Check out our interview with United Kingdom Olivier Nominated actress Jaime Adler who has played numerous roles in West End musical theater and plays, TV, and Film. Jaime moved to Los Angeles five years ago. While pursuing her love for Film and Television, Jaime has become an active content creator building her social media profiles across Instagram and TikTok.
Jaime has a busy year ahead with two film releases, one of which is the exciting YA/Mystery/Thriller Karma’s a Bitch. The story follows Charley, a young girl dealing with the pressures of high school, love, and the burden of a curse, while also trying to fulfill her mother’s final wishes.
Jaime loves interacting with her community, live and in her forums. She regularly volunteers as an ambassador for California Kids Belong (whose focus is finding forever-loving homes for foster care children in CA) and St Jude’s Cancer Hospital.
Follow Jaime on IG @thejaimeadler & TikTok @jaimeadler
Hi Jaime, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Jaime Adler, and I am 19 years old. I was born in London, England, and moved to Los Angeles 5 years ago as my dad was transferred here for his work. I am an actress who started performing on London’s West End Stage at 7. My first role in musical theater was Gretl in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Sound of Music’ UK tour, performing in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Norwich, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London’s Wimbledon Theater. I then played ‘Young Cossette’ in the Cameron Mackintosh production of ‘Les Misérables,’ at the Queen’s Theatre, still at the age of 7, turning 8. I continued performing in some amazing West End productions for the next four years, including ‘Matilda The Musical,’ ‘The Sound of Music’ (again), and ‘The Nether,’ before concentrating on TV and Film.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
If I only had three words to describe myself, I would say I’m Loyal, Driven, and Genuine.
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times, but how did you enter the industry?
My mum was a TV producer and children’s agent in London, working for one of the leading theatrical agencies before I was born. I was a very social and outgoing child, so the agency reached out for me to join their roster. My mum agreed and took me to my first commercial casting at three. I loved chatting with the casting and the camera once I got in the room. Funny story, while I was in one audition, the casting director asked each child what they wanted to be when they grew up. Many children were saying model, actress, etc. I told them I wanted to be the Tooth Fairy! I booked the commercial and worked on various other commercials before booking my first theater role as Gretyl in “The Sound of Music.”
How has this changed your life?
I feel that because I started working in the performing arts at a young age, this helped me with my academic life. I loved learning scripts for my roles in theater, TV, and film, so this helped me with my memorization skills, and along with the strong industry work ethic, it positively affected my academics. I was always very good at taking direction and working in London’s West End with the best Directors and Choreographers. You learn to have discipline and work hard, and I found this transferred into how I am. I am so fortunate to have worked alongside some amazingly talented people benefiting from excellent training – in acting, singing, and dance – and the best part for me was always the performing, doing what I love.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The Best part of being an actress is getting to play various roles, being on set and stage with another exceptional talent, working with incredible Directors and Choreographers, and traveling and working, on set or stage, in different locations. Also, I am fortunate to have made wonderful friends across the industry. The worst part of being an actress is probably dealing with rejection. I learned from a young age that every role would not be yours, so you have to stay positive and understand that every casting is an opportunity to win the room, not the position. If you make a great impression and you’re not suitable for that particular part, they will remember you and call you back for a role that will be more suited to you. Also, I live by the phrase, “when one door closes, another opens.”
How do you prepare for a role?
When I was younger and first received a script, especially if the role required an American accent, I would mark up my sides using the phonetic alphabet. Now I can switch between my British and American accents with ease. If the entire script is provided, I will always read that first, often twice, before working on my sides. Next, I research the casting team and the director for each project. If episodes of the show have already aired, I will always watch several episodes to see the style of acting required. If the project adapts a book, I will always ensure I have read this before working on the role and deciding my approach to the sides and the part I’m auditioning for.
Tell us about your work in “Across The Pond” and “Anastasia?”
‘Across The Pond’ was a pilot I filmed in LA, which required my British Accent. It’s about a single mom, played by actress Victoria Summer and her daughter Lily, the role I played, who arrives in Hollywood from the UK.
Victoria’s character decides she wants to make her daughter famous without understanding the industry. It’s a comedy, and we had so much fun filming the pilot. I remain very close with Victoria to this day, since filming this together three years ago.
‘Anastasia’ was such a fantastic film to work on. I was flown to Boston, Rhode Island, for this role. This film was set in 1917, where I played Grand Duchess Olga Romanov, Anastasia’s sister. The set and costumes were magnificent as it was a period drama, and we also got to film some of our scenes at night, in the snow. I needed a Russian accent for this role and loved working with such a strong cast, including Superman’s Brandon Routh, who played my father’s role in the film.
What other projects have you been a part of?
In London’s West End, I also got to play the role of ‘Marta’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sound Of Music.”
This was at the Regents Park Theater in London, an incredible open-air theater. We performed during the Summer, an experience I will never forget. I also played ‘Lavender” in Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theater, Covent Garden. We trained for ten weeks before our first performance. I loved everything about being in this show.
