Interview with Jennifer Jonassen
by Bill Weitze, NAAFA Newsletter Editor [We haven't done interviews much in the NAAFA Newsletter, but NAAFAn Phyllis Warr suggested I have a chat with the fat and fabulous Jennifer Jonassen, an up and coming performer for stage and screen.]
Do you come from a performing arts background?
Yes, I grew up in New York City where I had a lot of exposure to acting. It all started, according to my parents, when they took me at three years old to see the Broadway musical "Mame" and that was it!
Tell us about your recent audition for Cirque du Soleil. You said in your column that the call back was eight hours long. I'm getting tired just thinking about it! What did they have you do?
Well, first you perform your own act; I did some belly dancing, actually! Then if you pass through to the next round you do a lot of different exercises and improvs. There is a lot of movement, of course!
Did you get any comments about your size at the audition or the call back?
No!
So did you get the part?
Well it was an open call so I think that means you are in their database until they need your type. It can take years before they call you. But I am hopeful and optimistic about it! I have always loved their magical productions and long to be a part of one!
Do you get any negative reaction to your size from other performers?
Other performers, no. I have been fairly lucky in that respect.
What about in general?
Not directly. I do find a lot of the roles that I am offered to be offensive, though. It is criminal what can be said about you when you are fat. So many of the scripts are just so ugly. I am learning to turn down material gracefully. It can be tricky. I try to explain that it is important to me to project a more positive image for large women.
As a fat performer, how do you break the negative stereotypes?
Last week I turned down two roles because they were too degrading. I realized that standing up for what I believe is more important to me these days than having a successful career.
What's next for you?
I have been shooting a lot of independent films in L.A. A lot of the younger film makers have more of an open mind these days I am happy to report so I am getting to shoot comedies as well as darker, edgier material. I am also featured in an upcoming documentary about sizism. Check my website frequently for updates at www.jenniferjonassen.com.
What other performers, fat or otherwise, do you get excited about?
I love the sexy Botero Sisters who perform in "Zumanity" for Cirque du Soleil. I got to interview them for my column recently. You can check it out at: http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-magazine-article-detail.asp?article-id=101986773. I also love the mavericks such as Conchata Ferrell, Kathy Bates, Aida Turturro, Darlene Cates, and Camryn Manheim.
What question didn't I ask that I should have, and how would you answer it?
"What is your column about?" My monthly column "Acting Out" at www.plusmodelmag.com chronicles my adventures (positive & negative) as a larger actress trying to make it in Hollywood. I think the story I am telling is an important one to hear so I hope you will continue to join me there!
Jennifer's Links:
Weighting for Godot (January 2008 Acting Out column)
http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-magazine-article-detail.asp?article-id=9312 64271
February 2008 NO FAT NO CONTRACT Interview with Cirque du Soleil's Botero Sisters: http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-magazine-article-detail.asp?article-id=101986773
