Jana Morrison
Jana Morrison, a Canadian-born actress, is known for her role in NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and the 2021 TV Movie “Raise a Glass to Love.” She is the co-star of SyFy’s “Astrid & Lilly Save the World,” with Samantha Aucoin, which is set to premiere January 26th. The show follows two high school students, Astrid and Lilly, who accidentally open a portal to an alternate monster dimension. The two best friends are forced to fight monsters, save the world, and survive high school at the same time.
Jumpsuit by Sir Joe Exclusive Collection
Coat by Alabama Blonde
What was your favorite part about filming “Astrid & Lilly Save the World?”
My favorite part was getting to do what I love every day; use what I have in me to portray this amazing character whom I think a lot of people are going to relate with.
What is one thing you are excited for viewers to see on the show?
I’m excited for viewers to see the amazing friendship between Astrid and Lilly, how they support each other and are one another’s rocks (and also their cheerleaders) in these crazy, larger-than-life situations.
What was it like filming the show?
It was a rollercoaster filming this show! Every day was a different scenario, every scene was unlike the other. There were many laughs, there was a lot of crying, but there was plenty of support, and so much love while filming the show.
Jacket by Mr. Bleu
Did you personally connect with Astrid as a character?
Well, Astrid is a confident, smart, sex-positive girl. I can relate to those aspects of her. She’s also a Filipina, with a strong moral compass so I tried to draw on those parts of myself. To put myself back in the mind of a high-schooler, I made a journal for Astrid and wrote about the people and events in her life from her perspective.
How do you prepare for a role?
When I prepare for a role I go into detail about every aspect of that person’s life; how old are they, where do they live, what do they love, what do they hate? If these answers aren’t available in the script, then I extrapolate to give myself a clearer picture of whom I’m embodying. I like to make music playlists for characters, with songs that I think they’d like or help me get into their headspace. When I’m breaking down the script, I figure out what
What inspired you to start acting?
I have been acting since I was very young. I started in musical theater and I just loved putting my spin on a character. I loved watching TV and movies. I think it all started with Barney & Friends! I always wanted to be one of the kids on set. As I got a bit older, I was inspired by Disney shows like Lizzie McGuire, because the characters were always going through relatable problems, and I always wanted to be that person, helping kids through their problems.
Jumpsuit by Sir Joe Exclusive Collection
Coat by Alabama Blonde
Do you have a dream role?
I’d love to voice an animal in a fun project, either for grown-ups or for kids. Besides that, any role that I can originate and be the first actor to bring to life is a dream role.
What are your goals as an actress? Who inspires you?
My goals are to inspire anyone who feels like they don’t belong, in any situation, to be themselves. Being yourself is the one thing nobody else can ever be and being who you are is so much more intriguing than being anyone else, whom you think people might want to see. I want more representation of underrepresented communities in the media. If I can do my small part in showing that anyone is just as talented and beautiful as the “norm;” that would be a great achievement.
Who inspires you?
People who inspire me are people who are going for what they want, not necessarily a specific person but anybody who has a passion and is making a dream into a reality.
Outside of acting, how do you spend your free time?
I’m not shy about how much I love food. I love winding down with a good cartoon-like Bob’s Burgers or cooking up a nice meal for my family. I love stopping into smaller markets and grocery stores and seeing what they have available. I’m always snacking. In my free time, I’m probably preparing, enjoying, or cleaning up after, a delicious treat.
What are your socials?
janamorrison.getusedtoit on ig
@janarivam on twitter (riva is my middle name)
@thejanamorrison on tiktok
linktr.ee/jana.morrison for an updated list
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Raen Badua
Talent: Jana Morrison
Fashion Stylist: Dion "Bleu" Drake
Hair & Makeup: Suzie K
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
