It seems that Bel-Air has been on the topic of everyone’s feed, rightfully so, as the hit series has released its newest season that’s now streaming on Peacock. As season three debuts, the fans continue to fall in love with the intricate storylines, relationship dynamics, and cliffhangers that only leave them wanting for more. Not only has the iconic reboot of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air captivated the nostalgia of fans, but they’ve also expressed their massive support for the rising Hollywood star-studded cast.
Jordan L. Jones, 31, stars in his series regular role as ‘Jazz,’ the best friend of Will Smith and ex-boyfriend of Hilary Banks, who has become one of the closest members of the Banks family’s inner circle. Although Jones has starred in various high-profile projects such as Snowfall and FOX sitcom Rel, he believes that his rising career within Hollywood is only just the beginning.
“Of course, when I first got the role, I cried; it was crazy. It was like ‘I did it! You know what I’m saying? I won the championship!’ that’s how I felt,” Jones tells GU, expressed with gratitude. “As you’re in it, it becomes now who you are, your job, what you’re actually doing – where it’s kind of like the beginning. I still have more to do.”
As he reflects on his journey throughout navigating the industry and what it took to land his breakout roles, he wants actors to know the overlooked aspects of auditions and self-tapes that could make or break a potential booking. He encourages all fans and actors that are pursuing a career within the acting industry to take the extra mile when sharpening their crafts and the advice he wished he received prior that almost cost him his Bel-Air role.
“When we audition for certain things, there are certain things that you as an actor don’t think really matters but it does matter,” he says. “When you’re auditioning for a role, and they’re looking at 300 self-tapes, anything that’s distracting can kind of hinder your process, and I didn’t know that until I got Bel-Air and I spoke with showrunners. I almost did the Bel-Air audition just at the crib by myself, but I wanted to have the lighting and the reader be good. If you don’t capture certain people’s attention within the first few seconds they could skip your video. Lighting, sound, and quality, all that matters,” Jones said.
Regardless of how an actor is able to record their audition either personally or professionally, Jones expresses to always submit the finished project that you’re proud of. It’s extremely pivotal to lead with your best effort as he believes if a role is for you then nothing can hinder that process. As he continues to develop his beloved character ‘Jazz’ in the newest season, he’s excited for fans to see a more vulnerable side.
“Now we’re diving deeper into Jazz about the things that he wants, the things that he believes in aside from Hilary and Will, just a couple views he has – especially political too,” he stated. “I think that’s cool because I didn’t really expect that, I’m blessed to be a part of such a great show that I’m on. Truly thank you to the fans and viewers who just enjoy my character,” Jones said.
Jones further expressed his appreciation for how casting went seamlessly with the connections amongst the cast and that it was very natural for everyone to grow close as a family.
“Our chemistry in the show is good because we talk constantly. It’s just been a blessing to work with people you like,” he shared. “Of course, there are great movies where you find out through the tabloids that they didn’t mess with each other the whole time, but it’s crazy, you know because the movie or TV show is still good. But it just makes it a lot easier when it’s like, yes I’m acting but I don’t have to act sometimes because I’m like ‘oh I would have said that to him anyway’, it’s very natural”.
As fans continue to be captivated by Jones in his starring role in Bel-Air, Jones can’t wait for their reactions to the newest season three and his plans as he rises as a dominant figure in the entertainment industry.