From her captivating performances in the spine-tingling world of American Horror Story to the lighthearted antics of Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, Jessica Belkin has proven herself to be a versatile force in the entertainment industry. As she embarks on a thrilling new chapter with her role in the upcoming film Last Straw, Belkin reflects on her growth as an artist, the challenges of playing deeply emotional characters, and her aspirations within both the horror genre and beyond. With a passion for storytelling that bridges her love for acting and music, she is a shining example of persistence and creativity. Step into her world as we explore her remarkable path, the inspirations that fuel her artistic processes, and the thrilling upcoming projects that are sure to project Belkin’s creative voice to new and exciting spaces.
Photography + Creative Direction Emily Sandifer @emilysandiferphoto
Styling Thibaud Romain @thibaud.romain
MakeUp Bongbong Buan @bong2buan
Hair Richard Grant @richardnormangrant for Exclusive Artists using Bumble & Bumble
Interview Anna Dória @annadoria._
Production + Creative Direction + Location Isabela Costa @isa.chromatic for BMG X MP @bellomediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la
Jessica, you’ve had a diverse range of roles from “American Horror Story” to “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.” How do you approach preparing for such different characters, and is there a particular role that has shaped your career the most?
I take pride in my early work as a child actor, but “Last Straw” really shaped my career. It was pivotal and it allowed me to showcase the depth I’ve developed over the years and helped me transition back into horror and more dramatic roles as an adult. I’m incredibly grateful to our director, Alan Scott Neal, for believing in me trusting me with this role.
In your film “Last Straw,” you play Nancy, a waitress who faces intense and harrowing situations. What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for the emotional and physical demands of the character?
What drew me to Nancy was the raw emotional intensity and the challenge of her grueling journey. Diving deep into character work, her backstory, memorizing lines, and really understanding why she acts and does the things she does, especially in the first act was important to me. Having our writer on set Taylor Saradoni was a huge advantage; It was fun finding a way for Nancy to balance panic and adrenaline while staying in survival mode. To channel that energy, I’d run in circles outside the diner at sometimes 3-4 in the morning before high-stakes scenes. I feel lucky to have had a supportive cast and crew who really helped foster a collaborative environment and I felt free to play around. We all shared a love for the world we were creating, which showed in our work.
You’ve worked across various genres, including horror, comedy, and drama. Do you have a favorite genre, or is there one you’re particularly excited to explore further in your career?
I’ve always leaned more towards dramatic storytelling because I love diving deep into characters and their emotions. There’s something powerful about exploring complex human relationships and the struggles we face. I also have a passion for horror and would love to become a staple scream queen; There’s nothing quite like the set of a horror film, it’s always a thrilling experience that pushes boundaries in storytelling. Overall, I want to tell real, impactful stories, and would especially love to portray a real person. Bringing those experiences to life would truly be a dream for me.
Your role in “Last Straw” involves significant suspense and thriller elements. How do you balance the psychological and physical aspects of such a high-stakes role, and what was the most challenging scene for you to film?
I was lucky to work with a crew that prioritized my safety while also pushing for a great performance. The role was physically demanding, but that was part of the thrill. The stabbing stunts were well-coordinated, and the physical acting along with it was discussed between us before. I really loved the challenge of making those scenes look realistic.
Frankly, the toughest scene for me was definitely the bike riding sequence with Bobby in the first act. I’d never ridden a bike with someone standing on the pegs before, and at 19, I was determined to nail it despite having no muscle mass. After a couple of hours of practice, my calves were on fire, but we finally got the shot!!
With your background in both acting and music, how do you find balance between these two creative pursuits? Is there a particular project or genre where you see yourself integrating both talents?
I grew up acting and singing, but acting took off faster, so I put music on hold. Recently, I got to combine both in my new film “Singing In My Sleep,” where I play Charlotte, a singer-songwriter dealing with the grief over my late father. That role inspired me to pick up the guitar again and reignited my love for music. I’d love to do more projects that blend both talents, since this one was more of a drama, I’d love to incorporate it into a comedy. “Singing In My Sleep” is coming out later this year, and I’m also working on my own music to release soon!
