One of the newest fresh faces in the entertainment industry today, Jessica Pohly, will soon be seen co-starring opposite Paul Reubens and Joe Manganiello in “Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday” premiering on Netflix March 18th.
Credit: Ricky Middlesworth Photography
Born and raised in New York City, Jessica grew up on the stage performing in various theatre projects around the city. She spent her summers off in college studying at Atlantic Theater Acting School and eventually, after graduating and getting a bit more acting experience under her belt, she decided to take a break from the east coast weather and take a trip to Los Angeles. Though she booked a roundtrip ticket, Jessica found she loved the LA lifestyle and decided to try out acting there for a while instead of returning to NYC.
Once arriving in LA Jessica booked not only theatre projects, but several television guest-star roles. Of her experience both in theatre and on screen she says, “I love them both in very different ways. Theatre is where my roots are, but the experience of working in television, going to set, is exhilarating in a completely different way.” Some of the shows she has been a part of include, “Modern Family,” “Super Fun Night,” and “Stalker”. On March 18th, viewers will be able to see her in her most notable role to date, “Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday.”
Finding out she booked the role in “Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday” was a moment she will never forget. “It was a dream come true. I grew up watching Paul Reuben on “The Pee Wee Herman Show” and also “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure”. I must have watched it 100 times. It was a little bit surreal and totally wonderful.”
Credit: Ricky Middlesworth Photography
While filming, Jessica enjoyed being on set. “It felt very natural. Paul was so welcoming and goes out of his way to make everyone on set comfortable.”
In the film, Pee Wee takes his first-ever holiday after being inspired by a mysterious stranger. Jessica plays Pepper, the head of an all-girls gang of bank robbers. “It was so much fun. There was no part of playing this part that I didn’t like. It was a blast, from the extreme hair and makeup, to creating the character wardrobe wise, thinking about how she speaks, and getting to work with Stephanie Beatriz and Alia Shawkat. Every part of Pepper was enjoyable.”
On the film premiering on Netflix Jessica says, “It is an extraordinary thing to be a part of. Netflix recently went global and it is incredible to know that a project I am so proud to be a part of, can be viewed by people across the world at the same time.”
On roles she would like to play in the future, “I enjoy variety in the roles that I tackle. I love unexpected characters and ones that are far outside of my own experience.” In the upcoming year she looks forward to what roles come her way, “The opportunities that have been arising are exciting.”
Head to Netflix on March 18th to see Jessica playing Pepper in “Pee Wee’s Big Holiday”.
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