Check out our interview with talented actress Jacqueline Scislowski, who can currently be seen as Zoey Reeves, the Yellow Ranger in ‘Power Rangers Beast Morphers’ on Nickelodeon.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she began acting at the age of 3. She fell in love with acting during the filming of her first student film Marlin and has since then worked on over 40 film, tv and video projects. To further her skills, Jacqueline trained in stunts and action. This helped her with her audition for Power Rangers, which ultimately landed her the role. In addition to acting, she modeled for companies such as American Girl, One Step Ahead and Kohl’s.
She loves spending her spare time in gymnastics, dancing, kickboxing, traveling, soccer, cooking, yoga, improv and hanging with friends. She is a pescatarian and vegan. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Follow Jacqueline at @jacquelinescislowski
Hi Jacqueline, please tell us a little about you?
I am a Polish girl from Chicago, Illinois that began acting at the age of 3 and realized my passion for acting during the filming of my first student film “Marlin”. I was being shoved out of a window, wearing only a thin red onesie with a butt flap at 2am. On our 16th hour of filming, in the middle of winter, out in some forest in Indiana – when the AD said, “that’s a wrap” – I immediately ran to my mom and said “noo I don’t want to leave I love this!” My mom had no idea what she was in for. Since then, I moved to Los Angeles, where I also discovered stunts and action training. This came in handy when getting the audition for Power Rangers Beast Morphers. I spent 9 months living in New Zealand for the filming of Rangers, acting as, Zoey the Yellow Ranger. Besides my love of acting, kicking butt, and onesies, I love being a goofball! Amongst my acting friends and coaches, I am called De Niro for my spot on classic DeNiro “You talkin’ to me?“ mug I am often making.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Loud, Curious, Hopeful
Who is your role model?
I have many but I would say acting wise Kate Hudson and Jim Carrey have been the most prominent! I loved all of Kate Hudson’s films growing up, how she was comedic but also strong and beautiful. I always looked up to Jim Carrey as well for his uniqueness and completely carefree comedic nature, I also am in love with Eternal Sunshine, and The Truman show!
How did you get started into acting?
I was very randomly introduced to acting at the age of 3 where I did mostly commercials and modeling. At the age of 5 however, I started doing many student films through Columbia college and that’s when I really discovered my passion for it.
How has this changed your life?
Oh boy, how has it not! I really believe everything happens for a reason and that certain people are meant to do and experience certain things in order to acquire specific tools and knowledge that they need to continue growing. This whole journey has definitely been exactly that kind of an experience for me. Even just the journey I’ve been on with acting thus far is constantly shaping me into who I am and teaching me so much! My life is still very new, as I am only 19, so it’s still in the process of changing and evolving every day.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is the endless exploration of characters, their worlds, your own emotional depth, and your creative vision. The days are never the same, and each job brings a new adventure. I love that it gives me the ability to discover parts of myself and express those parts of me I otherwise wouldn’t share with anyone. The worst part is the uncertainty. I like to have a plan, I like to know what will happen in my future, as I think most people can relate to. However, with the nature of our industry, it forces you to be able to have enough confidence and passion to be persistent enough during the time between jobs, to keep going and never give up. So I guess it’s also a blessing in disguise because it makes you a stronger person.
Tell us about your work in “Power Rangers Beast Morphers”.
This was the longest project I had ever filmed, we shot for 9 months straight, filming a total of 44 episodes! This sort of schedule forced me to have confidence and tested my motivation because with such fast turn arounds I needed to be on my A-game no matter what, every day for 9 months. It was a great experience as a young artist to begin growing a thicker skin and more confidence in my own work! There was no time for rehearsals or asking questions so I had to trust that the work I was putting in was enough and something I would be very proud of.
And about your role as Zoey Reeves, the Yellow Ranger?
Power Rangers is such a unique franchise because once becoming a Power Ranger it is now forever a part of me! What I mean is, being the Yellow ranger isn’t just another acting role, it’s a franchise kid, teens, and even adults idolize and look up to, therefore playing this role of Zoey and the Yellow Ranger is a far bigger responsibility, one that I take very seriously. I loved that I was able to bring most of myself into Zoey because I wanted to show her as a girl with just as many flaws as she had strengths. I wanted kids to feel empowered and relate to her. Zoey started as an underdog but never lost faith in herself or her determination. I try to reflect this on my personal social media platforms as well. I think it’s important for our fans to see unfiltered, honest, and real content so that they can relate and feel comfortable in their own skin too!
What other projects you have been part of?
