The last several years have been “Epic” for RU Theatre & Cinema Alumnus Jayma Mays ’00

You may have seen her on HBO, NBC, Fox or at a movie theatre near you. Recently David Horton had an opportunity to talk  with her about her career thus far and her big role in the upcoming comedy Epic Movie.

DH~ It's been fun watching you in the commercials (great that your scenes have been so heavily featured) and I'm looking forward to the movie opening next week. Based on what I've seen with the trailers for this film and in your guest starring roles on TV, you seem to have a flair for comedy and slightly quirky roles. Do you feel that's a direction you want to take in your career or are you more interested in seeking fairly dramatic roles like those in House?

JM~ There are usually a lot of different factors that go into choosing a role, but when possible I like to try and choose ones that are interesting and not necessarily whether it is comedic or dramatic. I really do just enjoy working and definitely relish a nice challenge. I don't want to think of myself as being boxed into anything, but that being said, I do LOVE working in comedy.

DH~ You had a substantial guest role on the hot new NBC show Heroes this fall as Charlie, the doomed waitress that Hiro (Masi Oka) tried to save through time travel. With that show being discussed so much in the media and by teens and young adults, can you describe the experience? I know you were a favorite among the internet faithful who follow the show. Have you found yourself being recognized as "Charlie"?

JM~ Being a part of such an amazing show and playing a character that I immediately loved was wonderful. When I was cast, I don't think anyone quite knew how popular the show was going to be, so all of that was a wonderful surprise. And working with Masi was phenomenal, he is one of the most giving and talented actors I know.

I have been recognized a lot more since being on the show, but by the most enjoyable and extremely supportive fans. I was actually approached a few weeks ago by a Japanese couple that assumed I spoke their native language...so half of the conversation was me trying to convince them that I couldn't understand a word they were saying.

DH~ Red Eye started a great deal of buzz about your career here on campus and now Epic Movie seems to be your biggest screen role to date. Can you fill me in a little on what that experience was like? I know it must have been a blast working with Darrell Hammond, Crispen Glover, and Kal Penn - not to mention all the other great cast mates. A real who's who of recent comedy. It sure looks like everyone was having fun.

JM~ Working on Epic was the most ridiculous fun a girl could have! There wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't excited and so thankful to go to work. There was actually a moment when I was doing a scene in bed with Fred Willard, who was dressed as a lion, and I thought this is going to be a day that I NEVER forget.

DH~ What's next? I see on IMDB that you have a couple roles listed in Bar Starz and Blind Guy Driving, but I am also aware that IMDB has been a bit behind at times with your listings. Anything new you want to talk about?

JM~ I think coming out next are a few indies that I worked on last year. I'm also really excited about a short film I worked on with a very talented, up-and-coming young director, James Burkhammer, that actually co-stars another Radford Theatre & Cinema Alumni and friend, Eric Clay.

DH~ Would you share a little about your Radford University experience and how it helped you prepare for your career thus far? Any particular faculty or class that was really memorable? Also, what advice would you give budding thespians at RU?

JM~ Radford was nothing less than an essential part of my preparation for this business. It was such a safe place for me to explore and learn and grow creatively, as well as, academically. I always felt challenged, but never discouraged.

Not long after moving to Los Angeles, I joined a theatre company and was immediately considered an asset because I could sew doublets (thanks to Monica Weinzapfel), I was handy with a drill (thanks to David Wheeler) and I could hang a fresnel (thanks to Carl Lefko). And I know that he has recently retired, but Mr. Hayes was such a driving force in my learning and confidence with performance and for that I am forever grateful. I would implore any budding thespians there now to take advantage of the divine faculty and to get involved with as many of the performance opportunities possible.