Meet Jacqueline Murphy | Award-winning Actress and Filmmaker

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

Hi Jacqueline, every day, we hear about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

For me, my career has been like a constellation of stars, points that connect. I always wanted to be an actress since the age of 4 when I imitated Mae West after watching her on TV with my grandfather. The house was busy until I walked out with high heels, a fake fur stole, red lipstick, and said loudly to Grandpa, “Well, hello big boy, why don’t you come up and see me sometime.” Everyone listened, then laughed, and I knew then: This is what I’m meant to do—act!

Fast forward: growing up in a hardworking family, my mom suggested, since I liked helping people, I become a nurse so I’d have a profession and could afford to do my acting. Well, I must have some “angels” watching over me, because when I moved to NYC, I worked as an RN at NY Presbyterian Hospital from 4-12 pm and went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts from 9-1 pm. Thank goodness I was young at 20 and had plenty of energy.

Once I graduated and sent out my acting resume, under special skills I put “Registered Nurse.” I was blessed to be discovered by ABC’s “All My Children,” who cast me in a recurring role as “Nurse Thomas “ opposite famous soap stars like Susan Lucci. I worked on all the NYC soaps, Law & Order, and NY films with well-known directors like Woody Allen, Mike Nichols, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Nora Ephron, and Leonard Nimoy, to mention a few.

After having a successful run on stage in NY in “The Miracle Worker,” playing Kate Keller—Helen Keller’s mom—I decided to come out to LA for pilot season. I booked a national commercial, “Geico Cheerleader Coach,” with the iconic “Caveman” and NFL star Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins, which landed me an agent and manager.

I was working on indie films in LA, meeting like-minded actors and filmmakers when I decided to make my own film called “The Admired.” I wrote, produced, directed, and starred in this 20-minute short about “ a frustrated actress who makes a Faustian deal with the Devil to be a big movie star like Veronica Lake and time travels back to 1940s Hollywood, but all is not what it seems. “t went on to win 50+ awards at film festivals and was also on the FYC EMMY NOM ballot in the Short Form Dramatic Category. I was thrilled and realized that I liked doing this and I could make more of my own opportunities versus “waiting” for an acting job.

So I doubled down during Covid and took some writing classes at ScreenwritingU with Hal Croasmun—a 1 1/2 yearlong alumni in Feature Film and Binge Worthy TV, as well as two Sundance Lab classes in TV writing and Fantasy/Sci-Fi writing and was certified by both programs.

This past year, creator Carlos Moreno Jr. cast me in his TV Pilot called “Pepito’s America” as Councilwoman Miriam Price running for Mayor of LA. In the show I meet “Pepito,”(played by Carlos) a Mexican hustler, prankster, joker, and he offers to shoot a commercial spot for my campaign that goes viral. Once I saw the quality of the show, Carlos Moreno Jr., the creator, asked if I would help him produce. I brought in name talent like Tommy and Shelby Chong of “Cheech & Chong” and Ken Davitian from “Borat,” and we shot episodes with them that I also wrote and directed. It was great to use all my talent. Because I submitted The Admired to the Television Academy for FYC EMMY Ballot, I suggested to Carlos we submit “Pepito’s America”, and after being “vetted,” we were on the ballot again.

What’s next for me? I’m auditioning for other films,  Season 2 of Pepito, pitching my TV show based on “The Admired” called “Sorceress of Hollywood” for TV, and a script based on my personal experience as a young nurse in NYC during the 90s when opioids hit the market big time called: “Opioid Daze.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in a household where my mom was a painter and played piano and accordion without any formal training. She would amaze and entertain us five children when she’d hear a song and would be able to play it by ear! We didn’t have a lot of money, so she’d encourage us to create things to enjoy and look at nature for inspiration or if we felt sad or at a loss. For example, look at that beautiful sunset or look at that funny squirrel, she’d say to cheer us up.

So from a very early age, I learned to look inside and outside for creative inspiration. What I’m most proud of was finding my way to dovetail all of who I am at every step of my life. Using my nursing as a springboard for acting, building on that, I was hired as an actress and medical consultant. Hard work—I’m used to, and I actually thrive on it.

It’s not easy breaking through the noise of all that’s out there and the competition, but I remember Hal, my writing teacher, say: Create something that is UNDENIABLE. So I hold that as my standard and make it a point to dig deep and come from an authentic place using all of myself.

