Jennifer Michele De Winter: From Imaginary Kangaroos to Audrey Hepburn Dreams

Actress Jennifer Michele De Winter discusses her diverse career, highlighting the challenges of working with imaginary co-stars in "Joey and Ella" and the emotional depth required for roles in dramas like "9-1-1," where she fondly recalls Angela Bassett's kindness. De Winter emphasizes her passion for acting, despite also excelling as a writer and director, and reveals her desire to portray Audrey Hepburn in a biopic. She stresses the importance of immersing herself in characters, both on set and in her preparation, and advocates pursuing one's passions wholeheartedly.

Q: You’ve played a variety of roles across different genres. What’s the most challenging role you’ve taken on, and how did it push you as an actress?

A: That’s an excellent question. Roles can be challenging for different reasons. Certain roles are emotionally challenging, other roles can be challenging physically for example, when I do stunts. As an Actress I really play off my fellow actors’ emotions. In Joey and Ella, when we recorded there was an imaginary kangaroo, which added an extra layer, to imagine the kangaroo’s expression and actions, that wasn’t actually there. It was a lot of fun though.

Q: Your lead role as Ella in Joey and Ella captured audiences’ hearts—how did you personally connect with that character?

A: I love animals, so that made it easy. I also built a life of Joey the kangaroo in my mind, to make it real and have a true connection with Joey.

Q. As someone who has worked in film and television, what are the biggest differences between the two formats for you as an actress?

A: As far as what’s asked from me, I immerse myself in the same way. The main difference is that movies are shorter, whereas with TV you get to work with people for a longer time. I enjoy doing a variety of both.

Q. You’ve won multiple awards for your work as a writer, director, and actress. Which aspect of filmmaking do you feel the most at home in, and why?

A: I love writing and directing and really orchestrating a project from scratch. It is wonderful to be able to create a story and tell it in the exact way you want to. Ultimately, for me, nothing beats the art and the thrill of acting. To truly immerse yourself and become that Character. To take on the characters life and translating It to the screen.

Q. You’ve been on 9-1-1, a high-stakes drama, what was the most intense or memorable moment from working on set?

A: The acting and filming – That’s what you’re there for, and you want to do well to serve the project. The circumstances of my character in 9-1-1 were very intense. As far as memorable, I will never forget the kindness of Angela Bassett, who really took me in when I was just a little girl and spent a long time with just me and her sharing a pineapple cake and giving me her heart and her time. She is absolutely wonderful.

Q. If you could play any historical figure in a biopic, who would it be and how would you prepare for the role?

A: I would say Audrey Hepburn. I love her career and sophistication. I also speak Dutch. I also love her style. There are so many talented people I would love to portray as well. I especially loved her personality, so if I had to think of one thing, I think it would be amazing to be able to play Audrey Hepburn in a movie.

Q. As someone who thrives both in front of and behind the camera, do you have plans to direct or produce a full-length feature in the future?

A: Yes! Creating art and telling stories is my favorite thing to do. I look forward to taking part and creating many movies and TV shows.

Q. Many actors have rituals before stepping onto set—do you have any pre-filming habits that help you get into character?

A: I read the script a lot. I think about the character a lot. The more time I spend with the character, the more I become the character. Little habits and ticks even come in automatically because I am totally in the characters world.

Q. You balance your acting career with so many creative passions—has there ever been a moment when one art form unexpectedly influenced your performance on screen?

A: Probably more than I realize. A big part of the painting and sculpting that I do is a great way to express myself artistically all by itself. When I paint and sculpt I do it based on feeling, so in a sense I develop the skill to turn my feeling into a product. That makes the muscle stronger when I turn what I feel on the screen when I act.

Q. What’s one piece of advice you’ve received from a fellow actor, director, or mentor that has stuck with you throughout your career?

A: The best piece of advice I’ve received from someone that I really respect was to do what you love with all of your heart. That way there are no regrets, are there is no better way to live than fully go for your goals and dreams.

Q. With such a strong online presence, do you feel social media has changed the way young actors build their careers today?

A: Possibly. For myself, I just share what I’m already doing. I do what I love to do, I continue to dedicate myself to my passions and artforms. I wouldn’t do anything different without social media, because I love what I do. I do think it’s a beautiful thing that there is more to share through social media nowadays.

Q. Looking ahead, if you could dream-cast your ideal project—actors, director, and storyline—what would it be?

A: There are so many wonderful actors. I like Denzel Washington a lot, he has an amazing ability to switch between character and emotions and has a lot of layers to his work. As far as directors, there as so many great ones as well. Some of my favorites are Steven Spielberg, Baz Luhrmann, Christopher Nolan and Francis Ford Coppola. When it comes to storytelling I like stories with passion, where the underdog faces setbacks and overcomes all opposition. For me, it’s important that character development is layered and complex, and done is such a way that the viewer feels compelled and becomes one with them.

Where can we follow you on social media? 

Instagram: @jennifermicheledewinter

TikTok: @jennifermicheledewinter