Jenny Cooper
Jenny Cooper is an actress, born in Toronto and raised in Miami, Florida. She relocated to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California School of Theater. She is known for her roles in Virgin River, MacGyver, Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order True Crime, and Open Heart. Virgin River (currently seen on Netflix) follows the surprising and strange journey of nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe as she moves from Los Angeles to Northern California. Jenny plays the role of Joey Barnes and co-stars with Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Alexandra Breckenridge, Colin Lawrence, and others.
Full look: Dolce and Gabbana
Why do you think Virgin River has been such a big success?
It’s so hard to say why any show succeeds or fails. As an actor (and sometimes writer/producer), it always feels like we’re giving as much as we can to whatever project we are lucky enough to be working on, but sometimes a show or film just doesn't find an audience and that’s always a little heartbreaking.
With Virgin River, it took off in season one and our audience just keeps growing every season; It is remarkable to be a part of something that has touched people around the globe. I think it was just the right show at the right time, in terms of its idealistic view of the world, where people do anything for love in a beautiful setting and overcome hard times along the way. The show also has some universal messages that translate really well because ultimately aren’t we all going through something and looking for love? Who doesn’t want a blueprint for figuring life out a little? I think, at its best, Virgin River offers some of that.
How would you describe Joey Barnes?
Joey is Mel’s overprotective, opinionated, extremely loving and loyal sister. She can seem materialistic and self-involved at times, but her heart is in the right place. While she was not originally supportive of Mel leaving Los Angeles for Virgin River, she comes around after visiting her (in season 1), meeting Jack, and seeing the life that she is trying to create for herself.
Left:
Top: Nana Jacqueline
Skirt: Nana Jacqueline
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Earrings: Nicole Rose
Right:
Bodysuit: Stylists Personal
Pants: Dorothee Schumacher
Shoes: Dolce and Gabbana
How did you prepare for roles like the ones in Grey’s Anatomy and Open Heart?
Each role starts the same way with me, in that I dig in like a detective. I make lists of everything mentioned about the character in the scripts that give me clues as to who that person is and how we (the character and I) are alike and different.
For Grey’s, even though it was only one episode, it was a season premiere and a really beloved storyline that they had been developing for years about a teenage girl who comes out to her religious parents and how they respond. Kevin Mckidd, who directed the episode, was wonderful and Sarah Ramirez, who was heavily featured in the storyline, was extremely passionate about these characters and their journey. We spent a lot of time discussing the emotionally charged scenes to make sure they felt authentic and not stereotypical in any way.
Open Heart was a family/medical, procedural series that only lasted one season but I had a lot of fun playing a heart surgeon and a mom to Tori Anderson and Karis Cameron, as well as working with some amazing talent, including Demore Barnes, Mena Massoud, Elena Juatco, Patrick Kwok-Choon, and Kevin McGarry. Open Heart is a great example of a show we thought would go forever, but only lasted one season.
Left:
Bodysuit: Karen Millen
Tights: FALKE
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Right:
Suit: Dorothee Schumacher
Shoes: Stylists Kit
Earrings: Nicole Rose
You have been acting since you were a kid. What are some valuable lessons you have learned along the way?
So many lessons, mostly having to do with patience and perseverance. I came into this world as a fairly impatient human, like an 8 or 9 on a scale of 10 in terms of impatience. So, it’s pretty ironic that I chose a career that is like 99% waiting. But I have learned to wait relatively nicely, while also trying to take some control over my own career and destiny. I also take something with me from every role I play, usually in the forms of gratitude for my life, family, opportunities that have come my way, and challenges that have made me a stronger person.
When did you know you wanted to pursue acting?
I was 11 years old living in New York City for a year with my family and I was cast in a high school musical called The Me Nobody Knows. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by crazy, talented teenagers who could really sing and act, and I just got “bitten by the bug” pretty badly and that was it. From then on, I took every class I could find and set my sights on going to USC School of Theatre, my alma mater.
Left:
Suit: Dorothee Schumacher
Shoes: Stylists Kit
Earrings: Nicole Rose
Right:
Bodysuit: Stylists Personal
Pants: Dorothee Schumacher
Shoes: Dolce and Gabbana
What are your career goals for the next few years?
I’d like to do more writing and producing. I’m currently working on developing a new series with some wonderful and seasoned producers. I hope that comes to fruition. I can’t say much more about it right now, but I’ll keep you posted.
What actors/directors do you dream of working with?
I have been so fortunate to work with amazing actors whom I admire, but I definitely dream more of working with certain filmmakers. I would love to work with Sophia Coppola, Greta Gerwig, Jane Campion, Chloe Zhao, and Kathryn Bigelow. They are inspiring and talented women who are forging the way for the next generation of talented female directors.
Left:
Full look: Dolce and Gabbana
Right:
Top: Nana Jacqueline
Skirt: Nana Jacqueline
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Earrings: Nicole Rose
How do you spend your time when you’re not at work?
Mostly with my family! My life is pretty kid-driven these days. I have a twelve-year-old son and ten-year-old boy/girl twins and they are an active and busy bunch. But I love being a mom more than anything and really cherish these days together because I know they are numbered. Beyond family time, I love seeing girlfriends for dinners, walks, coffee, whatever we can squeeze in. It’s important to me to get that girlfriend time in to balance out the days and nights of work and momming 24-7.
Social Media.
Instagram: jencoop1111
Twitter: @jennycooper1111
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Jenny Cooper
Fashion Stylist: Jordan Gross
Groomer: Tatiyana Elias
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Hayley Langer
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Lola Jarzemsky, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
