Actress Christina Jackson recently shared her thoughts on the upcoming season of “Outsiders.” Jackson plays Sally-Ann on the series which will premiere season 2 on Jan. 24.
Can you give our readers background on the show and Season 2 of “Outsiders”?
“Outsiders” is based in modern-day Kentucky and follows the Farrell family that has been living in the mountains for 200 years. They don’t believe in money, reading or writing, they are self-sufficient. A coal company has made a billion-dollar deal where the family lives. They are extremely paranoid of outsiders. The family controls a mountain that is coveted by a national mining outfit for its coal deposits.
What should viewers know about the conflict between your character Sally-Ann and Hasil?
You’ve never seen people fall in love like this. It demonstrates that love conquers all even when it comes to money and power. It’s conflict that we are really going to see throughout season 2.
The show kind of almost mimics America. This middle America that has been forgotten and that’s forgotten in the media. How have you been able to relate to the people who feel like they have been left out of the discussion?
As a performer, you kind of value getting to work on projects that cover a specific period and time or things that are relatable. You pride yourself on that. I think that is because I grew up a poor Black girl with working class parents. I experienced drugs, poverty, homelessness. And growing up like that, you often feel like people forget about you. I think now because we are constantly over exposed to so much money in the society and media, you look at a lot of stories as outsiders.
What advice would you give upcoming actresses?
The most important thing I can tell someone is knowing your worth and your value. As an actress, you spend your time bringing life to other characters you can sometimes put yourself on the back burner. Knowing what I wanted, I was able to walk into auditions and give my best. You always have to be on top of your game and then wait. Knowing your lines, constantly taking classes, immerse yourself in the art. The more well-rounded you are, the better you can become.
Watch “Outsiders” on WGN at 9/8 c.
