Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Firefly Lane’s Jenna Rosenow

Jenna Rosenow has quickly made a name for herself for the dynamic and multilayered characters she’s brought to life on the screen. She’ll next be starring opposite Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke in the must-see new series of 2021: Firefly Lane. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of catching up with this rising talent to chat all things Firefly Lane.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Jenna: I have an older sister who has Asperger’s syndrome. When she was younger, and before she was diagnosed, my mom and dad put her into speech and drama lessons to help her socially and to help bring her out of her shell a bit. When I was little, I wanted to do everything that she did, so when I saw her doing that, and I was like, “I want to do that.”

Mom and dad enrolled me in classes as well. So, I started when I was six. As soon as I started doing it, I was like, “This is what I want to do.” Then when I was about thirteen, my parents put me into screen acting classes. From there, I signed with an agent and started auditioning. I did a lot of short films and smaller projects and eventually worked my way up.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout the years. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Jenna: The moment that stands out the most is when I booked Neighbours, which was my first series regular in Australia. I remember that day so clearly.

I’d been auditioning quite a bit previously to that. I kept just missing out. It would come down to me and one other person. Every time, they’d be like, “She’s great, but no.” I was like, “Oh God.” Then I said, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this. I don’t know if I can keep doing this. I don’t know if I can handle this much rejection.” It’s hilarious because that’s what this industry is.

But at the time, I was like, “I don’t know if I can do this.” My agent was like, “You know what? I’ve got one more audition for you. Just go in, see what happens.” I was like, “Fine. Okay, I’ll go.” And I booked it. I remember her calling me to tell me, and as soon as she said it, I hung up and started crying. I ran to my mom and I was like, “I booked it! I got it.” She was like, “That’s great, but you should probably call your agent back.” [laughs]

Firefly Lane

PC: Tell us about Firefly Lane and what drew you to this project?
Jenna: Firefly Lane is an incredible show. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on this. It’s equal parts coming-of-age story and a story about growing old together between an unlikely pair of friends, Tully and Kate—played by Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. The show spans over three decades and shows the ups and downs of their friendship. It delves into relationships, family, first loves, careers, marriage, divorce, and everything in between.

As soon as I read the script, I was like, “I need to be a part of this.” It’s so well-written. The scenes are hilarious. Firefly is a drama, but my character brings a bit of comedy into it. That was a fun opportunity.

PC: The series is based on Kristen Hannah’s bestselling novel, but your character wasn’t in the book. Was that more or less challenging?
Jenna: It gave me a bit more freedom to create a character the way that I see her rather than the way that the author has written her.

PC: What can you tease about Kimber’s journey throughout the first season?
Jenna: Kimber is a really interesting character. She’s going to be someone that the audience is going to love to hate. She’s a bit preoccupied with herself; she’s always putting her needs and wants before anyone else’s. She doesn’t really have an issue or even see an issue with that. It was a super fun role to get to play because she’s so far from who I am as a person.

I can’t say too much about her journey, but she plays Kate’s boss—Kate is played by Sarah Chalke. That is a fun dynamic, as Kimber is quite a bit younger than Kate. Kate is definitely more than equipped in the industry. She used to be a journalist before she got married and went down the child path.

PC: When you’re playing a character who’s so different from who you are, is that more or less challenging?
Jenna: I’d probably say less challenging. It gives you more room to play. You’re probably a little bit more honest with yourself because if this character isn’t like you at all, you give yourself the freedom to unapologetically be that character.

PC: In addition to Firefly Lane, you’re also starring in One of Us is Lying. Can you tease anything about that project?
Jenna: It’s been described as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars. Five teenagers go into detention and only four come out alive.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jenna: Harry Potter. I’m constantly re-watching that.

PC: Favorite book?
Jenna: The Game of Thrones series.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jenna: Chicago.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jenna: Blink-182 or Stormzy.

To keep up with Jenna, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Firefly Lane on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Storm Santos