Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like talented actress Jessica Mikayla.
Jessica is a rising star whose impressive resume spans across a multitude of platforms, including Disney+, FX, Showtime, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, among others. Her talent has garnered her widespread recognition, including a nomination for the 2024 NAACP Image Award and a recent win at the 2023 SOVAS Award.
Notably, Jessica clinched the 2023 SOVAS Award for Outstanding Dubbing – International – TV or Streaming – Best Voiceover for her remarkable performance as Hawa in the Amazon Prime series. Her versatility shines through as she brings characters to life in various animated series such as LOL Surprise! Tots Road Trip and House of Surprises, along with lending her voice to acclaimed projects like Stillwater, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Oscar-winning animated feature film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
In addition to her prowess in voice acting, Jessica has made a mark in front of the camera with roles in popular series such as Fresh Off the Boat, You’re the Worst, The Chi, Mindhunter, and Diary of a Future President. Her outstanding performance in Disney Launchpad Season 2’s Project CC has earned her a nomination for the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series, alongside esteemed nominees Kevin Hart and Leslie Jones.
Beyond her remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry, Jessica remains grounded in her community roots. Hailing from Compton, she actively volunteers as a Children’s Church Leader, advocating against gun violence and promoting literacy in underserved communities. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering growth led to her recognition as a Rising Star Honoree by EmpowHer, a non-profit organization dedicated to women’s empowerment.
This year, Jessica continues her commitment to empowerment as she takes on the role of emcee at the EmpowHer event and leads two voice-over workshops on April 12th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With her talent, passion, and dedication to making a difference, Jessica Mikayla exemplifies the spirit of a true industry trailblazer and community leader.
Let’s meet Jessica!
What’s your origin story?
I am originally from Compton, California. I started dancing and performing on stage at the age of two with “On Your Toes Studios” and went on to train at “Debbie Allen Dance Academy” and performed in Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker from 2013 to 2019.
Around the age of six, after watching an episode of Full House, I decided I wanted to be in an acting class just like DJ. I asked my mother if acting classes like the one I saw on TV were real. My mother found a theater class on Groupon and that’s how it all started. I went on to train at the Groundlings and Second City for improv, in addition to Helen Gordon Studios for acting, Cool Beans Comedy for stand-up and voice acting/ADR with Lynneanne Zager.
How did you get into the Entertainment Industry?
It all started with a Groupon for a theater class on Melrose Avenue. I was in the hallway, waiting on class to start. Auditions were being held in another room. The casting director came out and said it was my turn, my mom said, “Turn for what?”
He explained and said I was a natural and I should audition for his commercial. The following week I started commercial camera training at Bobby Gene’s Actors Clubhouse and went on to book four national commercials within a month and joined Sag-Aftra.
What did your parents think you would be?
My parent let me pick what I was interested in, then made sure I had the opportunity to train hard. So, I guess I would say, my parent knew I would be an actress.
Who were your mentors?
I would have to say my first mentor is my mom. I learned to have strong work ethics and how to balance and excel in school, while auditioning and working at the same time. Then, I have my spiritual mentors whom I call my OneFam and last, but not least, there’s Coach Shelli.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
The bravest thing I’ve ever done was cliff diving in Jamaica last summer.
How do you handle failure?
I handle failure by remembering, that just because one thing doesn’t work out, doesn’t mean other things won’t. I always have that Hebrews 1:11 Faith knowing that all things will work out for my good.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I would have to choose my favorite gal from Ireland, Ayo Edebiri.
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to watch Rebel Moon yet, so please don’t spoil it for me! Lol
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
I would be spending lunch with Wakanda, skipping happy hour and going to dinner in some other Marvel Universe with Chadwick Boseman. I was so inspired by his role as the Black Panther in addition to me being obsessed with superheroes. (Specifically, Marvel Superheroes)
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with?
I just might be tempted to give up my career to go on tour and perform with Taylor Swift, Ruth B or Noah Cyrus as in my opinion their songs and/or song writing ability is unmatched.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
Of course, Colman Domingo is a national treasure, didn’t y’all see The Color Purple? Not to mention he presented Viola Davis with the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity Honor at the (10th Annual Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Voices Awards aka SOVAS) Voice Arts Awards in which I won the Outstanding Dubbing – International TV or Streaming Best Voiceover Award.
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Although, I will always love Queen B and little Jessica loved singing Halo! I would take the front row tickets to Taylor Swift. Yes, I’m a black ‘Swifty’ and TS songs have been such a big part of my teenage years.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I would have to say my guilty pleasure is being a Swifty. Let’s normalize Black people liking Taylor Swift songs because of the beats and lyrics without being considered or labeled whitewashed (please and thank you). I know, I know, this should not be considered a guilty pleasure but unfortunately, because of labels put on others by our society, it is.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
Let’s see! What’s brewing for 2024…. Well, I was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the same category as one my favorite actor/comedians Kevin Hart and not to mention the talented Leslie Jones.
In January 2024, I booked an animated film and a third season on “LOL House of Surprises.” Additionally, I have two new projects for Netflix and Disney coming out soon.
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