Authentically Kelly: All American: Homecoming Actress talks Faith, Family and Film

Kelly M. Jenrette has captivated the hearts and minds of viewers everywhere through her role as Amara Patterson on the CW’s latest drama, All American: Homecoming. Quite frankly, her role is “all-that” - dominating our television screen every monday night as the intelligent family-oriented HBCU Professor we all deserve. While Kelly is no stranger to the spotlight, PYNK Magazine got a chance to catch up with the Emmy-nominated actress to talk about faith, family and film.

Kelly, you have captivated our hearts on CW’s All American: Homecoming as our favorite on-screen auntie. What does it mean to tackle the responsibility of such an essential role? 
I see my gift as a responsibility; the gift that God has given me to act and embody different roles. That alone is my responsibility to share. So to be given this role of Amara as you lovingly called her, America's new favorite auntie (which I love) , whatever wisdom I can share in life or onset and be present long enough for the answer is what keeps me deeply connected to the responsibility of the role of Amara and as Kelly.

How does Kelly personally connect to the role of Professor Amara? 

Amara’s relationship with Simone feels like home to me. I often joke with my sister, Kimberly, regarding her children (Johnathon and Evelyn) really being mine. The relationship I have with them is indescribable and allows me to feel like “auntie mama”.  I carry that with me with my relationship Amara and Simone because family means so much to me. I am so grateful that our showrunner and creator Nkechi created that same dynamic with us on set.

Authenticity is a major key of life. Let's talk about #TransparencyTuesday - you often use your social media platform as a space for healing and open dialogue as a hope dealer. Why is it important for you to show up as your whole self on social media as well as on-screen? 

Simply because we have so many people representing the idea of joy, the idea of happiness, the idea of peace. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing and wanting that. I remember one of my very first #TransparencyTuesday post was a picture (I did a series of pictures when I first started). In my career, things were going really well (I’d booked 2 movies and a show) but personally I had just lost my best friend to colon cancer and was in Canada working on a project. One day I just started crying and couldn’t stop (I felt like I was having a panic attack). It was in that moment of crying that I stopped and said, “take a picture”. 

In this moment completely filled with tears and a stained shirt full of my tear drops, I posted “insta life vs. real life”. It was important to post especially in that moment because I had spoken with people who spoke of the comparison to those on social media. It saddened me because they were using social media as a metric of their own lives. That said, #TransparencyTuesday was the perfect opportunity to peel back the layers and showcase the real work being done personally to aid the professional you see on screen. 

We love to see a woman who doesn’t play by the rules personally or professionally - with your faith on display tell our readers why faith is a non-negotiable for you? 

I thank God that he has gotten me to this point where I can boldly say, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It contains the gift of salvation. What I had to realize when doors began to open for me - in 2014 I began to ask, “Ok God, what is the assignment?” because before then it was all about me and my desires for my career in this industry. His answer was clear, that was not why he had me here. 

If you really believe in the word of God, where in the word did Jesus ever seek accolades? Where did he ever seek fame? Where did the disciples ever say, “Yo, I’m trying to get my followers up.” That was never what he pursued and so there was a spirit check needed where I said, “God has me here, there is a purpose in that.” Part of my responsibility is saying that I am a Christian, before I’m black, woman and actress I am a disciple of Christ and that is my identity. So yes, I’m Kelly a christian black girl from Georgia. To deny that, would be denying me.

A large portion of why we love your character Professor Amara is contributed to how she shows up for her niece, Simone. We know that television and film are often imitations of life - with such a busy schedule how do you manage family time; does work/life balance exist for you? 

I had to grow to an understanding that family comes first. Well, to put it in proper context (God, my husband, then family). My husband and I have a very clear understanding that if things are not right in the house with us there is no going out (no events; red carpets, premieres) because family comes first. 

I think of my mom, who is everything to me (absolutely my best friend). We talk almost everyday. My siblings and I speak often - family is an essential part of my life. This came as a result of me putting the industry in its proper place - it is no longer everything to me. 

I’m very grateful that I am working and deep gratitude resides there but my happiness and joy is not tied to that - that comes through a deeply rooted connection from family so that I can be sustained in this industry.

Kelly M. Jenrette is a contributor to the culture. At times, we know that responsibility in itself can be draining. That said, how does Kelly show up for herself daily. What are some self-care tips you can share with industry hopefuls? 

I work on moments of stillness (and in that stillness I practice moments of gratitude). I have to take care of myself so that I can take care of others. Everything for me has to be filtered through the lens of Christ as a Christian. Even here in this moment, present practicing gratitude through giving of oneself. Whether that is through taking a bath, watching my favorite show or reading a book - that serves as a fuel to pour into me so that I can pour back out. Give yourself 30 seconds to stop and breathe in life, never forget to be present.

Lastly, as our resident auntie (today) give us some #AuntieHacks. What are your essentials an auntie should never leave the house without? 

Phone, chapstick, lotion (and if you’re using shea butter make sure it does the trick for both), a pen and shades. But above all, the three biggest things: Love, Joy and Peace. 

Photography credit: Diana Ragland