Jillian Shea Spaeder @jilliansheaspaeder
Photographer: Storm Santos @stormshoots
Wardrobe Stylist: Veronica Graye | @veronica.graye
HMU Artist: Michael J. Fernandez @hairandskinbymikefernandez
Jillian Shea Spaeder is an actress and singer-songwriter. The young starlet plays a leading role alongside Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher in the new Disney+ original film “Godmothered”. Jillian is best known for her series regular role as ‘Bailey’ on the Disney XD series “Walk the Prank”. She also recently appeared as a guest star on Netflix’s “No Good Nick” with Sean Astin and Melissa Joan Hart, on Disney Channel's “Just Roll with It,” and in a supporting role in the film “To the Beat!: Back 2 School.”
How does a Philadelphia-area native end up in LA?
When I first met my manager (at an event in Hollywood), she encouraged me to come out to LA for pilot season and to see how we liked California. I ended up booking Walk the Prank during my visit, so we decided to be bi-coastal from then on.
Had you always knew you would be an actress or a singer when you were younger?
I always loved to sing and act, and I enjoyed doing those things at school and in local theatre, but I wasn’t one of those kids who knew early on that they wanted to do it as a career.
What was your very first audition? What was it for, details please!
The night before we left for that first pilot season, I had to do a self-tape for the lead role in Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle.” I’m not sure if it was nerves about the trip or if I had a stomach bug, but I was feeling pretty sick when I made the tape. But I must have done all right, because I got a callback just a few days after I arrived in LA I didn’t get that part, but (fun fact)! Someone with the exact same birthday as mine did—Jenna Ortega!
Do you write your own songs?
If so, what's the process, and how long does it usually take before you know it's the one? I write most of my own songs, though sometimes I collaborate with other musicians, and we write in a studio or even online via Face-time. When I write on my own, I often drive somewhere with my guitar, then park and sit and write in the car!
Who's your music inspiration? How do you describe your music style?
I have many musical inspirations—the Beatles, John Mayer, Julia Michaels, and Ed Sheeran to name a few. Most of my songs have a chill singer-songwriter vibe, but I occasionally digress a little to mix things up a bit!
Tell me more about your role on "Godmothered." How did you prepare for the role?
My character, Jane, is a shy but talented singer-songwriter who has a fear of singing in public. She also lost her father, with whom she shared her love of music. Like Jane, my dad and I are close and share that musical bond, but he is very much alive, and I have no problem singing in front of a crowd! Because I had to get into Jane’s head, the set acting coach had me write a journal as Jane for several weeks. She also had me spend a lot of time with Willa, who played Jane’s younger sister in the film, so I could see what it was like to be a big sister (I’m the youngest in my family).
What's your favorite movie of all time?
It’s a tie between “Moana” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” I love everything about them! So maybe we can say I have a favorite animated movie and a favorite live-action one?
You have beautiful curly hair, what's your beauty routine for it?
Thank you! I’m a huge fan of Luxe Locks Curls products, especially their leave-in conditioner, styling gel and curl refresher.
Are there any other projects you have lined up that you like to mention for 2021?
I’m currently working on my EP, which I plan to put out later this year. And with that, I hope to write and produce videos for some songs.
How can fans reach out to you via social media and live appearances?
My Instagram is @JillianSheaSpaeder and I have a Cameo.