You may know Jordyn Raya James from her many appearances on the popular YouTube series, Kids React! Starting in July, the 8 year old up-and-coming actress will be starring as Ami McKellan in Netflix’s Family Reunion alongside Tia Mowry and Loretta Devine.
I got the chance to talk to Jordyn about what the transition from working on a YouTube series to a television series has been like, her new show Family Reunion, what she’s currently nerding out about and so much more! Keep reading to see what she had to say!
You made many appearances on the popular YouTube series, Kids React! What’s the transition from working on a YouTube series to a television series been like?
It has been very interesting, because on YouTube I mostly reacted to things, or tried food; but on television, I have to do wardrobe, remember lines, act, perform; so it has been definitely harder work.
Let’s talk about Family Reunion. What was your audition process like for the show?
I had to do 4 auditions! The last audition was the coolest, because it was a chemistry read; which they placed us in different groups. I got to meet some people, and got to audition with some of my co stars. Also Mrs. Meg (DeLoatch, Executive Producer) was in the last audition.
Tell me about your character, Ami McKellan. What is she like?
Ami is an old soul and pretty funny. She is the youngest of the four siblings and loves her family a lot. She loves to eat ice cream and make everyone laugh.
In what ways do you think you’re similar to Ami and in what ways do you think you’re different from Ami?
We both like ice cream, we both love our families, and both are goofy. How we are different? well, I am not made up [laughs]. I also am not really an old soul.
This show features some big names like Tia Mowry and Lorreta Devine. What was it like working with everyone and what did you learn from them?
I loved working with them. They gave out as many hugs as they could before it was time to go on set. They were really nice to me, and they would help coach me when I needed it.
Aside from Family Reunion, what other projects do you have coming up?
Five Points Season 2
Do you have any dream roles you’d like to be cast as?
I want to be Captain Marvel’s daughter or be in a Transformers movie. I love the Transformers.
Let’s end this with a few fun questions. What do you like to do for fun when you’re not acting?
I like to play on my phone, computer, or watch a movie with my family. I LOVE to go out to eat.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Lunch, recess, and science!
Our website is called Talk Nerdy With Us. What is something that you nerd out about?
I am crazy excited about my new show. I also am nerding about going to a Billie Eilish concert! She’s my favorite musician.
Family Reunion drops on Netflix on July 10. Make sure you follow Jordyn on Instagram!
Photo Credit: Wendy Horton Photography