Jess Adams - @TheJessAdams
The talented and witty Jess Adams is an actress and model living in Los Angeles, CA. Although Jess was most recently all over tabloids after a drone hit her in the face during a photoshoot, she is much better known for her roles in films such as The Wicked and This Thing With Sarah.
When you were a child did you know you wanted to be in the entertainment business? How did you get to where you are today?
“I was always a little ham growing up. My mother threw me in pageants when I was 4, and I was petrified. Stages petrify me. But making people laugh and being cute was something I loved, and it progressed to making funny videos and choreographing performances for my neighborhood. I loved to entertain and make people laugh. I always did things a little differently, including school. I didn’t start acting until I was 16.
“I did college early and would sneak off by the train to NYC for 6-hour acting classes. At 18, I moved on my own to NYC and realized the work I wanted (film/tv, print modeling) was all in Los Angeles. Life in LA is difficult, much like any other major city. I found a manager and made the drive and have been here ever since, exploring, learning, and trying. I have deal breakers and bucket list jobs and that seems to really shape and drive my career decisions. I’ve also met amazing people along the way. I learned it’s best to always be kind and real, and basically never be an asshole — to anyone — because you never know. I also learned that having a good work reputation is the best compliment! I never put myself into a box, and I’ve always explored any avenue that looked fun even if it was new and scary. That’s how I have been able to do some really fun things like explore, record, and write music, improv comedy, etc.”
What goals (if any) have changed throughout the course of your career as you’ve learned more about yourself and the industry?
“When I first started out, I knew that I wanted to show people who I was. I realized that I didn’t even know the answer to that, and I never truly would because people are so fluid! My first auditions and roles were for very youthful networks and shows or movies, and I realized I couldn’t really feel like myself with all of the censorship. Soon, I realized I loved television and drama. I booked a few lead film roles and enjoyed the family feel and really artistic vibe of film. I really dive into my work on set and I love it. I thought I was the mean girl, drug addict, “bad girl” type, but I soon realized that just because I had a certain look, that didn’t mean that had to decide my roles or jobs.
“I realized when I open my mouth and just let my thoughts out, people laugh (thank god)! I felt so at home in comedy. I loved the different types, and that you are either funny — or you just aren’t. Plus, if I make fun of myself first, no one else can have the first laugh! Modeling and music videos have become a fun avenue for me because of the quick pace of them. A few days on a new set with a new crew, acting solely with my face and body language, and bam! It’s done. Every job that I do I learn more about myself. It’s fun being a character but it is also interesting and easy to see how different or alike they are to me. I like exploring parts of my personality that may be hidden away or not so developed because a certain role or set brought it out. I surprise myself a lot. I like the idea of seeing what happens next. I’ve been lucky in a sense to have so many different types of opportunities to try, and I can’t wait for more.”
What’s one thing you are super passionate about, that most people don’t know?
“I am super passionate about body image and self-love. This is something I have struggled with in my own life. I recently found that being my own big sister or best friend has been very healing for me. I get really fired up at the thought that when we are young, the ideas about the world and ourselves and our bodies are given to us by those around us and our environment. We didn’t ask for those ideas or beliefs, and at such a young age, you don’t realize they don’t have to be yours. As you get older, when those ideas start to feel unsettling, you start to realize they don’t mesh with your own developed core values. I developed very young and was given an identity that I didn’t ask for or understand. I’m passionate about speaking to adolescents about this, male and female. We get to grow up and decide what we like, don’t like, are passionate about. I love my younger fans because they’re my favorite to talk to. I find it really therapeutic and it brings me a lot of joy.
“I finally have really amazing friends in my life who support me and allow me to support them, and I feel really lucky. I am at this really great time in my life where I get to pick and chose what and who I want in it .”
If you could be anyone for a day (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
“This is a really hard question, because I can pretend to be really deep and say Jesus or Frued. I’m going to be real and go with Rihanna. She gives 0 shits about petty things; she is a badass, and I would love to raid her closet and walk out of a restaurant with a wine glass looking classy AF. Plus, she is talented and seems to have a great inner circle.”
Single or taken?! What’s your #1 turn off?
“I’m taken! He’s 6’6 and has the most beautiful man face. He is covered in tattoos, so I love to look at him because it’s like an iSpy book. He also is calm and funny and has the most amazing heart. I’m really lucky to have a best friend and love (he also has a cute butt!).
“My number one turn off is men who call women bitches, are rude to valets, waiters, or anyone working. Entitlement is really not hot. My boyfriend is super kind and polite and a generous tipper.
What was it like filming on set for the first time? What’s one thing you learned?
“My first set was Taking Woodstock. I had just turned 17. I was really spoiled, because it was such a huge set and production. My mom had to be on set with me, which was actually pretty fun for both of us. I learned that there are so many parts to creating something, and each part has to give 100% in order for it to come together. No part is more important; it is like a beautiful well-oiled machine. I also learned that being on set requires LONG days and typically it’s always going to be too cold or too hot or wet — and it’s best to complain to yourself silently!
What’s next for Jess Adams? What can your fans expect in the upcoming future?
Whats next for me?! Shoot, I’d like to know. I am actually actively pursuing a transition from working mostly print back to my true love of TV and film. I also want to incorporate hosting or speaking about my passions more. I want to start creating more content and making people laugh. You can expect a really cool film coming out called Channel by Robert Hayman, where I play Elle/Piper. It’s a very challenging dual role. You can expect many silly videos, some really great shoots, and even a singing performance soon! I am full of surprises so to keep up follow me via instagram.com/Thejessadams and Facebook.com/Jessadamsofficial!”
