Meet Janie Rounds | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janie Rounds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up as an only child can be very fun but also lonely. I was an odd child and didn’t much care for being around people because I felt they wouldn’t understand me. One of the things that made me feel less lonely was movies and T.V. shows. I could always find a movie that expressed exactly how I felt on the inside or if I was sad there was always a go to show that would take me right out of my world and put me in one I actually wanted to be in. It seems strange now as an adult with friends and my own place. But looking back those movies and shows saved me and gave me confidence or a smile when I needed it most. I wanted to be an actor since I was 5 and now in my 20’s that dream is still very much there. I want to act and create shows and movies that give people hope, that make someone sitting alone feel like they’re with an old friend, I want to use my abilities to give back exactly what was given to me and I know acting is the job I a meant to do for the rest of my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always thought acting for me was fantasy not a dream. But in 2018 I decided to apply to an acting program in L.A. and got in. I left everything I had ever known and came into a city that wanted to swallow me whole. I went through an intense 8 month program got enough footage to build a small reel and then was left to my own devices. Immediately after graduating my first thought was not about acting but more so how am I gonna pay rent and student loans. I got a job and once again put everything on hold. I was going to take a trip to Europe but needed a passport and ended up waiting 3 hours in line just to make it to the front of the post office and was told to go home and try again tomorrow. I’m glad that happened because while waiting in line I met a filmmaker who had also just gotten out of school.. We exchanged work details and went our separate ways. I didn’t really think he’d actually put me in one of his films. In 2020 he contacted me and said he was doing a reboot of a horror franchise and wanted me to be in it. I got the role in the horror film but production had to keep being pushed back due to the pandemic. Finally mid 2021 we were able to shoot and it was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. The set and team were great and it reminded me exactly what I came here for. To do exactly this. Since then I am currently working on becoming union by this year and finding the right representation. What I’ve learned is to just be yourself and keep going cause eventually you’ll end up exactly where you’re suppose to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite go to spots is a strip of shops on Magnolia Blvd. I love Halloween and anything nerdy or spooky. So I alway have to hit up the 12 month a year Halloween store Halloween Town and then go across the street to Mystic Museum which is my favorite oddity shop. Also my favorite coffee shops are there such as Simply Coffee and Cafecito. Right next to Cafecito is Blvd Tacos which in my opinion has the best birria taco to ever exist. So definitely check it out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is to Daria Sarmientos. She is another highly talented fellow actor who always pushes me to accomplish my goals and is the greatest friend and acting partner anyone could ask for.

Website: janierounds.com

Instagram: @heyitsmejaniemarie

Linkedin: Janie Rounds

Image Credits
Headshot photo credit goes to @iamoliverg