Check our interview with talented actress and dancer Jillian Estell.
Jillian was the lead in the movie, Black or White, alongside Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer. She was on the NBC TV series, The Night Shift as Jennifer Beal’s daughter. Jillian has been in several commercial such as Hyundai, Chuck E Cheese, and many more. Most recently, Jillian was on a show between shows on Nickelodeon for Michaels stores with Jojo Siwa.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, Fun, funny
Name one your strengths?
I’m very athletic, and can learn new things very fast.
What inspires you?
My mom really inspires me, because she is always pushing me to be the best me I can be. My church leaders also inspire me, because they teach me to have faith and push hard for my dreams.
Why and how did you get started in acting?
I started out modeling as a toddler. Then I started going out on auditions when I was around 3 years old, and I loved it!
What roles do you like to play? And why?
I love playing dramatic roles, because I feel the most confident in my acting skills. It comes naturally to me when I play in a dramatic role.
Tell us about your movie “Black or White” and your lead role?
I absolutely had the time of my life. It is a great movie, with a very powerful message. It touches on a lot of issues in the world today, and in the end it shows that “Love has no color”.
How was working with big names like Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer?
It was so amazing working with Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Bill Burr, Anthony Mackie and all the others. They were so down to earth and fun to work with. They taught me so much and always made sure the set was kid friendly. I was supposed to be done filming a week before everyone else, but I didn’t want to leave before everyone else did, so they moved my scenes around, so that I could stay working until the end. I cried so hard when we were done filming. I didn’t want it to be over. I stay in contact with quite a few people from set, but it’s not the same as being together all day everyday for a couple months.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
My advice for new actors is to keep going and never give up! It will be hard, but push through it. This is not a business where everyone wins, you have to have tough skin and keep on going. Also, be sincerely happy for your friends when they book jobs. Cheer each other on, you are going to need people cheering you on when you feel like quitting.
What other projects you have been part of?
I had a recurring role on the NBC T.V. show called, The Night Shift. I was Jennifer Beal’s daughter, Riley.
How does a normal day in your life look like?
Life has recently changed for me, because I decided I wanted to attend regular public high school. So in January, I started the second half of my freshman year at our local high school. So now I wake up (early, like 6;30am) have a breakfast shake, go to school, then go to dance, go home do homework, and go to bed. On the days that I have auditions, my mom has to pick me up right after school and we have to rush to my auditions.
What has been the hardest part of your career?
I’d have to say the hardest part of my career is to keep going when you go from audition to audition and don’t book them. It’s so hard to keep the inspiration and motivation.
What’s the best advice ever given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to work hard and give 100% to everything I do.
What’s your favorite show on T.V. right now?
Jane the Virgin and Young and Hungry.
What do you do when you have some free time?
I love hanging out with friends, going to the mall, and going to Six Flags. Or sometimes I just like to relax and watch Youtube, Netflix, Hulu or TV.
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Bora Bora. I’d also love to go to Australia and travel the world.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as Funny, loving, fun, sarcastic, loyal
What quote do you live by?
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says Im possible
Your idea of a perfect Sunday?
My idea of a perfect Sunday would be shopping, going out to eat with friends, and getting a manicure and pedicure.
What’s next for Jillian Estell in 2019?
I’m finishing my freshman year of high school, and praying to book my next big role.
Something people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I am very flexible. They also don’t know that I have a lot of problems with my health. I have an auto immune disease called Celiac disease. For the past 3 years, I have been really struggling with my health.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My own definition of happiness is that it is an inner quality I need to love myself and finding peace within myself.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style really depends on the day some days lazy and comfy, others cute and hip, while others I love to get all dressed up in formal wear.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food is Salad, acai bowls, and smoothies.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is Ice cream.
What music do you like?
I really like Hip-Hop and Pop music.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet anyone, I think I’d pick Kevin Hart. He seems to be a really nice guy, and he is hilarious.
How important is Social Media for you?
Social media is important for me, because it helps for my career and financial opportunities.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @Jillian Estell
Twitter @jillianestell
Facebook Jillian Estell
Snapchat @jillian.estell
Tik Tok @jillian.estell
Youtube Jillian Estell Vlogs/Videos
Do you support any charity?
I have Celicac disease, so I am an ambassador for The Celiac Disease Foundation. I had a big Hollywood red carpet birthday party last year to raise awareness and funds for CDF.
Song: Expectations by Lauren Jauregui
Travel destination: Aruba
Movie: To All the Boys I Loved before
Actor/Actress: Kevin Hart
Sports team: University of Kansas Jayhawks
