Jody Jaress is a renowned actress with a diverse range of complex character roles under her belt. From playing the darkest depths of insanity to a grounded psychiatrist, a creepy nanny, a tormented nurturing mother, and a ditsy wife, she has consistently impressed casting directors with her multi-layered performances.
Born in Ottawa, Illinois, Jody's family has a rich history in the United States, with ancestors arriving from Germany and Wales in the 1800s. Her father served in the Navy Seabees during World War II, and the family later moved to Ferndale, Michigan, where Jody developed a passion for Western horse shows, singing, and theatre acting.
Jody's early career began in summer stock at the Will-O-Way Apprentice Theatre and Repertory Company in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she had the privilege of performing with the legendary George C. Scott. She received acclaim for her performance as "Kate" in Taming Of The Shrew, requested by Sir Basil Rathbone.
After graduating from Rochester High School at 17, Jody won several pageants, including the Miss Rochester Pageant and the Miss Romeo Peach Queen title. She then moved to New York City to pursue her acting career, where she met Lee Strasberg and was welcomed into his home for lunch.
Jody's film career began with The Bigot aka The Hunting Season, followed by Skatetown U.S.A. starring Patrick Swayze. She has since appeared in numerous films, including Chain Link, Fragile Storm, Mother's Day Memories, So This Is Love, Duke, and Chinaman's Chance: America's Other Slaves.
Jody's television credits include Days of Our Lives, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and various anime and manga projects. She has also made numerous television commercials and has an abundance of stage credits, including Best Actress and Supporting Actress Awards from the Desert Theatre League.
As a first-time film director and screenwriter, Jody's psychological drama, Traces of Memory, was chosen to screen at 15 international film festivals and won 11 awards. She has also worked as a script consultant on Absolute Evil - Final Exit and is currently writing a feature film, Return Of the Sacred.
Throughout her career, Jody has held various titles, including mother, grandmother, psychiatric aide, crisis counselor, spa director, group home counselor, and Director of John Robert Powers Models. She has also been involved with several charitable organizations, including the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Aids Healthcare Foundation, and Save The Children.
Jody was awarded the Key to the City of Orange in California for her work with the Orange International Street Fair and the May Festival in Santa Ana, CA. She was also awarded the prestigious USO pin for her dedication and years of service performing for the armed forces.
In addition to her acting career, Jody is a jazz and blues vocalist and has been honored as a "Jazz and Blues Living Legend" and inducted into the Living Legend Foundation by the Duke Ellington Society of L.A., NAACP Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and the City of Los Angeles.
