April Parker Jones – Supergirl

By starrymag | December 11, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have been blessed to complete another season of Tyler Perry’s “If Loving You is Wrong” on OWN and now I am doubly blessed to join the cast of “Supergirl” on The CW!

Q) We’re seeing you reoccur on “Supergirl.” How was your character Colonel Lauren Haley originally described to you?

A) Col. Haley was originally described to me as a woman who abides by the rules of the land. She will do whatever it takes to keep her country safe at whatever cost. She’s not too far to the left and not too far to the right. What is best for her country is her number one priority.

Q) Was there anything you added to her that might not have been in the initial character breakdown?

A) Well, like every character I am fortunate to play, I try to infuse a little bit of my own unique personality, which is a pinch of Southern sass whenever I can get away with it. [laughs] Also for Colonel Haley I’ve tried to add a layer of emotional mystery that can come across as curt to some but disguised as a bit of sensitivity.

Q) Were you a fan of the series before joining the cast?

A) Oddly enough, although I am a television actress, I don’t watch much TV.  I had heard of the series, of course, so when I found out I booked the role my family and I binged watched all three previous seasons and enjoyed every episode thoroughly!

Q) Who were you most looking forward to sharing a scene with on the show?

A) Supergirl, of course! I really wanted to see her costume live in person! No, but seriously.

Q) Talk about working with costar Melissa Benoist.

A) Before I began my first day of work on the show, during my screen test, Melissa so graciously introduced herself to me. She gave me a big hug and welcomed me to the show. I knew right away that she was someone special! Melissa has a kind-hearted spirit that radiates and inspires everyone she comes across! Sharing the screen with this super talented actress is nothing short of amazing!

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Supergirl?”

A) To date my most memorable moment of working on the show has been walking into the DEO (department of extra normal operations) for the first time. Seeing it on television with my family and then actually stepping foot onto the set was surreal! It filled me with so much gratitude and emotion because I understand what a privilege it is to live out this dream of mine! All the glory belongs to the Most High!

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive to episodes?

A) The show already has such a loyal fan base on social media, so I am looking forward to being a part of what already exists and hopefully my character and the other new characters this season will continue to add to the positive feedback with social media fans!

Q) What have been some of your favorite projects to work on?

A) Working on Tyler Perry’s “If loving you is Wrong” on Oprah‘s network, OWN has definitely been one of my top favorites because the character of Natalie was so much like myself. Now, getting a chance to play Colonel Haley on “Supergirl” is equally my favorite because I understand the weight of portraying such a powerful character, being a black woman and the impact it will have on other women of color!

Q) You often taken on dramatic roles. Is there something about this genre that draws you to these kinds of roles?

A) I think it’s something more about ME that lends itself to this type of genre! Playing these dramatic roles have been a blessing and I am so grateful, but I would love to try my hand at more comedy in the future!

Q) You have been a part of a number of fan favorite series. What have been some of your favorite projects to work on?

A) I have thoroughly enjoyed working on every project that I’ve been blessed to be a part of. Fan favorite projects that have stood out in my career include “Jericho” on CBS, which was canceled and then by the demand from the fans brought back to the network. Now to be a part of the DC universe and its loyal fans is a dream come true!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) To the fans and supporters of the shows that I have been a part of, I need you to know that it is because of you that people like myself and others who have a dream continue to dream and live a life of purpose. Thank you is an understatement! Eternal gratitude from the bottom of my heart!

 

 

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