You’ve been in the industry since a young age, and you’ve grown up in front of the camera. How has your perspective on acting evolved over the years, and what advice would you give to young actors just starting out?
Growing up in the industry, my perspective on acting has evolved significantly. I’ve come to see it not just as a job but as a way to connect with others and tell meaningful stories. Acting has taught me how to continuously shed my ego and let go of any self-consciousness. How to be vulnerable, silly, and to have fun with it, which is such a gift. For young actors just starting out, as long as you love it & you want it for the right reasons, that will get you far. With acting always comes rejection, but the only failure is to not try. So embrace the awkward auditions, learn from the “no’s,” and remember to have fun along the way.
“Last Straw” is set in a small town and features a unique setting. How did the location and setting impact your performance and the film’s atmosphere?
We really lucked out with the diner location in a small town in the Catskills, Upstate New York. It had been sitting empty for a couple of years, and our set designer worked wonders bringing it to life.
Especially because most of the movie takes place in one location, it was important to make it feel authentic. Being in that space helped me tap into the mindset of a young girl feeling stuck in her small-town life. Filming in the kitchen & basement gave me a real feel for how diners operate, which added so much to my performance. One of my favorite scenes is when I’m working the night shift alone. The jukebox, disco ball, and the lights were perfect for my dance sequence, and really allowed me to dive into Nancy’s personality when she thinks no one’s watching…
You mentioned a love for horror films and a desire to be a “scream queen.” Can you share some of your favorite horror movies or influences that have inspired your work in this genre?
Yeah I have a few that have stuck with me through the years, I grew up watching horror films w no problem. I’m a big fan of John Carpenter’s “Halloween”, such a classic and the scoring is incredible. Our director and our music scorer (Neon Indian) took a lot of inspiration from John Carpenter’s suspenseful builds for our film. I have always admired Jodie Foster’s and Anthony Hopkins performances in “Silence of the Lambs”, another classic that has left me feeling connected to the characters. Jodie Foster is a huge inspiration for me and I find her work so versatile and impactful. One more, Jordan Peele’s storytelling work with “Get Out”. The story was so impactful and the writing was clever. It was the first horror movie I had seen in a while that left me thinking about it for a few days. It would be a dream to work with Jordan Peele in the future.
In addition to acting, you’re also a singer-songwriter. How do you approach songwriting, and do you find any overlap between your creative processes in music and acting?
Songwriting for me is often an emotional outlet. I start with a feeling or a story I want to convey, just like I do when preparing for a role. Both processes involve tapping into my experiences and vulnerabilities.
You’ve worked with notable actors and directors throughout your career. Is there anyone you’ve found particularly inspiring or memorable to work with, and why?
Growing up, it was incredibly important for me to see powerful, confident women working in the entertainment industry. Working with Mena Suvari, & Lady Gaga was pivotal for me. Their influence has shaped my perspective on what it means to be a woman in entertainment, and I’m truly grateful for the example they set. Seeing them excel in their craft while supporting other actresses in the industry showed me the importance of solidarity among women. Their commitment to their work and their ability to speak their truths made me realize that I could be both strong and vulnerable in my journey. Watching Mena work on set was inspiring; she’s truly a pro & showed what it means to be an actor who genuinely loves what she does. We’ve stayed in touch since filming, and I really value her mentorship and friendship.
Looking ahead, are there any particular roles, genres, or projects you’re passionate about pursuing? What can your fans look forward to from you in the near future?
Looking ahead, I’d love to dive into a romantic comedy, as I’ve never done one before and feel like it would be a lot of fun at this stage in my career. I think it’s a genre that really allows for playfulness and connection. My supporters can look forward to my upcoming films, starting with “What She Doesn’t Know,” my newest horror film coming out soon, where I star alongside my good friend Siena Agudong. I also had the pleasure of working with her again on my latest production, “The Upside of Unrequited,” which is based on the book by Becky Albertalli. This is a fun YA comedy, and we just wrapped filming in Maryland last month! I’m so excited for both projects to be released, so stay tuned!