Lavender is Matilda’s best friend and a fun character to play. The songs and dance routines in this musical are incredible to perform. They require a lot of stamina and training, which is why the rehearsals were so rigorous. My team also performed ‘Revolting Children’ from the musical on ITV’s, The Paul O’Grady Show. I’ve also worked on two UK TV shows, the first called “Damned,” a dark comedy written by Jo Brand and Morwenna Banks. I played the role of ‘Tiara,’ acting alongside Alan Davies and Himesh Patel. The other TV show was “Casualty,” the British version of Grey’s Anatomy.
Now tell us about your Oliver award nomination. Amazing! Congrats
Thank you. I was nominated for “Best Actress in Supporting Role” for portraying Iris in “The Nether.” I was in the same category that year as Dame Angela Lansbury. It was such an incredible honor, and I met her during the awards evening and chatted with her.
What roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I enjoy the challenge of playing different types of roles across genres in Film and TV. My latest film ‘Karma’s a Bitch’ required me to take stunt training on set, and it was one of my most challenging roles to date. I loved every minute of filming for this character. I love what I do and am so grateful for every role I book.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is learning and growing with every character I get to portray. I love seeing people’s reactions to the projects and roles I have worked so hard to bring to life. In ‘The Nether,’ you could hear a pin drop in the audience as it was a severe and disturbing subject. When performing in ‘Matilda the Musical,’ you could feel the audience’s energy, especially when we were performing the big song and dance routines throughout the show.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
The best advice I could give newer actors is never to give up. As an actor, you go through so much rejection. Be patient and trust in the process. Make sure you are as prepared as you can be for every opportunity that comes your way. Read books, and watch films and shows featuring talented actors and actresses. Always continue to work on your craft, take classes to learn and grow, and believe your hard work will pay off.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“The 48 Laws of Power”, by Robert Greene.
What are the most significant lessons you have learned so far?
Be patient and never compare yourself to others; everyone’s journey in this industry is different, and things happen to you at different times. It’s a roller coaster ride, so be grateful, enjoy the highs, and stay positive during the lows.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell my younger self to remain kind and humble. To celebrate others’ achievements as well as my own. To keep going and know that everything happens for a reason.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as kind, hardworking, and loyal. I can also be a little clumsy at times.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, the title would be “My journey .” We all have obstacles to overcome, but how you handle adversity matters or overcome it. Everyone has a different path in life, so trust in your journey.
What’s next for Jaime Adler in 2023?
I filmed two movies last year, one that took me back to the UK, playing a role using my British Accent, and the other filmed in LA with my American Accent. Both films are currently in post-production and should be released later this year. I will continue to work and train hard through 2023 and hope to have more opportunities to work with amazing, talented people in this industry. I have also just returned from New York, where I booked two runway shows to walk in NYFW 2023.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy foods are brussels sprout, pickles, and sushi.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is chocolate and frozen yogurt.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I love dressing trendy, more of a street style, like cargo pants with Jordans. Or if I need to dress up I love a classier look like wearing a suit dress or a suit jacket with pants (or trousers as we say in the UK).
What is your definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is spending time with the ones I love. Helping others always makes me happy too.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Someone I would love to meet and talk to would be Meryl Streep. I think she is a genuinely phenomenal actress. She can convey a million words just using her eyes. There’s a scene in “The Devil Wears Prada” where she glances across at Anne Hathaway’s character Andy at the movie’s end with a look that sends shivers down my spine. Just astonishing.
I would also have loved talking with Dame Angela Lansbury again; she was inspirational.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would be to travel around Europe, experiencing new cultures and scenery, and I would like to take my little sister with me.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I have ever been given was from my Grandma – I call her my mama – and she said, “A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and a lot of love”.
Do you support any charity?
I work closely with “California Kids Belong ambassador.” An incredible non-profit organization that helps foster kids and teens find their forever loving home and family. I am also co-president of “Team Young Hollywood,” which we started in February 2020, and together we have raised over $50,000 for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so they can develop cures and save lives. I have also been a part of actress Victoria Summer’s team, building awareness and raising funds for “Teen Cancer America.”
Where do you see yourself and your career five years from now?
Five years from now, I would like to continue as an actress playing diverse roles, having graduated from University with a Psychology degree.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco. I love the upbeat tempo and the lyrics. The song reflects that no matter where you come from, or your background, you should always have high hopes and shoot for the stars. If you work hard and have a growth mindset, you can achieve anything you want in life. I think this song is excellent for people of all ages, and listening to this song has given me the confidence and drive to continuously pursue my goals in life.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think there are pros and cons to social media. I like to use my social media platform to help others and use it for good, and I try and engage with my audience as much as possible. I can also use my social media platform to help charities I am passionate about and non-profit organizations I am grateful to be a part of.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram / TikTok / Facebook / Twitter & Snapchat.
Book: “Lord Of The Flies” by William Golding and “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte.
Quote: One of my favorite quotes is, “She believed she could, so she did.”
Movie: I love so many movies, but if I had to pick one, it would be “Five Feet Apart,” Directed by Justin Baldoni.
TV Series: Again, I love many TV shows, so I will have to share two with you “The Wilds,” an Amazon Original, and “Ginny & Georgia” on Netflix.
Favorite Food: Sushi and Seaweed salad
Travel Destination: Travelling all around Europe but especially visiting Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
Sports Team: Arsenal, because that’s the football team my dad supports!
Photo Credit: @thebutterflyphotography
