Veteran actress Jasmine Guy recently added an Emmy Award to her long list of loft accomplishments. Guy received the prestigious Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series award for her portrayal of Barbara Baldwin in “Chronicles of Jessica Wu.” Guy admits that she was so surprised to even be a candidate for an Emmy that she was in disbelief until friends and supporters confirmed the nomination.
“My phone started going off and people were telling me that I was nominated, but at first I didn’t believe it. I didn’t spend a lot of time filming this project so I just didn’t expect it. But to be nominated for a project I worked on that stood for something did feel right,” she explains. The “Chronicles of Jessica Wu” is a groundbreaking fictional television series geared toward normalizing autism.
This Emmy isn’t Guy’s first award for her body of work in television and on stage, but she is nonetheless grateful for the recognition. The actress has won six consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her most recognized role as Whitley Gilbert in “A Different World,” the college spinoff of “The Cosby Show” that debuted in 1987 and aired until 1993. Guy says she will always cherish her time spent with the cast, specifically the legendary Debbie Allen, whom she credits largely for the success of the show.
“I’d worked with Debbie on ‘Fame’ and I trusted her. When she came on with the show, things changed and we had the opportunity to do some amazing things,” Guy shares. While audiences fell in love with her character and her co-star Kadeem Hardison, who played her boyfriend and ultimately her husband, Dwayne Wayne.
“There were times when we didn’t know if our characters were returning or would be written off. The show was ahead of its time but in the moment, we were always on edge,” she laughs.
Guy says she appreciates the endearing comments she continues to receive from old and new fans of the show, particularly since “A Different World” has been in syndication for decades but continues to appeal to younger audiences. “I’m grateful for that opportunity. Many actors never get to be a part of something that has that type of lasting effect on people,” she explains.
Aside from playing Whitley Gilbert, Guy was a part of some of the most iconic movies impacting Black culture such as Harlem Nights (1989) with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor; Stompin’ at the Savoy With Lynn Whitfield, Vanessa Williams and Mario Van Peebles (1992); and Alex Haley’s Queen: The Story of an American Family (1993).
She was also a familiar face on some of the most memorable urban comedy shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Living Single” and “The Parkers,” while enjoying crossover appeal starring in the hit television dramas, “Touched by an Angel” and “Melrose Place.”
Guy frequently splits her time spent on television and the silver screen honing her craft in live theater. Her classical training draws her to projects that allow her to showcase the multi-hyphenate talent that she is. “I love Broadway, I’ve done Chicago and The Wiz and Blues for an Alabama Sky,” she beams.
In 2010, Guy accepted a residency with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company in her hometown of Atlanta, where she is frequently sighted working with young actors or in productions championing new talent.
The beloved thespian has created a rich life empowering the next generation of performers and participating in projects that connect with her passion for giving a voice to causes that resonate in her soul and her consciousness. So while she’s focused on her various undertakings, Guy confesses that she was caught off guard in the midst of being immersed in her numerous projects, when Hollywood came knocking with news of an Emmy nomination to formally recognize her talents and achievements.
“I don’t really feel a part of that world,” she laughs. “I don’t live in LA, and I’m not immersed in Hollywood, so I was surprised to learn I was being considered. But I feel like I won the award for everything I’ve done up until now. This is a 40-year experience whether it was television, theater or film,” Guy says.
Although fellow actress Taraji P. Henson recently went viral for pointing out the wage gap in Hollywood that she has experienced due to racial inequalities, Guy insists the biggest inequalities she’s encountered are due to her gender in addition to the obvious discrimination due to race.
“When I looked at how much more men made as opposed to women, it made us so mad,” Guy says. “If you were to compare my salary as a lead on a prime-time show on NBC compared to what a Michael J. Fox made on prime time on the same network, it was ridiculous. The gender difference is what stood out to me.”
Grateful for her Emmy win to kick off 2024, Guy is continuing to work in movies, television and theater. She says the business has changed tremendously from her early years, but encourages young talent to continue to perfect their craft.
“My advice to young people is to study their craft. Everyone’s journey is different, but while you’re waiting on that big break, take the time to really study and master your craft. That is the one constant; hard work has to be combined with talent in order to maintain success,” Guy shares. “I learned to work hard and to give my all every time. I remember working on ‘Fame’ and not knowing that I didn’t have to do every dance full out every single practice. But later it was that work ethic that helped shape my career.”
Cover photo by Leslie Andrews
Photos provided by Jay Productions Agency