I most recently was in two feature films, one of which is an indie film called The Root of Perfection and the other a Lifetime movie called Top of the Class which will be coming out in September! In the past I have been on Criminal Minds, and even had a small role in Man of Steel to name a few.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Effecting others. To be able to make someone smile, laugh, gasp, cry, all of these things feel like a victory. It’s an amazing feeling to see so many people from so many different walks of life able to watch the same thing and still connect even if in different ways! It makes me feel like I just brought some people together and that’s really cool.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I really love warriors, playing a strong powerful girl that can kick butt! I also love the more evil or crazy sort of roles! Additionally, I love very comedic roles with more of a sitcom vibe. Also, love regal, period piece, characters – Antigone is a favorite of mine. Really anything and everything.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a good green smoothie, spinach banana, and almond butter.
And your favorite cheat food?
Any and all pastries!
How would you explain your fashion style?
I kind of just go with the flow. I am all about comfort so overalls are my jam. If I can’t dance or run in the outfit, then probably not for me. Don’t get me wrong though, I can run in some cute high heel boot – just saying.
How would your best friend describe you?
Well, I think they would say I’m very loud, super goofy, loves food, and a rule follower.
What’s next for Jacqueline Scislowski in 2020?
What is next oh boy! Well, hopefully everything! In a dream scenario, I would be cast in a new sitcom that runs for 10 seasons, while also filming the remake of The Mask and Jason Bourne on my hiatus haha! Until then, I keep doing what I am doing – creating, working, learning, and persisting! I’m in it for the long run.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is being able to tell yourself you’re doing okay. Being able to do things that excite you and make you smile (even if no one else gets it or understands) if it brings you joy that’s all that matters. Happiness is seeing your flaws, not as a weakness but embracing them as what makes you unique and special.
How is a normal day in your life?
Unless I am filming, my life doesn’t usually have a specific schedule. However, I do try to get in a workout on most days and then I usually have an acting class I’m taking – either a scene study, technique, or improv class for that month. I enjoy going to a café to read and send emails, cooking/creating new dishes, and then usually working on scripts, and dancing! Or watching Netflix.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Oooo! Every Sunday I always go to a café and to a farmers’ market. I love getting out into the sun and getting some yummy croissants and a cup of coffee and then buying organic veggies, spirulina, and such. Then I come home to do some cooking and watch a great movie or simply clean while listening to disco-funk music.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
This is sort of sad but I would love to meet my grandpa who passed away before I was born. I have heard so many stories about him and it’s crazy because everything he loved I happen to love, such as Tom & Jerry and Abbot & Costello. I feel like he and I would have been best friends. Although no one in my family has ever been in the entertainment industry, I feel as though I may have gotten this gene to preform and my love for comedy from him.
Best advice ever given?
Your biggest competition isn’t with anyone but yourself.
Do you support any charity?
I am still figuring out which causes I really find dear to my heart and so at the moment I don’t. However, my family and I do always donate and support causes that are important to friends and family and try to cover a broad spectrum of needs.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Music, Carbs, and Laughter.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
On a sitcom very similar to I Love Lucy, and working on films like The Mask and something like a Jason Bourne type movie. Also, I will have worked with Joe Pesci and DeNiro as one of their granddaughters. Gotta go big or go home right? Maybe some of these are more in like 10 years but we’ll shoot for 5.
Favorite song? Why?
Ahhhh I cannot possibly pick just one! I have specific favorites for specific moods, but I guess if I had to pick one it would be M83 – I Need You. This song gives me goosebumps, and I instantly need to drive, or write, or dance, and it just gives me hope! It restores my energy, inspiration, and determination.
What music do you like?
Same as my favorite song, I have different categories of music for different moods. I love classical piano music, or sort of café music, I love anything with a saxophone and a piano. My favorite thing to do is to find hidden gems – so I use Soundcloud and Youtube to discover songs that many people don’t know about. Those kinds of songs feel special like they’re only for me when I find them. I also love EDM and pop but disco is my favorite.
What do you think of Social Media?
Well, it’s not my favorite, I struggle with how I feel about it, but all I can say is I am thankful for the ability to connect with so many more people than before. However, I do miss the creativity that came with having to think of ways to connect with people when there were no social media. The specificity and effort you would have to make if you really wanted to talk to or see someone was much more personal and heartfelt.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram- JacquelineScislowski
Twitter- Jscislow
Quote: “Imperfection is beauty Madness is genius And it is better to be absolutely ridiculous, Than to be absolutely boring and dull.”
Favorite Singer/Artist: M83
Movie: Eloise at the Plaza
Travel Destination: Fav- New Zealand Want- Paris
Sports Team: Chicago Fire
Tv Show: New Girl
Book: Anna Karenina
Photo Credit: Charlie Mckee
