Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices year-round. Today, let us introduce you to award-winning American actress, writer, and producer Jamie Stilwell.
Jamie Stilwell—born Jamie Alexandra Murphy—is an award-winning American actress, writer, and producer recognized for her work in both film and storytelling. She earned Best Actress honors at the Florence Film Festival, Chicago Film Festival, Bergen International Film Festival, First Glance Film Festival, and Citrus Film Festival for her performances in Through The Modern Looking Glass (2024) and Beautiful Catastrophe. Her recent and upcoming projects, including Red Camellia and Fugitive From Asteron, continue to showcase her range across both comedic and dramatic roles.
Originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, Stilwell began her career in modeling with Wilhelmina Models, becoming a sought-after face for global brands such as GAP, PUMA, Champion, and Reebok, and appearing on the cover of Women’s Health. After nearly a decade in the industry, she transitioned into acting, training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, with renowned coach Anthony Abeson, Academy Award-winning director Bobby Moresco, as well as at The Actor’s Studio.
Now based in Los Angeles, Stilwell is also a songwriter and the founder of Jingle Jam, an annual fundraising event supporting The Bowery Mission. As she expands her voice behind the camera, she is currently developing her first feature screenplay, further establishing herself as a multidimensional creative force.
Let’s meet Jamie!
How did you get your start, really?
I was actually scouted for a reality show! Which ended up not being the right fit—but the casting director referred me to a modeling agent I’m still with today. That experience of being on set and in front of the camera gave me a foundation that made the transition into acting feel really natural.
What’s the first thing people usually get wrong about you?
I’m pretty direct, pretty open, and I wear my heart on my sleeve—what ya see is what ya get!
Was there a moment when you realized you weren’t just participating in the industry, you were shaping it?
When self-tapes took over during COVID, everything shifted overnight. Actors suddenly had to become filmmakers—lighting, sound, framing, editing—we had to figure it all out.
That moment made me realize we weren’t just showing up anymore, we were actively shaping how the industry functions. Platforms like WeAudition became essential, creating access and collaboration in a completely new way. It changed how I see my role—I’m not just an actor, I’m a creator within the process.
What’s been the smartest move you made in your career?
Training at Strasberg in New York. It gave me the tools, discipline, and confidence to really trust myself as an actor. Everyone’s path is different, but for me, studying the craft deeply—especially through method work—gave me a foundation I can rely on.
Where do you think women are making the biggest gains right now in this business?
Women are creating their own opportunities in a major way—producing, developing, and telling stories that might not have been greenlit otherwise. That shift is incredibly exciting.
I’m starting to step into that space myself, developing a project based on something I’ve been exploring for years, and it’s a completely different kind of creative energy.
I also recently worked on a sci-fi film that’s coming out next year, and it was amazing to watch Gen LaGreca, the writer and producer, sit inside this massive studio world she had imagined and brought to life. Seeing that firsthand—an idea fully realized at that scale—was such a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women are driving the vision.
Where is the industry still failing women?
I think the industry is failing women at the decision-making level. Until there are more women in positions to develop, finance, and greenlight projects, there will always be a gap in whose stories are told. The shift happens when women aren’t just cast in stories but choose which stories get made in the first place.
Was there a moment you stopped waiting for permission and just took up space?
On my first feature film, I realized pretty quickly that if I wanted to do my best work, I couldn’t wait for everything to be provided; I had to create the conditions myself.
The budget didn’t fully cover wardrobe or accommodations, so I took that into my own hands. I shopped for my character and booked an Airbnb close to the set so I could stay grounded and focused. I was playing the lead and in almost every scene, so having that space made a real difference in my performance.
And in that same spirit, I asked for a producing credit—and got it.
That experience really shifted something for me. It taught me that taking up space isn’t about being given permission; it’s about recognizing what you need to show up fully and advocating for it.
What’s something you had to unlearn to survive and grow in this industry?
I had to unlearn the idea that every opportunity is a good opportunity. Early on, it’s easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything.
But growth came from getting clear on my taste, my values, and the kind of work I actually want to be a part of—and trusting that saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes.
Have you ever said no to an opportunity that looked good on paper but felt wrong in your gut?
Yes—and it’s never easy in the moment. But I’ve learned that if something doesn’t feel aligned, there’s usually a reason.
What kind of legacy are you interested in building?
I want to do honest work—projects that feel real, that connect with people, and that say something meaningful.
Who are three women in the industry more people should be paying attention to right now?
Emily Wilson is hilarious and so talented, the fact that the whole world doesn’t know her name yet is a mystery to me, look up her videos, you won’t be disappointed!
Also, Erin Germain Mahoney and Amanda Moresco are both incredible female creators I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with. They’re fearless in the stories they choose to tell, consistently exploring the female perspective in a way that feels honest, layered, and specific.
What’s one change you’d make immediately if you had the power to fix this business tomorrow?
I would make access more equitable—starting with audition platforms. Actors are the core of this industry, and we shouldn’t have to pay to be seen.
What are you chasing now that feels bigger than career ambition?
I just got married, so I’m really embracing this season—building a life together, about to go on our honeymoon, and feeling grounded in a way I never have before.
After everything you’ve accomplished, what still gives you that spark?
It was such an exciting year for film, and it reminded me how powerful storytelling still is—even with all the conversations around AI.
I don’t think real, human filmmaking is going anywhere. And stepping into developing my own project right now has lit a whole new fire for me and the sparks are definitely sparking!
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