Devery Jacobs – American Gods

By starrymag | March 10, 2019

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) You’re playing the fan favorite Sam Black Crow on “American Gods.” How did the role come to you, because I heard you actually worked hard to convince the casting agents that you were the one for the role? Had you read the Neil Gaiman book before you committed yourself to playing Sam? 

 

A) I have been a huge fan of Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods for years and I’d deeply connected with the character Sam Black Crow. Like myself, she’s a sarcastic, Indigenous, queer girl in her 20s and I’d had my sights on playing her even before the project was green-lit. The very first time sitting down with my agent I told him, “I know season one of ‘Gods’ is going to picture, and I need you to get me in the room to play Sam Black Crow.” I’d anxiously awaited through the first season to spot a casting notice for Sam, but it was only in season two that my agent emailed me, all in caps, saying, “THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME!” I read for Sam, got a callback and just knew I was meant to play her. After an international search, auditioning actors and non-actors alike, I was the production’s first choice for the role and I was beyond thrilled… Except the days conflicted with another project. It came down to only one day that we couldn’t make work and “American Gods” told me that they were forced to move on and make an offer to their second choice. I was devastated.

 

After years of chasing this role and finally landing it, I wasn’t going to be able to play Sam Black Crow because of one conflicting day. After trying everything else in my power, I decided to write a letter to “Gods’” production office as my swan song; I told them how thankful I was for landing the role, how I essentially was the character and that I was absolutely gutted that I wouldn’t be able to bring her to life on screen. I also told them that I was still going to be a fan of the novel, of Neil Gaiman and of the series. And I guess it worked. They sent my letter across the entire production office and even Neil Gaiman himself read it, and they collectively decided that I was their Sam Black Crow and that they would make the dates work. I’d never experienced such an emotional rollercoaster or had fought so hard for a role in my life. And I am so excited to share Sam’s story with fans of the show and book.

 

Q) What can you tease is in store for this season and how much will Sam play a part in the war between the new and old Gods? 

 

A) I can’t say much, but this will be the first time Sam is introduced in the show and you won’t want to miss her and Shadow’s first encounter!

 

Q) Will Sam’s path follow that of the book’s or can we expect new things from her on the show?

 

A) While some parts of the show expand in sections with moments that could have existed within the book, we are always rooted in Gaiman’s work and are guided by him at the helm of the series. You’ll just have to stay tuned and see how closely we follow the novel or if you’ll be surprised with new elements!

 

Q) Sam is kind of a cynic when it comes to spirituality, but she also has strong beliefs and convictions particularly when it comes to the Gods. How were you able to find a happy middle ground between cynic and believer in your performance, because like most things, nothing is black and white with her. 

 

A) Her unique views definitely lie within the grey areas. Sam is such a fun, meddlesome character whose beliefs are complex. I learned in this season that by staying open to discovering every moment, I could capture Sam’s curiosity and then cover it up with her wry sarcasm.

 

Q) Sam spends most of her time with Shadow Moon, played by Ricky Whittle. What was it like working with Ricky? Do you have any fun behind the scenes stories you can share with the fans? 

 

A) Ricky is such a team player. He’s incredibly charismatic, hard-working and is also the ultimate trickster. The hardest part in working with Ricky was trying to keep a straight face every time we started rolling. He’s notorious for pranking castmates by decorating their trailers. I haven’t been targeted by his trailer attacks YET, but I can feel it coming!

 

Q) As I mentioned earlier, this character is wildly popular with fans and her “I can believe” speech sparked a tattoo trend that really dominated in the early part of the 2000’s. What is it about this character that appeals to fans and what has been their response to you playing this role? 

 

A) I can’t pinpoint why this character has appealed so widely to others, but for me, personally, Sam defines the epitome of what is American; firstly, being of this land that is now called “America,” but also how she represents the combination of utmost wonder and belief and absolute agnosticism. I’ve received tremendous support from fans of the book; there was even a whole grassroots fan-casting movement that was pushing for me to play Sam, which I’ve never experienced before! I’ve always felt a close connection with Sam and I’m very thankful that the fans agree.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “American Gods” that has made it a fast fan favorite show?

 

A) “American Gods” reflects our reality with the collision of cultures across America and doesn’t stray from political truths. I think it’s the no-bullsh*t and artistic quality that has made this show a fan-favorite.

 

Q) You are a First Nation actress and born and raised in the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory. Your heritage is something you have in common with this character. How important was it for you to land this role and keep true to the character and your own upbringing? 

 

A) After decades of Hollywood misrepresenting and white-washing Native roles, I think that casting Indigenous actors is paramount to actually representing our communities properly. Having been born and raised in Kahnawà:ke, my Mohawk reservation, it fueled my perspective on the world and has undoubtedly helped in playing Sam, a two-spirited, half-Cherokee girl and what that means politically in the world she lives in.

 

Q) You’re also an Indigenous Rights Activist. Does that guide you in which roles and projects you choose? 

 

A) My very existence as a queer Mohawk woman is political and I strive to push for roles and projects that reflect those conversations that most Americans aren’t privy to.

 

Q) What’s next for you? Are you working on any future projects the fans can look out for? 

 

A) I’m playing Sam Duchene in season three of “Cardinal,” which will air on Hulu in America soon! I can also be spotted as Lilith Bathory throughout the Netflix Original, “The Order,” premiering on Netflix March 7th and as the catalyst Brittany in Blumhouse Productions’ new feature The Lie coming to theatres soon!