Jaye Ladymore shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jaye, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Social dance! I started taking Salsa lessons back in 2023 and it lead to Kizomba which lead to Ballroom style dancing, but I hadnt been able to explore it much yet in LA. I’m back in Chicago for the rest of the year and I’ve picked it back up and it just puts a smile on my face everytime!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hiya! Jaye Ladymore here. I’m an actor by trade, all around artist at heart, living and working in the LA and (currently) Chicago area. My passion has always been to tell stories, to shed light on the human experience. As I navigate the ins and outs of an ever-changing industry, I am further reminded that my strength lies within and in the community I surround myself with. It’s easy to get caught up in what the powers-that-be say is good and worthy, but I’m learning to declare MYSELF good and worthy instead of relying on someone else to tell me first.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My family. Our motto is ‘Leave No Doubt’ and I try to live up to that every time I take the stage or step on a set. My father worked tirelessly in corporate America, but never lost sight of what was truly important because he never missed a volleyball game or play. My mother is discovering new passions and callings in her golden years, showing me it is never too late to become who you’re meant to be. My brother was a visionary ahead of his time. He was fearless in pursuing his dreams, never waiting for someone to give him a chance, but instead making his own opportunities. My family is beyond inspirational and I hope I make them proud.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My brother passed away in August. It was the first death in my family that hit so close to home. I’m still healing this wound. I find that giving myself space to feel the grief when it decides to surface is healing. Using my art to explore complex feelings I’m too scared to mention helps. Realizing that grief and hope, sadness and joy don’t just run parallel to each other, but are often intertwined and simultaneous at any given moment. I understand the meaning of ‘life is short’ firsthand now, and I ask myself if tomorrow is not promised, what does that mean I do today?
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I want to get better about this actually! A foundational truth for me is that there is no such thing as a coincidence, only divine timing and ordinance. This has never been more apparent in my life than with the play I’m doing right now. I’m back in Chicago for the rest of the year and top of next year performing Amadeus at Steppenwolf Theatre, a rare opportunity I am blessed to have. I’ve only ever worked at this theater once even though I lived in Chicago for 7 years before moving to LA. I also auditioned for this exact same play which is being done at Pasadena Playhouse next year (and I’ve got a couple friends in it!) but didn’t hear anything back. Months later my agent says Steppenwolf is auditioning the exact role I was eyeing and rehearsals would begin in 3 weeks! I fly to Chicago to audition, book it the same day and 2 weeks later I’m unpacking my suitcases in a Chicago apartment steps away from the theater. All I had to do was say yes and show up for the moment and God took care of the rest! Coincidence? I think not.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Since moving to LA, my perception of my artistry has changed drastically. I used to believe I was only a performer, but now I know I’m a writer as well. To declare that out loud is still daunting, but after seeing so many of my colleagues put their own words to paper and their encouragement to me to do the same, there are definitely stories in this heart and mind worth sharing. Since being back in Chicago, I’ve written a short I hope to produce soon and am consistently working on a pilot script I’ve been developing since early this year. It’s time for every facet of my artistry to shine!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayeladymore/
Image Credits
Joel Moorman
Tyreek Voltaire
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