Jade Pettyjohn
Versatile actress Jade Pettyjohn has already worked alongside
numerous iconic female actresses, including Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and
most recently Reese Witherspoon, in Hulu’s Emmy-nominated limited series
"Little Fires Everywhere.” The 20-year-old from Los Angeles, California, can currently
be seen portraying Grace Sullivan in the new ABC series “Big Sky.”
Jacket + Dress by PR SOLO Private Collection
Shoes by Revolve
Jewelry by PR SOLO
You are from LA, through and through! Have you ever lived anywhere else? What’s your favorite part of your hometown?
I am definitely a tried-and-true Angeleno. I love this melting pot of a city, where people from all different walks of life live and dream. Historically, Los Angeles was considered a place where people came to build a better life, and that feeling and purpose are still very much alive today.
A certain element to my job is living in different places for short periods of time. Living in different places is one of my favorite parts of my job. To live and work in new places and to meet new people offers an amazing adventure. I moved to Vancouver for several months to film Big Sky. I have also lived in Atlanta, New York, and South Carolina.A certain element to my job is living in different places for short periods of time. Moving to Vancouver for several months to film Big Sky. Living in Atlanta, New York, South Carolina… it’s one of my favorite parts of my job. To live and work in a new place with new people, it serves as a truly amazing adventure.
What was your favorite role you’ve taken on as an actor in your career so far? Why? What did you like most about it?
Every role I’ve taken was my favorite role at the time in which I played that character. I fall deeply in love with playing characters. Playing Grace in Big Sky, Shelby in Destroyer, Caroline in Deadwood, and Lexie in Little Fires were all characters that deeply impacted me and the way I view life. All of the women I’ve played are different from who I am as an individual. Knowing them, understanding them, and breathing life into them, is my favorite thing about what I do.
Jacket + Dress by PR SOLO Private Collection
Jewelry by PR SOLO
Earrings by Lada Legina
Bracelet by Object & Dawn
Corset + Belt + Skirt by NVDK Couture
Shoes by Barollo
What was the most challenging aspect of your career so far? Why? How did you overcome it?
Growing up in this industry comes with challenges, it’s unavoidable. Personally, I think one of the most powerful tools one can have in this industry, and in life, is knowing who you are and what is true for you. There can be so much noise, and I’ve found that knowing who I am and what it is that I want to create in my career was ultimately the thing that helped me overcome any challenges that came up.
We heard that you’re currently developing independent content for your own film and television productions. Can you tell us a little more about those projects? What is your creative process like?
I am definitely in the development process for my production company. I love telling stories, and that is ultimately what fuels the creative process. Working with storytellers like Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Kerry Washington absolutely inspired me to creatively hold a stronger position as a producer and expand my view on what is possible for women in this industry.
Dress by Kamilla Purshie
Shoes by JF LONDON
What do you feel like was your big break that started your career? How old were you and where were you in life when it happened? How did that moment change you?
My career up until this point has been about curiosity, working hard, and being interested in different characters, their stories and their worlds. Each project I’ve done has changed me and elevated me as an artist and prepared me for the next project.
If you could go back in time and change anything about your life, would you? What would you change and why?
I don’t like to dwell on the past, the could-have-beens and what-if’s. The past is the past, and the only thing worth looking at is what’s in front of you and that expansive road ahead. I am who I am because of the way I have lived and what I have experienced thus far. I’ll change and grow as I continue to live, and I look forward to seeing what’s to come.
Dress by Jovana Louis Official
Shoes by Revolve
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing with your life? Outside of work, how do you spend your free time? What do you do to relax and practice self care?
If I weren’t an actor, I’d be doing something that involves art and connecting with people. I live for that stuff. These days, I’ve been spending a lot more time at home, playing with the pup, listening to records, and cooking. There is something about playing music at an unreasonably loud volume and dancing along, while teaching myself how to cook. It’s a great way to decompress and spend some time taking care of yourself.
The last year has been an unprecedented experience in pretty much every way. How do you feel like 2020 has changed you as a person? What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
I think what 2020 has given all of us is the time to appreciate what we have. I do not take anything for granted. I’m looking forward to the world healing, and I have a feeling 2021 will become an entrance to the next Renaissance, and for that I cannot wait.
Jacket + Shorts by Morphine Fashion
Shoes by JF LONDON
What is your motto in life?
Hindsight is 2020!!
Link us to your socials!
Instagram: @jadepettyjohn_official
Twitter: @jadepettyjohn
Top + Pants by Sophi Nubes
Belt by Zara
Earrings + Bracelets by PR SOLO
CREW CREDITS:
Photography & Art Direction: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Jade Pettyjohn
Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Esther Vasquez
Make-up: Roshar
Tearsheets: Wei Liu, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Kristen Wong, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
