Please introduce yourself, what you do, why you do it, and what you want people to know about you.
I’m Jillian Reeves, an actress, filmmaker, global citizen, and mental health advocate. I have a deep love for traveling and experiencing different cultures, which I believe profoundly enriches my work.
I’m passionate about championing the underdog and making a tangible difference through my storytelling.Whether I’m creating content, making films, teaching, or engaging in advocacy, my goal is to leave every person and place better than I found them.
I thrive on finding humor in every situation, embracing the highs and lows of life, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Through my work, I strive to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a force for positive change in the community.
What qualities make you different and unique for everyone else in the industry?
I truly believe that we all have something special to offer. My unique strength lies in my ability to cut through the noise and get right to the core of any matter, be it a role, a character, a situation, or a person.
I’m driven by a sincere curiosity about people and a deep insight into motivations, allowing me to see both the challenges and opportunities in any role or situation.
I try to bring all aspects of myself—joy, pain, grief, hope—into my work and my life. Whether I’m on set, teaching, or interacting with people around the globe, I bring my authentic self. What you see is what you get!

Photo credit: Virginia Niccolucci @virginia_niccolucci_photo
Describe THAT moment when you realized you wanted to do what you do now. Who did you tell first? What has it been like since that moment?
Honestly, I think I’m rediscovering what I ‘do now.’ After my mother passed away from cancer and dementia, I embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth that has really broadened my priorities.
While acting remains a deep passion, I’ve strengthened my commitment to mental health support and advocacy, particularly for caregivers and for anyone struggling without a solid support system.
I’ve also found immense fulfillment in traveling the world, inspiring people, and encouraging others to follow their passion. This period has inspired me not only to continue my work in entertainment, telling powerful stories, but also to invest more time into my other passions, like my AAA Masterclass (acting & performance classes) and my JoinJillian podcast, which focuses on self-care, mental health, and healing journeys.
After experiencing the transformative power of travel, I’m excited incorporate this aspect into my JoinJillian venture as well. I love the variety in my life and work these days; it’s an exciting time of exploration and embracing new opportunities. It’s like I’m rediscovering what makes my heart sing again after a very, very difficult loss.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to face and how did you overcome it?
That’s a hard question! The challenges have been many, and balancing my personal life with my career has been incredibly tough. From being a teenage single mom of twins to dealing with family mental health crises to caring for my mother during her battle with cancer and dementia, the challenges have been, well, a lot.
Sometimes it feels like you are cracking under the weight, but the beautiful thing about being an artist is that you have a place to channel your pain. These experiences inspired my work, including my short film Broken, which draws directly from my family’s challenges with mental health and hopefully shows others that they are not alone in their struggles.
Finding the right therapist, brain spotting, faith in God, and a supportive circle of friends were crucial to not just surviving the challenges but thriving in spite of them. These sources of strength remind me that tough times don’t last forever. I always hold onto the hope that no matter how dark it gets, the morning will come, and as my mama used to say, “trouble don’t last always.”
Your latest film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot looks to be very inspiring. Can you tell us about the storyline and what attracted you to the role of Diann?
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot tells the incredible true story of Possum Trot, Texas, where 22 families adopted 77 children, taking in the hardest-to-adopt kids, the ones that “no one else wanted,” and wiping out the local foster care crisis.
The storyline is about resilience, community, and the transformative power of love. I was drawn to the role of Diann because of her unwavering dedication to the children and her community.
As a single mom myself, I felt a deep connection to Diann’s journey and the strength she had to take on such a huge task. Despite already having a child, she welcomed three other children into her home.
I was in awe of her huge heart, optimism, and strength. Her story, and the story of the entire Possum Trot community, is a testament to how powerful we are, especially when we come together to make a difference in the lives of many.
Did you feel any added pressure working on a project that was inspired by true events? What was that experience like?
Absolutely, there was definitely a sense of responsibility to honor the real-life heroes of Possum Trot. Telling true stories adds pressure because you want to get it right and do justice to the people involved. It was a humbling experience that I am blessed to have had.
If you had to describe the film in 3 words, what would they be?
Inspiring, Heartwarming, Transformative.

Photo credit: Virginia Niccolucci @virginia_niccolucci_photo
What message do you hope audiences take away from watching the film?
I hope audiences take away the message that we are stronger together, and that by bearing each other’s burdens, we can create profound change. Acts of kindness and compassion within a community can ripple out to make a significant impact. It’s about unity, support, faith, and the power of coming together to overcome challenges and build a better world.
You wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the short film Broken. Please tell us about this project and why it was so important for you to bring it to life.
Broken is a deeply personal project based on my family’s experiences with mental illness. The film sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues, emphasizing that it’s not just an individual issue but one that has a ripple effect through families and communities.
It was important for me to bring this story to life to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to offer a voice to those who often feel unheard and unseen.
You’ve appeared on several TV shows throughout your career. Which has been your favorite and why?
I actually love TV and especially comedy. One of my favorite shows was a pilot called Ward of the State, written and produced by Ericka Nicole Malone, where I got to play an outrageous, sharp-tongued lawyer in a family comedy. It was a really funny and cute story.
Unfortunately, it didn’t get picked up, but it was such a blast to film! Another favorite is Media, where I played a complex character with a streak of vengeance and dark humor. Both roles allowed me to explore different aspects of my acting and connect with the audience in unique ways.
If you could recommend one project from your resume for our readers to watch, which one would you choose?
I would recommend Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. It embodies my mission as an artist to tell impactful stories that inspire change and highlight the power of community and resilience. It’s in theaters now!
Do you have any other current or upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Yes, I have several exciting projects in the works. I’m expanding my short film Broken into a TV series that delves deeper into the challenges of the health system in treating mental illness and its ripple effects on families and communities.
Additionally, I’m hosting an upcoming caregiver mental health panel to raise awareness about different types of caregiver traumas and coping mechanisms.
Beyond that, I’m investing more time into my Join Jillian venture, which includes my podcast focused on self-care, mental health, and healing journeys, incorporating the transformative power of travel into my mission. It’s an exciting time with lots of opportunities for growth and connection.
What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given in your career?
The best piece of professional advice I’ve been given is to “ride your horse in the direction it’s going.” (Lesly Kahn). In other words, embrace the path your career is taking and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. And always, always read your contracts!
What is one thing you’ve learned in your career that you wish you would have known when you were first starting out?
I wish I had known that people are just people, even the so-called gatekeepers. Don’t be intimidated by them. They WANT you to be right for the role and are rooting for you. So free yourself to go be brilliant! Building genuine connections and nurturing relationships often creates unexpected opportunities. And remember, don’t wait to live your life until you “make it”—every day is a gift.
If you had to pick the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could take your career to the next level. Who would those 3 people be?
There are so many on my wish list, but if I had to pick just three, I’d go with Ava DuVernay for her incredible storytelling and activism, Ted Sarandos for his game-changing role at Netflix, and Ryan Coogler for his impactful and diverse storytelling. They each bring something unique to the table that could really help me grow as an actress and emerging film director.
List the direct links/URL to your social media profiles or website:
- Instagram: @theonlyjillian @actingaudtionsaccents @joinjillian
- Website: JoinJillian.com for my lifestyle brand focused on healing and community engagement.
- Website: JillianReeves.com for my acting and filmmaker portfolio and services.
- Website: AAAMasterclass.com for my acting, accent and performance classes.