Interview With Sarah Jolly! (@SarahKayJolly)
We recently had the chance to chat with the lovely Sarah Kay Jolly about getting her start in the entertainment industry, her character on “Grace and Frankie”, upcoming projects, and more!
- How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?
From the time I could walk and talk, I have loved performing. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t dressing up in costume and playing make believe. When I was 9, I started community theater and loved it! I knew I wanted to expand into television and film, so when I was 10, I started traveling from Colorado to Los Angeles to train and audition.
- What was your first project?
My first project was a promo for MythBusters on the Discovery Channel. It was such a fun set to work on! Not only was everyone super friendly, but during my scenes, I got to explode a mud volcano, splatter paint with a spin wheel and reach in to a mountain of Jell-O to pull out a Barbie. It could not have been a better first experience for a 10-year-old.
- Who are your inspirations?
AnnaSophia Robb and Shailene Woodley are two of my favorite actresses. I love that they are both beautiful, strong women who started in the business at an early age and were able to navigate the industry while making good life choices and staying grounded.
- What is your dream role?
Any role is a dream and a blessing. However, my absolute dream role would definitely be a dramatic role which leaves an impression on the audience well after the performance is over. I love dark characters who have experienced adversity and overcome challenges in unique and thought provoking ways.
- What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
I love every project I have worked on because I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to be on set, but Grace and Frankie was by far my favorite project. Everyone was super friendly, well-organized and experienced.
- How did you land your role on “Grace and Frankie”?
I was on my way to San Diego for the weekend with a friend and her mom. About 2 hours into our drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, my mom called and said that I got an audition and it was in a few hours. We were too far into the drive to turn around, so my mom emailed me the script, and I rehearsed in the car with my friend. An hour later, we pulled over at a gas station, stood outside in front of a bathroom door and taped my audition on my friend’s iphone. We emailed the audition to my agent 5 minutes before the deadline. Casting called a few days later and the next thing I knew, it was time to report to wardrobe.
- How would you describe your character?
I play the young version (in flashback scenes set in 1957) of Teddie, the estranged sister of Frankie (played by Lily Tomlin). Young Teddie is assertive, bossy and impatient. It was a fun role to play, and I loved the clothes from the 1950s.
- What is a typical day like on-set?
Call times can sometimes be really early, like 6:00 a.m. Once you arrive on set, you
head to your trailer and meet with someone from the crew – they go over paperwork and tell you what the day looks like. A crew member is in charge of making sure actors are where they are supposed to be at all times, so you never have to worry about getting lost or being late. Shortly after checking in, you head to hair, makeup and wardrobe until it’s time for rehearsal. Then you head to set to film. During breaks from filming, you do school work and get prepared for your next scene. The food on set is usually pretty amazing, so you want to make sure that you stop by craft services during your breaks! Days on set are fun and exciting – it’s so interesting to see how everything comes together.
- What has been your favorite episode to film and why?
I loved filming both episode 404 and 406, but 404 was definitely my favorite. In episode 404, I got to work directly with two amazing, female icons – Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. It was an unbelievably surreal experience. I was really nervous about my scene, not because it was difficult, but because I had to hit Lily Tomlin in the stomach with a pineapple. I was so afraid I was going to hurt her!
- When and where can fans watch the show?
Netflix released Season 4 of Grace and Frankie on January 19, 2018, so start binge watching now!
- How will season 4 be different from previous seasons?
In my opinion, season 4 is a bit more serious than past seasons. It’s a more real storyline while still maintain humor. Season 4 is reflective of aging, family connections – past and present – and friends. I think it’s the best season so far!
- Do you have any other upcoming projects?
I recently wrapped filming on an independent film called Emma Rae. The film explores issues of abuse, drugs, and bullying. My character, Emma Rae, illuminates the dark, turbulent times that many teenagers must navigate. Emma Rae is a teen, who has been discarded by most of the people in her life, and she is being raised in the foster care system. The character has been abandoned, broken and bullied. She is dark, calculated and charming, and she does what she must to survive.
- What are your social media accounts?
All of my social media handles are @sarahkayjolly. I’m most active on Instagram, but you can find me on Twitter and Facebook too.
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