“Orange Is The New Black” is one of the hottest shows on folks’ radar these days. Viewers love to watch the inmate-characters like Janae Watson, played by actress Vicky Jeudy. The Queens native and Bachelor of Arts in Theater recipient feels right at home with the rest of the stellar cast as they play one-time straitlaced girls who went wrong.
Jeudy previously had roles on the TV series “Law and Order”, and has completed filming of Romeo and Juliet in Harlem, a retelling of William Shakespeare’s celebrated play, directed by Alette Chapelle.
K. St. Fort: Is acting pretty much your first love, or did you start off loving another profession?
Vicky Jeudy: Acting is and always was, my first love. I knew I wanted to pursue it when I was in my early teens. However, as I grow older I am realizing that there are other interests that I love too—like fitness, holistic health, building the confidence in teen girls and much more. I have one life on planet Earth so why not do it all?
K. St. Fort: Good point…How did you get the part in “Orange in the New Black”?
Vicky Jeudy: I went to the audition and booked the part. It’s a lot of work studying a character your tasked to embody. I left Vicky at the door and was really able to climb into character, and truly dig deep inside Janae’s core.
K. St. Fort: Does it take you a long time to get into character?
Vicky Jeudy: Not really. I have a great acting teacher by the name of Anthony Abeson who teaches his students to “think thoughts of the character.” It gets me away from myself and focused on what is happening in the scene.
K. St. Fort: Did you get your parents’ blessing from the get-go about your career choice, or was that something that came with time?
Vicky Jeudy: It’s something my dad is learning to accept. He is very excited and one of my biggest fans. Both my parents are Caribbean—from the country of Haiti. They wanted me to become a lawyer or doctor, receive great benefits and buy a house. Most Caribbean parents think this way. Parents should be a guidance but leave their children to make their own decisions. I’m glad I made the decision to pursue entertainment. I never want to look back on life and say, “I wish I did this or that”.
K. St. Fort: What’s the most inspirational book you’ve read ever, not only in terms of how it’s helped you in terms of personal development, and career direction?
Vicky Jeudy: I have a few. Three to be exact. One, The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier. Two, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Three, Produced by Faith by Devon Franklin. I’m reading Produced by Faith now! If you are pursuing a career in entertainment or any other career please pick this book up. The foundation of his book is God, faith, integrity and character building while working in your career. I am not interested in only becoming a great working actress, but a human being who walks with integrity, and who fulfills all the duties God has ordained for my life. I’m not perfect and I do make mistakes. However, I am always looking to improve and learn from past situations.
K. St. Fort: I think we all like to use our little imaginations when it comes to picturing Tinseltown. What is life really, really like in Hollywood and in the entertainment industry?
Vicky Jeudy: I am still getting acclimated to the business! Trust me, I haven’t arrived yet but I’m learning about the nature of the business and continuing to learn my craft. I ask people I admire for advice. I don’t live in Hollywood or Los Angeles. As a New York actor, the entertainment industry is hard work like any other profession. The red carpet, parties and handling the media is a small fraction of a long math formula. The entertainment industry to me is about discipline, patience, being a good team player, accepting rejecting and embracing trust and faith. Believe me, if you need development in any of those areas, the entertainment industry is a great training ground.
K. St. Fort: As a young actress in Hollywood, bombarded with all sorts of pressures….how do you keep out of harmful temptations’ way?
Vicky Jeudy: I answer to a higher power at the end of the day. I have a heightened reality regarding death. I’m not a pessimistic. Someone very close to me was involved in a fatal accident and was taken away from me in an instant. I miss that person daily but know they are in heaven with Jesus. That person lived their life for God because at the end we all will die. It doesn’t matter if I’m the most famous person, a politician, an athlete, we all have to answer to God at the end of this life. Whether you believe in him or not. This to me is the greatest reality check and keeps me grounded.
Having people who really care for me in my life is really important. People who are not afraid to tell me the truth. That’s what my family is for. They are constantly checking me in a positive way.
K. St. Fort: Do you visit Haiti often?
Vicky Jeudy: No. I would love to visit more often. The last time I was there was in August 2010. I hope to visit soon. I love Haiti.
K. St. Fort: Okay, a young actress fresh off acting school has her bags packed and is ready to move to L.A. What advice would you offer her in terms of the road ahead?
Vicky Jeudy: I would say learn everything you can about this industry. This is called show business. Do internships with casting offices, talent agents and managers while in school. Build your resume with theatre and film credits. Learn how to manage your money. Have a life outside of this business, which will only add to your life experience. Be persistence, keep the faith, and never stop learning.
K. St. Fort: Regarding the second season of the show…Do you feel a whole lot comfortable in your role?
Vicky Jeudy: I feel very comfortable because I’m surrounded with an amazing cast and crew.
[ Photographer Credits: Justin Ifill Forbes and Matt Conrads]
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