Actress Lauren Buglioli chatted about starring in the new Tyler Perry film “‘A Jazzman’s Blues.”
What was your experience like in “A Jazzman’s Blues”?
I feel very lucky to have been a part of it. From the moment I saw the performances of the cast during the table read, I knew it was going to blow people away. Mr. Perry wrote the script 27 years ago and his heart and passion for the project were evident.
I had an incredible time on that set. Filming in Savannah was stunning and Mr. Perry and his team were a dream to work with.
What did you like most about playing your character?
When I was at the premiere, an audience member approached me and said, “I understand you’re an actor, but I really hated you”. That told me I did my job. It’s uncomfortable to play someone evil, but ultimately it’s my job to serve the story. Seeing it all come together exceeded my expectations for sure. I hope audiences love it as much as I loved working on it!
How does it feel to be an actress in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
I think it’s wonderful to have so much opportunity but the pressure is definitely on to capture an audience’s attention! One of the most beneficial parts of the advancements we’ve seen in technology is that you can audition from anywhere thanks to self-taping and virtual callbacks. That flexibility is a gift.
What was it like working with Brad Benedict in “A Jazzman’s Blues”?
Brad was wonderful. He is one of my favorite people too! He immediately made me feel so welcome and was so kind and encouraging from day one. It made all the difference to have such a generous scene partner.
The way he treated me on set inspires me to make sure I always make others feel seen and celebrated. That kind of support shapes your experience on set.
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
Let me start by saying I have nothing figured out and with each new challenge, I learn more about myself and this industry. For me, the more I focus on loving the process and practice releasing attachment to the outcome, the happier I am.
This is something I have to remind myself of daily. I used to think everyone else had it all figured out and now I see everyone is just doing the best they can. I wish I learned earlier that nothing external will ever validate you or give you worthiness.
We’re all inherently worthy. There will always be another mountain to climb. Oh… and have fun.
Which actors would you like to someday work with as your dream acting partners?
Wow, this list is long but a few dream acting partners would be, Viola Davis, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson, Danny McBride, Zoe Chao, Billy Crudup, Kerry Washington, Florence Pugh, Ann Dowd, Kristin Wiig, and Sam Rockwell.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success has to do with who I am as a person as I’ve seen that you can have all the money and achievements and still be chasing after the next dopamine hit. If I can be a force for good in the world while working toward my goals with peace in my heart, then I feel successful.
I’m always working toward that. I just want to look back on my life and say I was kind, loved others well, and did my best.
What would you like to tell our readers about “A Jazzman’s Blues”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I hope they’re moved. My best friend and her husband called me after watching it the other night and said their family spent all night talking about the themes of the movie.
They were so impassioned in talking about the film and that was a really meaningful moment for me to listen to them process it.
I think it’s the goal of any artist: to stir something in people’s souls and evoke emotion and reflection. Mr. Perry knocked it out of the park with “A Jazzman’s Blues.”
To learn more about actress Lauren Buglioli, follow her on Instagram.