Overcoming challenges? Well, I know in my heart that there’s more than one way: Think out of the box. If something doesn’t work one way, be flexible enough to try another. And this goes into my BRAND and what I’d like to SHARE with the world. EMPOWER yourself to GO FOR YOUR DREAM by learning and figuring out what makes you stand out and able to break through.

For me, it’s creating good work, consistency, and believing in the dream I want for myself and to share with others. Once others see what you can do, you have more of a shot at them helping you. So help yourself first, be all you want, and don’t sit back and expect anything. It’s in you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Thursday: Arrive at LAX and come to Santa Monica to stay with me by the ocean. Breathe in the beautiful sea air, rest, unpack, then dinner on Main Street at La Vecchia for Italian, Chinois for Chinese, or Crudo e Nudo for sushi. Great massages and manicure/pedicure salons right on Main, and for hair: Christine at Miakel Bishay Salon.

Friday: Breakfast at Perry’s on the beach. Rent a bike, walk by the ocean, visit the Santa Monica Pier, go for a ride on the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of Santa Monica and Venice. Check out the 3rd Street Promenade stores with animal fountains like the rhinoceros.

Dinner: Elephante, Blue Plate Oyster or Wally’s in Santa Monica or Gjelina in Venice.

Saturday: Venture out to Hollywood: Universal Tour, The Observatory where they shot “

Saturday: A Hollywood Adventure

Venture into Hollywood for an iconic experience: the Universal Tour, the Observatory where they shot “Rebel without a Cause,” and the legendary Hollywood Stars and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Take a break for lunch at the Roosevelt Hotel or within the Loews complex. As the sun sets, savor dinner at the chic Craigs or the classic Dan Tana’s in West Hollywood.

Sunday: Beverly Hills Bliss

Embark on a day of opulence in Beverly Hills. Enjoy brunch at the rooftop restaurant of Waldorf-Astoria, offering a breathtaking view of Beverly Hills and Century City. Stroll down the famed Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue. In the evening, relish dinner at Avra or any of the charming restaurants on Cannon.

Monday: Malibu Magic

Head up to the enchanting Malibu! Delight in lunch at the Pier or Malibu Seafood, then explore Point Dume for a scenic walk and unwind at Zuma Beach. Conclude your day with dinner at the Sunset Restaurant, where the best food and sunset converge for an unforgettable experience.

Tuesday: Venice Vibes

Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere of Venice. Ride bikes along the boardwalk, enjoy lunch at the Butchers Daughter, and explore Marina Del Rey.

Wednesday: The Unexplored Gems

Pause and ponder: What did you miss? Oh yes—Warner Brothers in Studio City, Disney, Paramount Studios, and the enchanting valley! Visit the LA Zoo, Will Rogers Park, hike by the Hollywood Sign, and discover many more hidden treasures. It’s a city filled with endless wonders, leaving you with an irresistible urge to return!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

A heartfelt shoutout goes to my mom and grandparents, the architects of my independence, always guiding me to pursue my passions through hard work, education, and unwavering belief in my dreams. To my husband Fred Stahl, a versatile team player on set and a constant reminder of my accomplishments, a man of many talents who runs a successful business.

Kudos to my longtime managers from Trinity Artists International—Wendy Lungaro, Sheila Finegan, and Jeff Smith—and my agent at Engage Artists, Taher Abunadi. Gratitude to Kari Nissena, my IMDb and career coach, for her invaluable guidance & Elsa Ramo & Stuart Arbury at Ramo Law.

A special mention to Carlos Moreno Jr., the visionary behind “Pepito’s America,” who not only cast me but encouraged me to unleash my creativity fully. Thanks to Mike Tadross, a wonderful friend, amazing mentor and seasoned producer at Paramount and Warner Brothers, for his unwavering support, dating back to my role opposite Tom Cruise in “Cocktail.” His encouragement and connections paved the way for “The Admired” to evolve into a TV Series. A big thank you to Mike and his wife, Dr. Georgia Witkin, for their generosity and support in this thrilling journey.

Website: https://www.JacquelineMurphy.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinemurphy13/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-murphy-the-admired/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquelineActor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineMurphyFan/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JacquelineMurphyActress

Other: he Admired Facebook Fan Page (The Admired) https://www.facebook.com/The-Admired-496317970528151/ IMDb – The Admired Film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4899664/ IMDb-TV Series https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6888900/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_2 Twitter https://twitter.com/TheAdmiredFilm The Admired @TheAdmiredFilm pass: admired123 Website httpss://wwww.TheAdmired.com The Admired 1 MIN Trailer: https://youtu.be/_qJmiVfq7gc