At 61, most people might consider slowing down, but not the one and only Jackée Harry. This powerhouse of comedy and charm says, “I absolutely adore what I do, and that passion has never wavered. If anything, it’s intensified over the years. It’s just who I am—I thrive on working and connecting with people.” Despite her best efforts to scale back, the offers kept rolling in. “It was like something out of The Godfather. Every time I tried to step away, they’d pull me right back in!” she laughs.
Currently juggling her role in Tyler Perry’s hit sitcom The Paynes on OWN with her gig on the syndicated game show Funny You Should Ask, Jackée opens up to Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview. She discusses the challenges her relentless work ethic has posed for her personal relationships, the joys of motherhood and grandmotherhood, and the quirky item at the top of her bucket list. Keep scrolling to dive into our engaging Q&A with the legendary Jackée!
View this post on InstagramFall in love with the hilarious cast of characters from Tyler Perry’s #HouseOfPayne all over again when our NEW series, #ThePaynes premieres on OWN – January 16, 2018.
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Where Does Jackée Get Her Boundless Energy?
When asked about her seemingly endless energy, Jackée smiles and says, “I guess it’s all thanks to Jesus! Honestly, I don’t know where it comes from—it’s just this inner drive that’s been with me since the beginning. I’m a certified workaholic, and I’ve had this strong work ethic for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to be independent, to stand on my own two feet and earn my own money. That’s just the way I roll.”
Acting—A Late but Passionate Career Choice
Interestingly, acting wasn’t Jackée’s first career path. “Nope, I started out as a history teacher, and you know what? I still love teaching, especially young women. There’s something so rewarding about helping them build their self-esteem, teaching them to be confident, and guiding them to make smart decisions. It’s a passion that’s stayed with me even as my life has taken incredible turns.”
Discovering a Hidden Talent for Performing
Jackée’s journey to the stage was serendipitous. “I was in a play, and I remember hearing the applause. At first, I thought it was all about me, but then I realized it was for the entire cast. Still, I thought, ‘Hey, maybe I’m pretty good at this.’ The real turning point came when I attended an acting class one day at the High School of Music & Art in New York. It was like a lightning bolt struck me. Acting wasn’t just a hobby—it was an addiction. Once I got a taste of it, there was no turning back.”
Proud Moments in Her Career
As Sandra on 227, Jackée made history by becoming the first African-American actress to win an Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy series. But when asked about that milestone, she modestly admits, “You know what? I don’t even remember that day clearly. What I do wish is that more African-American actresses had the opportunities they deserve. It’s disheartening to think that no one else has won that award since. Nobody wants to be the only one in the room.”
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Jackée with the Cast of 227.
Navigating Life's Challenges
Jackée’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. “I’ve lost quite a few friends over the years due to jealousy, especially men. When I hang out with someone like Barack Obama and go home, they’re like, ‘What?’ I’ve had to let go of friendships and even engagements because some men just can’t handle my career. But here’s the thing—I’m a career woman first and foremost. Relationships can’t come before my passion.”
Balancing Motherhood and Acting
In 1997, Jackée and her then-husband, Elgin Charles, adopted their son, Frank. “If I had a job, Mommy was going. That’s just how it was, and it still is. It wasn’t always easy; my son definitely went through a rough patch. But my ex-husband was amazing. He worked from home, so he was always there for Frank. Still, there were moments when I felt torn apart, wishing I could be there more. But if I had to choose, I’d always pick the job. Frank understands what I do now, and at 24, with a child of his own, he’s still my little mama’s boy. And let me tell you, when that grandbaby came along, I was all in!”
The Joys of Grandmotherhood
“I’ve turned into the biggest grandma cliché you could imagine! Give me that baby any day. I’ve completely lost my mind over him. He can have
