I was able to sit down and talk to one of the stars of the Peacock series ‘Bel-Air’ Jazlyn Martin who told me that she was incredibly excited to be a part of the series when she scored the role of Jackie.
The Knockturnal: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
Jazlyn: I am from LA and I grew up in LA
The Knockturnal: So, how did you get started in acting?
Jazlyn: I had a lot of energy as a little girl and my parents were like “we got to do something with this”. So, how can we utilize this energy in a good way and they threw me into acting and I was a very dramatic child.
The Knockturnal: So being new this season on “Bel-Air” were you a fan of season 1?
Jazlyn: I was actually. I was a little hesitant because it was a reboot, but I watched a couple episodes and I was like, “This is actually really good.” This is nothing like the original, which I liked and I was a fan.
The Knockturnal:So, what can fans expect from season 2?
Jazlyn: They can expect a lot of ups and downs. A lot of hope. A lot of disappointment, maybe some love triangles in there.
The Knockturnal: So what’s your favorite part about playing Jackie?
Jazlyn: It’s definitely stepping into the shoes, the perspective of this new reality and extending empathy to this character [Jackie] and really playing pretend of what it’s like to be her.
The Knockturnal: In what ways do you relate to Jackie?
Jazlyn: I think anyone can relate to Jackie. I think we’re all human and we all experience human emotions. I was 17 once in high school and I went through similar emotions. Am I similar to her? In some ways but relatable 100%
The Knockturnal: So which character, other than Jackie, do you resonate with the most?
Jazlyn: That’s a good question. Probably Jazz.
The Knockturnal: Okay, why?
Jazlyn: I think Jazz is very calm, collected, logical and he just spits facts sometimes. He tells you what you don’t want to hear but it’s the truth.
The Knockturnal: What was it like working with the new showrunner Carla Banks Waddles?
Jazlyn: It was great. I love Carla. She is just a ray of sunshine. She has such an explosive mind and I would like to just dive in and dig in, but she is so full of amazing ideas and she’s just a great person to work with.
The Knockturnal: So, when did you audition for the role of Jackie?
Jazlyn: I auditioned in September.
The Knockturnal: So, how did the opportunity of Jackie come about with you?
Jazlyn: So, I auditioned in September. I just sent in a self-tape and then they called a few of us in for a chemistry read and there were probably maybe 5 or 6 of us and I felt really good about it. I remember I was taking a walk through K Town and I got some sushi and my agent called me and was like, “So you’re Jackie.” It was probably a week and a half span.
The Knockturnal: What is one thing you want fans to take away from your character this season?
Jazlyn: I think I want them to not judge so quickly. I think every human being is surviving right now and survival looks différent on each person. So, I would say give her some grace.
The Knockturnal: So, where do you, as an actress, see yourself in the next 5-10 years in this business?
Jazlyn: Hopefully, in a couple movies, in a couple of series. I really want to be an EGOT. That would be a dream and consistently working.
The Knockturnal: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Jazlyn: Surrendering to the story. I think that is the best part, saying yes to the story and accepting all the good, all the bad, all the ugly and just saying yes to it.
The Knockturnal: What is you’re dream acting role that you always wanted to acquire?
Jazlyn: There are a couple. Amanda Bynes in “She’s the Man” and I would love to be in a comedy.
