Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jaclyn Whitehair

Jaclyn Whitehair is an emerging creative who does it all. Whether she’s acting, writing, or directing, she’s made it her mission to push female-driven narratives forward. That passion was the catalyst behind her new series The Nellie Bly Story, which finds Jaclyn putting all her talents on display.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Jaclyn to chat about her career, The Nellie Bly Story, and what’s next for her!

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Jaclyn: I’ve always had a great passion for storytelling. I think that began with my family, which is composed of unique characters who love to tell tales of their past. From then on, I was intrigued by different cultures and learning how other people live. I think acting was a natural progression from this curiosity.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jaclyn: My coaches and mentors have made the biggest impact on my career. Their spark and zest for the craft have motivated me. A great teacher helps you find the truth of the scene within yourself so that the performance comes from a raw, organic place.

PC: You have a theater background. What has the transition been like going from the stage to the screen?
Jaclyn: Essentially, the foundation of theater or film acting is the same: you have to do the work in order to really find the roots of the character. Once you have captured the essence of the character, found their motivations, intentions, conflict, etc., it really comes down to technique. In theater, you are playing to a large audience, and you must be able to expand your energy so that it hits even the last row of the theater. The camera captures every little detail of your work, so it involves focusing your energy and placing it behind the eyes.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re a writer and producer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Jaclyn: It’s been a wonderful, eye-opening experience to be able to grow in roles behind the camera. Writers put so many details into the script; every word has a specific meaning. You must consider the same elements as acting (motivation, conflict, building a full character), but the way you approach it is backward from acting. In acting, you receive the script and then decipher it; in writing, you build it. As a producer, you get to watch how the many facets of a project come together and how each department works together to tell a complete story. Being a writer/producer has made me look at approaching a character in a new light and made me a stronger actor.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Jaclyn: Good things take time. Stella Adler is quoted as saying, “Growth as an actor and as a human being are synonymous.” I do believe this is quite true. The more I learn about myself and relationships between humans, how we all interact in our everyday lives, the more I learn about acting. Growth takes time.

PC: Tell us about The Nellie Bly Story and the inspiration behind the web series.
Jaclyn: The Nellie Bly Story is a new creative work and the first installment of a series featuring interviews with female figures who were ahead of their time. In The Nellie Bly Story, I play fourteen characters. The web series is comedic in tone and ultimately a one-woman play turned digital. I’m just fascinated by Nellie Bly’s story—she was a truly remarkable woman and lived an adventurous life! I feel like there are so many amazing female-driven stories that were not celebrated during their time, and I’m excited to uncover them.

PC: What’s next for you?
Jaclyn: I’m currently writing the next season of my web series. I also have an upcoming role on the TV show, LACE.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jaclyn: Big Little Lies.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jaclyn: The Godfather.

PC: Favorite book?
Jaclyn: Live Your Truth.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jaclyn: Hamilton, Wicked, and Rent.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jaclyn: I actually have a ’60s playlist on my phone right now. I love classics.

To keep up with Jaclyn, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.