Meet Jackie Webb | Actor, Voice Over Actor, & Writer

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

Hi Jackie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
To me, life is all about risks. And some risks allow for life to change in the most magical ways! Others allow an opportunity to take the next step in one’s career, creative process, romantic life, friendships, etc.

Taking risks pushes me in my everyday life. Without them, I wouldn’t have moved to Los Angeles, cultivated the family I made out here, moved into my own apartment, dated people, gotten a cat, gone to therapy, booked all of the jobs I’ve ever gotten…the list goes on and on.

As an actor and writer, risks are huge. When making a choice for a scene, a risk is more interesting to watch compared to a “safe” choice. How boring would it be to watch someone bland doing nothing with absolutely no stakes involved? Snoozefest! We all want to watch interesting characters in interesting situations doing interesting things. And that comes with taking risks. One cannot succeed fearing the unknown or what’s ahead because it’s impossible to predict this ever-changing industry.

Risks align with being unafraid, being fearless. Fearless is what I challenge myself to be every single day. Positive change comes from taking risks, pushing yourself, trying to be fearless, and doing the scary thing…even when you are secretly afraid. I don’t want to live a stagnant life. I choose to be fearless, bold, and to have fun. I choose the risks. With that, there are some truly incredible times that I actually do reap the reward.

My acting advice, as well as my life advice: You only live once, so…do something bold. Have a little fun. Be fearless. Take the risks. Otherwise…what’s the point?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It has definitely not been an easy journey to get where I am today, but…it’s mine. I look back on the journey thus far, happy that I’ve always learned, worked hard, and pushed forward despite whatever life decided to throw my way.

I went to college for musical theatre, then went on tour with a children’s improv theatre. At some point while on tour, something clicked: I was determined to act for film and television, despite that I had no film experience of any kind. When I moved across the country to Los Angeles to pursue that goal, I realized….I just threw myself into a market I was completely unfamiliar with! On top of that, I didn’t know anyone amongst the city of stars. I got a room off of a facebook group, enrolled in on-camera classes, and read every book about acting on screen that I could get my hands on. I was determined to pave my way, to learn everything I could, to succeed.

As I started getting my footing in film, a global pandemic happened. Still, nothing to do but press on. I enrolled in online acting and writing classes. I got into voiceover for the first time; I was asked to collaborate on the successful audio drama “Warlock” (to this day, I voice Briar Nightshade – check it out!). I rode the wave and continued sharing my voice with the world, regarding both voice acting as well as writing countless published works (short films, podcasts, sketches, animated series, essays, etc.).

Then…a strike happened, another strike happened, and the industry turned upside down. Funny thing about the industry, though…is that it will continue to transform and evolve. Change is a good thing. Change brings out exploration and discovery, which are key points to an actor’s process – Meisner’s Law.

For a while I had a tough go of it outside of acting…something I don’t hear many actors talk about. I was so deep into my career and in my own head that I struggled with trauma, relationships, friendships, and my mental health. Therapy has been my best tool to help with all kinds of relationship struggles in Los Angeles…especially my relationship with acting. Consistent, confident, and clear choices come with a better mental state. Consistent, confident, and clear choices also make one a better actor. And I believe the best people, as well as the best actors, seek help when they need it the most.

My true love will always be on screen acting, but…getting to experience so many facets of what goes into making a production? I love that journey. I am an actor, voice over actor, and writer. I have been a singer, stand up comedian, professional improvisor, director, producer, casting director, script supervisor, and so much more. I am lucky to have lived many lives, to have dipped my toes in so many ponds. Every pond, every life experience…it’s made me a better actor.

My creative journey parallels the journey of life: there will always be bumps along the road to get to the destination. But, in the end, you created something. And isn’t that the most amazing thing ever?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love hosting friends in this city. After being in Los Angeles for six years, I have an entire list on my phone of the best places to take visiting friends or family (yes, I’m THAT type of organized).
I like to cater the picks depending on the person I’m hosting or making an itinerary for. I love museums, but some people think they’re boring. I have a great steakhouse rec that I obviously wouldn’t give to a vegan. I wouldn’t recommend a bookstore to someone who hates reading. You get the idea!

That being said, here is my overall general list:
Los Angeles Tour: Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Hands down. They cater every tour to their guests, they take you inside sound stages, they take you through props closets, they let you see the DC superhero cars…it’s worth every penny.
Bookstores: The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA (BIG for tourists), Skylight books in Los Feliz (my personal favorite), and The Illiad in North Hollywood (best for exploring genres/trying to buy older books).
Best Nerdy Shop: Geeky Teas & Games in Burbank.
Favorite Beach to show tourists: Zuma!
Favorite Cheap Taco Recommendation: Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada.
Favorite Burger & Beer Spot: Stout in Studio City.
Favorite Breakfast: Another Broken Egg in Burbank.
Sushi: Kabosu in Toluca Lake.
Ice Cream: Jeni’s in Larchmont.
In General: Griffith Observatory, Grand Central Market, The Broad, The Grove, Friday Jazz Nights at LACMA (it’s a free jazz concert-just bring wine, snacks, and a blanket!), Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Universal Studios, The Hollywood Bowl, The Getty, etc.

Feel free to reach out asking for current recs or opinions!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Let me just say, it has taken a village so far, and as my story continues, I know I will have even more people to thank along the way.

I would love to, most importantly, dedicate this shoutout to my father: William Zachary Webb. This man supported my career decisions since day one. I used to dress up constantly as a kid, saying I was going to be a princess AND a superhero when I grew up…it was not much of a surprise when I decided I wanted to get lost in stories and play pretend for the rest of my life. I am so incredibly fortunate to have a parent who wholeheartedly believes and trusts in me. Thank you, Dad. It means the world.

I also would love to thank the following:
Emily Skelton for being a parent and friend, especially when I first arrived in Los Angeles and needed it most;
Justin Chesney for being my reader for countless of auditions (no questions asked!), for always pushing me to take the next step, and for your unwavering care and support…especially in the moments I’m unaware of;
Holly Gagnier for being one of the most caring, inspiring, and best acting teachers I’ve ever had – thank you for the pushes and challenges, and thank you for the meticulous attention you put into your work as an acting teacher and a coach;
My cat, Sokka, for being the cutest little guy and my emotional support animal…for being a blessing in my life, even though you constantly distract me from my work;
My family and friends, for the patience and the love;
Every cast, production, and crew member I’ve ever met on set: I am constantly inspired by everyone I meet when I work.

Lastly, I would like to give credit to my late little brother, Maxwell Webb. He was the first person to ever believe in me, my #1 fan. Even after death, remembering his outpouring support kept me going when things got tough. Sometimes it still does. You were my light, and I love you so much. Thank you, Max.

Website: https://jackiewebb.wixsite.com/jackiewebb

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

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9855328/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejackiewebb?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Huebner Headshots, Jennifer Hsu