Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with American Gods’ Devery Jacobs

Devery Jacobs has felt connected to the character Sam Black Crow since she first read Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed novel, American Gods. When she learned they were bringing her to life on the small screen, Devery knew she had to land the part, and that’s exactly what she did. Unfortunately, a conflict in scheduling almost prevented Devery from playing this once-in-a-lifetime role, but thankfully, the gods were in her favor.

PC: Tell us about your character on American Gods and your unique journey to the show.
Devery: I’ve been a fan of the novel American Gods for years and I thoroughly identified with Sam Black Crow. I hounded my agent to ensure I auditioned for Sam and not-so-patiently waited through the first season for the character to be introduced. Then in the second season, an international casting notice arose seeking actors and non-actors alike, and I read for Sam. I had been selected as the production’s first choice and I was overjoyed!

Unfortunately, I was attached to another project and it came down to one day that conflicted—they just couldn’t make it work. American Gods told me they had to move on to their second choice and I was gutted: I was Sam, but because of one day I wouldn’t be able to play this role I’d been chasing for years. It felt so wrong. I wrote a letter to American Gods’ production explaining how thankful I was for the role, how similar I was to her, and how heartbroken I was that I wouldn’t get to play her, but I would still be a fan of American Gods, of Neil Gaiman, and of Sam Black Crow. I guess it worked because they sent the email across the production office and Neil Gaiman even read it. They all unanimously agreed that I was their Sam Black Crow and that they would make the dates work. I had never fought so hard for a role in my life and fortunately, it paid off.

PC: Sam Black Crow is a beloved character in the book series, which you’re a fan of. Did that bring any added pressure?
Devery: There has been so much pressure when it comes to playing Sam, both good and nerve-wracking! Firstly, the fact that there was a whole grassroots fan-casting movement that pushed for me to play her was hugely unexpected and I am so thankful! I saw so much of myself in Sam and I was happy to hear that fellow fans of the book agreed. That being said, I also put immense pressure on myself to do Sam justice, but to also represent the Indigenous community truthfully and accurately. I recognize that this role is much bigger than myself.

PC: What can you tease about your character’s arc in the upcoming season?
Devery: I can’t say much! But Sam is finally introduced in this season! She is sarcastic and opinionated, and is also deeply curious about life and Shadow, who she encounters for the first time! It’s an amusing rendezvous between them and you definitely won’t want to miss it.

PC: In addition to American Gods, you’re also starring in The Order. What can you tell us about that project?
Devery: The Order follows Jack, a college student who pledges a secret order and lands in a war between werewolves and practitioners of dark magic. In the show, I play the badass Lilith Bathory, a tough-minded, young college student who could eat you for breakfast, literally…because she’s also a werewolf. As a member of the Knights of St. Christopher, a secret society of werewolves, Lilith is a sworn opponent of the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose, a rival secret society of magic practitioners. She has a very hard time mastering the virtues of tact and restraint because her bloodlust is strong.

PC: Were you able to draw any parallels between your character on American Gods and The Order?
Devery: While both Lilith Bathory and Sam Black Crow are badasses, Lilith has more of a hardened chip on her shoulder, while Sam is more grounded in herself and her sexuality. It’s funny, I’ve been cast in many “tough girl” roles in my career, but I’m actually a shy geek in real life.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Devery: The clichéd saying, ”You don’t choose this career, it chooses you,” is entirely true. I mean, why the hell else would you sign up to be in an emotionally abusive relationship with your career? All joking aside, I always knew I loved film, but it was while shooting my first leading role in the feature Rhymes for Young Ghouls that I confirmed I couldn’t pursue anything else in my life.

PC: You’re an actor, director, writer, and producer. Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Devery: My first love was acting, but now that I’ve been exposed to filmmaking, I don’t think I could limit myself to only one field. I think each discipline helps me appreciate the other; my acting work has helped me to become a better writer and my directing has greatly served my work as an actor. Writing and acting come the most naturally to me, but directing and producing have helped me grow most.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Devery: Creative work requires you to be open and expose your vulnerability, but it needs to be limited to on set, within the work. An important lesson I’ve learned is that setting firm boundaries is integral to protect yourself and your spirit within this wild industry.

PC: Can you tell us a bit about the activism work that you do?
Devery: As a teenager, I used to be more active on the frontlines of Indigenous-focused protests, but as time has progressed, I’m learning that there are more ways to be politically involved. My current focus lies more in telling stories that reflect my community and the issues Indigenous people face through art.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Devery: RuPaul’s Drag Race, but who feels guilty?

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Devery: 10 Things I Hate About You

PC: Favorite book?
Devery: Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Devery: Fergie

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Devery: Sex Education

PC: Hidden talent?
Devery: I can juggle.

To keep up with Devery, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and catch American Gods every Sunday at 8/7c on Starz.

Photo Credit: Justine Nelson