Who is Jillian Reeves?

I’m Jillian Reeves, an actress, filmmaker, global citizen, and mental health advocate. My love for traveling and experiencing different cultures profoundly enriches my work and fuels my passion for championing the underdog.

Whether I’m creating content, making films, teaching, or engaging in advocacy, my goal is to leave every person and place better than I found them.

What Makes Jillian Unique?

What sets me apart in the industry is my ability to cut through the noise and get right to the core of any matter, be it a role, a character, a situation, or a person.

Driven by a sincere curiosity about people and a deep insight into motivations, I see both the challenges and opportunities in any role or situation. I bring my authentic self to every aspect of my work and life—what you see is what you get!

Photo credit: Virginia Niccolucci @virginia_niccolucci_photo

The Moment of Realization

I’m continuously rediscovering my purpose. After my mother passed away from cancer and dementia, I embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.

This period inspired me to not only continue my work in entertainment but also invest more time into my passions, like my AAA Masterclass and JoinJillian podcast, which focuses on self-care, mental health, and healing journeys.

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing my personal life with my career has been incredibly tough. From being a teenage single mom of twins to dealing with family mental health crises and caring for my mother, the challenges have been immense.

Finding the right therapist, faith in God, and a supportive circle of friends were crucial to not just surviving but thriving. My work, including my short film Broken, channels these experiences and aims to show others that they are not alone.

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot tells the incredible true story of Possum Trot, Texas, where 22 families adopted 77 children, wiping out the local foster care crisis.

I was drawn to the role of Diann because of her unwavering dedication to the children and her community. Her story is a testament to the power of community and resilience.

Pressure of True Stories

There was definitely a sense of responsibility to honor the real-life heroes of Possum Trot. Telling true stories adds pressure because you want to get it right and do justice to the people involved. It was a humbling experience that I am blessed to have had.

Three Words to Describe the Film

Inspiring, Heartwarming, Transformative.

The Message of the Film

I hope audiences take away the message that we are stronger together and that acts of kindness and compassion within a community can create significant impact. It’s about unity, support, faith, and the power of coming together to overcome challenges.

The Project ‘Broken’

Broken is a deeply personal project based on my family’s experiences with mental illness. It sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing that it’s not just an individual issue but one that affects families and communities.

It was important for me to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and offer a voice to those who often feel unheard and unseen.

Favorite TV Shows

One of my favorite shows was a pilot called Ward of the State, where I played an outrageous, sharp-tongued lawyer. Another favorite is Media, where I played a complex character with a streak of vengeance and dark humor. Both roles allowed me to explore different aspects of my acting and connect with the audience in unique ways.

Recommended Project

I would recommend Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. It embodies my mission as an artist to tell impactful stories that inspire change and highlight the power of community and resilience. It’s in theaters now!

Photo credit: Virginia Niccolucci @virginia_niccolucci_photo

Upcoming Projects

I’m expanding my short film Broken into a TV series that delves deeper into the challenges of the health system in treating mental illness. Additionally, I’m hosting an upcoming caregiver mental health panel and investing more time into my Join Jillian venture, which includes my podcast focused on self-care, mental health, and healing journeys.

Best Professional Advice

The best professional advice I’ve been given is to “ride your horse in the direction it’s going.” Embrace the path your career is taking and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. And always read your contracts!

Career Lessons

I wish I had known that people are just people, even the so-called gatekeepers. Don’t be intimidated by them—they want you to be right for the role and are rooting for you. Building genuine connections and nurturing relationships often creates unexpected opportunities. Don’t wait to live your life until you “make it”—every day is a gift.

Top Three People to Meet

If I had to pick just three, I’d go with Ava DuVernay for her incredible storytelling and activism, Ted Sarandos for his game-changing role at Netflix, and Ryan Coogler for his impactful and diverse storytelling. They each bring something unique that could help me grow as an actress and emerging film director.

Connect with Jillian Reeves

• Instagram: @theonlyjillian @actingaudtionsaccents  @joinjillian
• Website: JoinJillian.com for my lifestyle brand focused on healing and community engagement.
• Website: JillianReeves.com for my acting and filmmaker portfolio and services.
• Website: AAAMasterclass.com for my acting, accent and performance classes.

actress Advocacy Featured Interview filmmaker Mental Health Advocate storytelling

Last modified: July 28, 2024