Meet Jillie Reil

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jillie Reil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jillie below.

Hi Jillie, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

I think I have faced challenges all along my entertainment journey. I grew up shy and awkward in a small Midwest town where I was told the creative arts were silly and impossible. I participated in dance team and modeled as a teenager, but when I graduated from high school, my parents insisted I pursue a “real career” in law. I then worked very hard to go to college at night while climbing the corporate ladder during the day during my twenties. At the same time, there was very much a push to get married and have children. I turned 30, and realized that I was not happy and something was missing. I was unhappy with my job, my husband, and my suburban life. I gave everything up and moved to Southern California for a new chapter. So many said I was making a mistake and that I would be back.
When I arrived in Southern California, I had put the arts behind me, but a mentor reminded me that while the Midwest considers 30 old, 30 is young and just beginning in California. There was no “Scarlet Letter” on my back. All the dreams in my heart were still ahead of me. I started modeling again, then commercials, then acting, then comedy…and here I am today continuing to enjoy the journey as it unfolds. I simply believe and keep trying no matter what the obstacles may be. To the nay-sayers, you are where you put your energy. Your dreams are only limited by your beliefs.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an actress, writer, producer and standup comedian known as THE Cougar of Comedy®. I have a few feature films in pre-production for which I am very thankful to be involved. I am so excited to team up again with Scrawny Strange Productions for a lead role in a comedy titled Cold Hard B*tches.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Belief, drive and professionalism have been the most valuable skills in my entertainment journey. You must believe in yourself that you are worthy and you can achieve or no one else will. You have to want it and not give up no matter the rejection and obstacles along the way as well as be ready when an opportunity does come along. Other people in the business will remember you and want to work with you again if you are rehearsed, on time, and polite.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

What I consider to be a modern day challenge is that there are so many haters and critics in the world. Everyone is very sensitive right now. Art is subjective, especially comedy. For many people, comedy is an escape…to hear you say the things they do not feel the freedom to say. I am often asked if I can work “clean,” but the essence of being a cougar is sexual, so that seems so strange to me. I sat in on a panel at a comedy competition where they said “Do not bring up divorce, that’s divisive.” Isn’t that the purest definition of divorce? To me, the censorship has gone too far. If you perform the same everyday material as the next person, you are easily replaceable. Originality is rare.
Some criticize my comedy style, yet somehow turn around and begin to dress like me and adapt my vibe. I often feel that criticism is masked jealousy. To those, I say thank you for confirming that I created something brilliant long ago…after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

B&W Photo: Scrawny Strange Productions, LLC
Green Top: David Muller

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,