Sarah Jones
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Sarah Jones is best known for her appearance as Tracy Stevens on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series "For All Mankind” which just wrapped up its’ second season to rave reviews. The alternate history sci-fi series explores the possibilities that might exist if the global space had continued. You may also recognize Sarah from one of her many other television roles including USA Network’s "Damnation," HULU’s "The Path" and HBO’s long running “Big Love." Season two of “For All Mankind” finds the character Tracy Stevens as the biggest celebrity NASA has ever had. Both seasons of the show are now available to stream on Apple TV+.
Pink Blazer by Alexander McQueen
Underwear by Wolford
Shoes by Monde
Tell us about Tracy Stevens in For All Mankind. In what ways do you relate to her? Did you find it difficult to embody her?
Tracy Stevens, where to start…..well, she is one half of the dysfunctional twin flames that are Tracy and Gordo Stevens. Full of grit and spit, loyal to a fault, and, despite the way she treats herself, has a pretty solid moral compass. There were aspects of her story line that felt disconcerting in the way I came to understand her, and other aspects that personally resonated. Ultimately, I'd say playing her was a cathartic experience. Although, I feel like I've felt that way about all of the characters I've played in the last six to seven years (laughs), I don't know if that's a result of internal or creative processing, maybe a bit of both? Who knows (laughs)?
Where do you live full time? Do you visit your hometown often?
I live in Los Angeles full time, and, due to the past year, I didn't leave. When we're not in the middle of a global pandemic I try to get out to Florida a couple of times a year. Most people think I'm crazy when I say this, but I actually love the humidity (laughs). The air is clean, so it just feels like my skin is consistently supple, and I love the warm nights. Something sexy about it. I also miss the daily afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. Everything is lush and green there. I also really appreciate the wildlife. Manatees, the Florida panther, and, yeah, even gators. As long as you know basic safety precautions, gators will leave you alone. They're just so ancient and I find them endearing. I don't miss the threat of cottonmouth snakes or mosquitos, although there seem to be more mosquitos in LA during the summer in recent years, and I guess I traded the cottonmouths for rattlers.
Pink Blazer by Alexander McQueen
Underwear by Wolford
Regarding to your other work, what are some highlights of your career so far?
Ya know, I've been really fortunate to work with some exceptional artists, and I'd say that's what excites me most about the industry I'm involved in. But I think the response to the season two finale of For All Mankind has been an unexpected highlight. I don't think Michael (who plays Gordo) or I expected the kind of response that viewers have expressed in regard to Tracy and Gordo's impression left on the series. I don't think I've ever experienced the level of positive feedback from a character I've played before. While the attention makes me feel vulnerable, getting the sense that I stuck an emotional landing is gratifying.
Top by Sincerely Ru
Latex Skirt by Saint Laurent
Necklace by UBS Gold
Ring by Archive Showroom
Do you partake in any charities or in volunteering? If not, what are some social issues that come to mind in which you support and would like to spread awareness about?
I've been involved with Defenders of Wildlife for quite some time. While I'm wary of discussing financial contributions as I understand that being able to contribute financially is a privilege in and of itself, I encourage the support of the ACLU, NAACP, GLAAD, NDN Collective, No Kid Hungry, Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, Community Coalition, Alliance of Moms, and Lung Force organizations.
Has working on a show that explores space spiked any interest in you on what's actually happening currently in the United States? Have you learned anything about space exploration from being a part of the show?
I think working on this show has given me a much deeper appreciation for the NASA program and everyone involved in it. It's truly an elite group of extraordinary individuals achieving extraordinary feats. I'm not sure that I've necessarily become more interested in space exploration because I'm more concerned about the health of the planet we live on. However, I believe that it’s imperative to learn as much as we can about the universe we exist in. Ultimately it’s all connected, right?
Latex Bodysuit by Archive Showroom
Earrings by Kyle Chan
Bracelet by Nadri
Shoes by Alexander McQueen
Did you film season 2 of For All Mankind during the Covid-19 pandemic? If so, what was that like?
We did and it felt like somewhat of a treacherous task in a few ways: the social responsibility of it all, personal health, and creatively. The social responsibility and personal health concerns went hand-in-hand in that the question that continually ran in my mind was, 'Is finishing up a season of a TV series worth anyone getting sick? Really?' And there was an abundance of safety measures taken. I can't remember exactly how often we were tested, but we were tested every day of the work week. The actors were essentially quarantined from the crew and kept 6 feet apart, which was disorienting and foreign as we're a pretty tight knit group. I think there was the added element of knowing that it was my last month of working on the series, and that I wasn't really going to be able to relish the time I had left with everyone. This was rough as well. But, uh (laughs), it was a hell of a trust exercise that I think our cast and crew aced. We did it.
Creatively, I know Michael and I had high concerns because the work we had left to shoot was essentially the climax of our story (laughs) while the majority, if not all, of the cast had odds and ends to shoot, but had covered their more intense moments already. So to ramp up from where we left off six months prior to execute what was arguably the most impactful moments of Tracy and Gordo's story, was certainly daunting. Hell, I was relieved I could still fit into my 'death suit' (the duct tape suits). Fortunately, our director for episodes 9 and 10, Sergio, is fantastic, as are our editors and music supervisor, and the brilliance that is the rest of the cast really brought the somber sobriety of the Stevens' sacrifice home.
Who is someone, a famous individual or a family member, in which you find inspiration?
I'm often inspired by my family, collectively all of us seem to constantly seek to educate and challenge ourselves to evolve. And I was lucky to be raised in a family structure where the women were not only encouraged but supported in their formal education and career ambitions long before it was a societal norm. I deeply cherish that aspect about my family. I'd also say that I surround myself with people I'm inspired by, it's not a prerequisite or anything. I think it just organically happens and is what I gravitate towards. Or maybe I’m just lucky.
Bodysuit by Diana Couture
What is your next step? Can you give us an idea of where we will see you going forward.
(laughs) Honestly I have no idea. I imagine I'm doing what everyone else is currently doing--finding my footing and gathering my bearings. After that, who knows. I'd have to say that one of the positive lessons I've learned from this year is the accepting and surrendering to what's out of my control. It frees up a lot more energy to focus on what actually matters to me and to act accordingly.
Can you link us with your social media?
I just have an Instagram account which is @sjonig.
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Sarah Jones
Fashion Stylist: Benjamin Holtrop
Hair: Aaron Barry
Makeup: Bethany McCarty
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Graphic Design, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Maya Wilson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
