jasmine Cephas Jones is truly a powerhouse in the industry.

Earrings: Tab Vintage, Blazer: Byblos

Blouse: Sara Wong, Skirt: IRO Paris

When did you know you wanted to be an actor or singer and how did you get started?

I had been going to performance art schools for singing since I was 11. I was always singing in schools, choirs, and opera performance classes. In high school, I really thought I was going to end up as a coloratura soprano opera singer. At the same time as getting classically trained, I was coming home to my mom’s amazing record collection and listening to Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder records. Music has always been a part of my world. It wasn’t until I left Berklee College of Music after two years when I realized I needed acting training. I grew up in a theater company called Labyrinth Theater Company that my father was a part of, but I needed to train and find my method of acting on my own. I left school for singing and went to Neighborhood Playhouse for theater and studied Meisner method acting. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. That school was a huge part in making me the actor I am today.

Have you ever thought of a career outside of entertainment? What are your other interests?

If I wasn’t a performer, I would work with animals. I have a huge love for them. I’d probably be working at some sanctuary to help them get better and bring them back to the wild.

What do you think makes “Blindspotting” a unique and important film and series and what message do you hope viewers take away from it?

There’s nothing like this show on TV. It’s completely unique. Most of the actors and creators have a background in theater. Our storytelling has choreography and heightened verse. It’s a funny, witty show with undertones of important messages that can hit you right in the gut and truly make you feel something. It’s human. It’s very real and it sheds light on the prison system and how it not only affects the people inside it but also the families that are doing everything they can to not let the system break them and tear them apart.

Dress: MARSIKO

Dress: MARSIKO, Heels: Schutz

You have also performed on Broadway, including in the original cast of “Hamilton”. How does performing in theater differ from film and television acting, and which do you prefer?

I love them both. Theater is how I learned how to act and I’m always learning something new in TV and film. The biggest difference is just in performance. Performing to a huge crowd and making yourself heard and believable to the last person, in the last row, all the way in the back is a different performance than with a camera in your face. You have to learn how to switch into two different methods and techniques for two different audiences.

You come from a family of performers, with both of your parents being in the entertainment industry. How has their influence shaped your career, and what lessons have you learned from them?

My mother is a singer, and my father is an actor. I grew up in theater and live shows. I had such a respect for the craft but didn’t know if I wanted to do it myself. I knew how hard this life was; the drive you need to have and the love you need to have for it. Both of my parents were following their dreams and took me everywhere with them. So, it was just naturally a part of my life. They just made sure I knew my music history like who Charlie Parker was or who the drummer of The Police was. I learned that to be a good actor or singer, you need to know your history. Know the greats, study the greats, and then make it your own.

You are also a singer-songwriter and have released your own music. How do you balance your acting and music careers, and what do you enjoy most about making music?

I’m very slow with making my albums and the process. I don’t rush. I take my time. I can be very anal and very specific when it comes to my music because it’s my creation. When I’m acting, I’m mostly doing other people’s projects. But when it comes to my albums, they are my babies. There is nothing like singing songs that you wrote and created yourself.

Dress & Heels: Dolce & Gabbana

Dress: Dolce & Gabbana

You have played a range of roles in your career so far. Is there a particular type of character or genre that you enjoy playing the most, and why? And what type of character have you not played yet that you would like to explore?

I’ve been very lucky in my career. My favorite roles are strong women narratives that are complicated and nuanced. I haven’t done fantasy yet, it’s one of my favorite genres.

What has been your favorite project or role to date, and why?

“Blindspotting” is definitely one of my favorite projects to date. I’ve been a part of it since the beginning when it was just a movie. To see what it has evolved into and having Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs trusting me to continue to lead the show is an honor. I am just truly a fan of the show and I get to work on this incredible story with my best friends. It really is this amazing collaborative project that we all put our hearts into. When you are driving down Sunset [Blvd] and look up and see your face on this huge billboard it really is an out-of-body experience and a print of all the hard work I’ve put into the show.

What can we expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are particularly excited about?

I’m mostly excited about my album that’s coming out this year. I started working on it almost three years ago. I’m excited for everyone to hear this album that I’ve always wanted to make. I also just finished this Ava DuVernay film based on the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. Working with Ava was an absolute dream come true. She put her heart and soul into this film and I’m so proud to be a part of it.