Words by Carol Wright | Photography by Dylan Perlot
We got to chat with Jordyn Raya James about the show Family Reunion on Netflix and advice she’s gotten from her co-stars.
You’re only 8 and you’ve already started your career. When you were even younger were you always a very outgoing, performative child?
Sometimes, but not really. I actually get nervous when in front of new people or crowds and acting helped me become a little more outgoing, and even now I get nervous. But when on set and performing, I tend to focus on the work and all that nervousness goes away.
How did the opportunity to be on Family Reunion come about? What was the audition process like?
My agent sent me to this audition. Funny, because at first, we were hesitant about the role; because we thought they were looking for something else. The audition process was four auditions. The last audition was the chemistry read, which is where they pair you up with different people going out for the various roles and act it out as a group. I guess this is why they called it a chemistry read. To see if we had chemistry. This is where I met Talia, Isiah, and Cameron.
Can you relate to your character Ami?
Oh yes. We have a lot of similarities in our personalities, actions, and comments. I like playing Ami, and I really enjoy it because she is similar to me in real life.
Have you gotten any acting advice from your co-stars?
Yes. Mrs. Tia and Mrs. Loretta show me how to angle my body in regards to the camera, and I get some other pointers as well.
Outside of acting, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to play my ukulele, skate, and snowboard.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
I would say, be yourself, don’t stress out, make sure you study your lines, make sure you understand the scenes, and have fun; but not overboard with fun because you need to have balance. And remember, even with all the fun you will have; this is a business.