Jessi Case, who started her acting at the age of 5, is best known for her role as Rachel in “Mother’s Day.” She appeared with Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston. She’s now set to star in the new movie, “On a Wing and a Prayer,” with Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham. The movie is expected to premiere in late summer of 2022. Her latest film “American Refugee” recently premiered on Epix and is available on-demand.

Black sweater by Vetemenets
White dress by Cinq à Sept

What was it like growing up in the film industry?
For me, it was very special. It meant a lot that I was able to be creatively expressive at an early age and that that was encouraged.

Your first big project had a star-studded cast. Are there any other actors you dream of working with?
This question is tough because I’ve already worked with great people that I’d give a kidney to work with again. Regina King is a terrific actor and director, and I’d love to work with her. Olivia Wilde is another multi-hyphenate that I look up to. Meryl Streep is the GOAT so, of course, anyone would die to work with her. Joaquin Phoenix is epic and I could write about a thousand more actors I want to work with, and it still wouldn’t make a dent in the list I have.

Your new movie, “American Refugee,” just came out. What was it like filming during the pandemic?
Shooting an apocalyptic movie during a worldwide pandemic was something new to all of us. It boosted the intensity of what was happening in the scenes we were filming but, thankfully, we were all very safe on and off set, so no one got sick.

What are you most proud of?
In my life? I’m pretty proud of my relationship with myself and the way it’s transformed over the past few years. Especially during the pandemic, we lacked distractions so most of us had no choice but to notice our thoughts. I realized some thoughts that were holding me back and retrained my mind.

**Left:**
Black sweater by Vetemenets
White dress by Cinq à Sept
**Right:**
T shirt by Opening Ceremony
Corset by Agent Provocateur

What are you most proud of?
In my life? I’m pretty proud of my relationship with myself and the way it’s transformed over the past few years. Especially during the pandemic, we lacked distractions so most of us had no choice but to notice our thoughts. I realized some thoughts that were holding me back and retrained my mind.

What are your set must-haves, and what gets you through long days at work?
Gratitude is a must-have because when you’re waking up at 4 am you’re going to need to remember what you’re doing it for.

If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing?
Sobbing that I wasn’t acting.

**Left:**
T shirt by Opening Ceremony
Corset by Agent Provocateur
Jeans by FRAME
**Right:**
Pink Blazer by House London
Gloves by Asos

What are your secrets for getting into character? What kind of preparations do you do before filming a project?
It’s different for every project and every character. Because we’re constantly learning, growing, and getting better, I’ve noticed my approach gets more refined with every role. If the film is based on a real event, like “On a Wing and a Prayer” is, then we have lots of resources to do the story justice. The White’s were lovely and so generous sharing their time and information with us.

What is your favorite project you have worked on so far?
This is like asking a mother which child is their favorite! Not to be that person, but, seriously, I love them all. Some have been more challenging than others but that’s where you learn. I made a lot of lifelong friends from “Mother’s Day,” so the memories on that one hit me differently.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other young actors waiting for their big break?
Waiting is not conducive to your career. So, please don’t ‘wait’ for your big break. Even if you’re not on set or getting the opportunities you’re looking for, there is still work you can do that will take you further than waiting will. Watch a ton of movies, make short films with your friends, write, read, learn about psychology and human behavior, take acting classes. There’s so much at our fingertips today: put it to good use.

**Left:**
Black sweater by Vetemenets
White dress by Cinq à Sept
**Right:**
Pink Blazer by House London
Gloves by Asos

What are your goals for the next few years?
My vision board is answering this question: I’d like to get my feet wet with some writing, producing, and directing. I’d love to be a part of a mini-series. I’ve always wanted to shoot something on the streets of New York, and it’s on my bucket list to shoot on film. I really want to star in a biopic; maybe do something a little musical. And I plan to do environmental work and maybe something with Mercy for Animals. Also, I still haven’t successfully landed a cartwheel in all my 22 years so maybe I’ll get that down too.

What are your socials?
@jessiicase

**Left:**
T shirt by Opening Ceremony
Corset by Agent Provocateur
**Right:**
White pinstripe suit and shoes by Christian Siriano

CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Talent: Jessi Case
Fashion Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie for Exclusive Artists Management
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Jessica Bally, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine