Exclusive Interview with ‘Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave’ Actress Jackie Jacobson

Actress Jackie Jacobson knew she wanted to be an actress at a young age. After landing her first acting gig on Criminal Minds at 11 years old, she went on to have guest-starring roles on The Night Shift, Bella and the Bulldogs, and Game Shakers just to name a few. She can now be seen starring in the Netflix original teen movie Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave, which is the third installment of the Malibu Rescue franchise. 

I got the chance to talk to Jackie about the specific person that she would credit with helping her decide to pursue acting for a living, what the Flounders are up to in Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave, what she’s currently nerding out about and much more. Keep reading to see what she had to say!

Tell me a little bit about how you got into acting originally.

My earliest memory of wanting to act was when I was actually 4! I told my mom I wanted to be “in” TV and after a few years, she finally gave in. I went to a small acting class next to my house and I loved it! The lady who ran my class actually became my manager and from there, she got me auditions which lead to some of my first jobs!

Was there a specific person or experience that you would credit with helping you decide that acting is what you wanted to do for a living?

One of my very first roles was a small part in a movie called Six Gun Savior. During filming, I met one of the writers, Frank, and he really saw something in me. He eventually got me my first lead role in a movie a few years later, which really solidified my love of acting and showed me I can take on the lead role of a film. Frank really pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me what I was really capable of. Frank will always be very special to me, because without his encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

What’s some of the best advice about the industry you’ve ever received and why? 

The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to always make fans out of the casting directors and producers. Every audition isn’t just an audition for that specific role, it’s to plant a seed in their head to always remember you. This has been very beneficial to me and is actually how I booked Malibu Rescue!

ou’re still super young with a long acting career ahead of you, but is there a specific role or type of character you haven’t gotten the chance to play yet but are hoping to cross off your bucket list? 

I am fluent in Russian and have always dreamt of playing a super bad-ass Russian spy or super hero. Something along the lines of Atomic Blonde is definitely at the top of my bucket list!!

Let’s talk about Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave. What are the Flounders up to in this next movie? 

The Flounders are always getting into some trouble and this summer, after a food poisoning accident with Brody and his team, The Flounders have to step into their place and preform as Team USA in the world’s biggest lifeguard competition! There will be a lot of action, competition and romance, that’s for sure!! 

Going back to the beginning of this journey, what was your audition process like for Malibu Rescue – The Movie?

My audition process for Malibu Rescue was definitely out of the ordinary. I was originally auditioning for the role of Lizzie, which is now played by Abigail [Donnelly]. I had gotten a callback for Lizzie and even made it to the mix and match. After reading for Lizzie for almost 3 hours, one of the writers suggested I audition for Dylan. I had about 10 minutes to learn all of Dylan’s lines and go back in. About a week later, the writers asked me to come in so they could work with me on Dylan, since I was put on the spot at the mix and match. A week later, I had found out I booked the role of Dylan and couldn’t be happier. It was a crazy couple of weeks, but so worth it. 

In the  Malibu Rescue world, you play Dylan. Would you say that Dylan is more similar or different to the person that you, Jackie, are and why?

After almost 2 years of playing Dylan, I have found way too many similarities between us [laughs]! We both really like to be prepared and care about our friends more than anything! Her awkward and dorky side has definitely brought out my own awkward and dorky side!! Dylan also really just wants her hard work to pay off and have respect from her peers and that’s something that I can really relate to in the industry. 

Malibu Rescue was the first in Netflix history to premiere as a movie and then turn into a series the following month. What does it mean to you to be a part of this project?

Malibu Rescue has changed my life in so many ways. From working with this incredible cast and crew to hanging out at the beach every day, it has been the most fulfilling project I’ve ever done! Being able to provide entertainment to the whole family is also such a great feeling! Having kids AND their parents tell me they love it is so rewarding. 

Aside from Malibu Rescue, what other projects are you currently working on?

Unfortunately, I can’t say what I am currently working on. But hopefully, in the next few weeks, I’ll be able to announce it!

Last question — we’re called Talk Nerdy With Us because we all have an inner nerd so what is something that you’re currently nerding out about?

I actually graduated high school early for work, but it gave me the opportunity to start college early. I’ve always wanted to study psychology, and this year I took a childhood psychology/development class and it was so interesting. I’m a huge nerd about learning more about why people are the way they are and how different circumstances effect the way you develop! 

Make sure you follow Jackie on Instagram!