“On My Block”s Jasmine Ashanti On New Role, The Industry, And Kerry Washington

This rising star is only just scratching the surface!

Jasmine is quickly becoming a name to know in the industry. Starting her brand new role as ‘Keisha’ in the new and last season of Netflix’s “On My Block”, this actress has had roles on all of our favorite shows, from ABC’s “The Good Doctor” to ABC’s “Black-ish”.

We had the absolute honor of talking with Jasmine on her love of acting, what she does for fun, and her biggest goals!

Q: When did you first realize that you have a passion for acting? 

J: “I found my passion to act when I was 11 years old. Every summer my mom tried to put me in regular summer camp, but I never fit in with the other kids. So around 9 years old she found a dance camp for me and I took to it like a fish to water. I wanted to be a prima ballerina until my dance studio started doing plays and I was cast as the lead 2 years in a row, from then on I knew acting was it for me! I went on to major in Theater in college and later received my MFA in acting from UCSD. Now I am in LA really living out my dreams.”

Q: Tell us about your new role as ‘Keisha’ on “On My Block”? 

J: “Keisha is definitely a fun one. This is my first recurring guest star and it was so fun playing on set and getting to know some of the main cast. She is fun, playful, sassy, and has an “I do what I want” attitude that is honestly close to who I am. She may not say much, but her presence is felt! Haha.” 

Q: What has been your favorite role so far, and why? 

J: “Honestly, my favorite role thus far has been Kenzi from my guest star appearance on The Good Doctor on ABC. I was really able to use those grad school acting chops. Kenzi was down to earth and sweet and vulnerable, but she fought for what she needed. Also working on such an amazing procedural type show where the episode was centered around me and one other character was pretty cool!“

Q: If you could work with any actress, who would it be and why? 

J: “I would love to work with Kerry Washington! I have always loved her. I think she is such a sweet and genuine human not to mention a phenomenal actress who can literally do it all! Comedy, drama, suspense, action, tv, and films. She’s a great director too. One day I will find myself on set with her, working along side her!“

Q: What has been your favorite experience in the industry so far? 

J: “My favorite experience in this industry, besides booking work, is working with my reps. I have the best manager and agent team I could have ever dreamed of. They truly believe in me and fight for me, which is important in building a career in the entertainment world. My manager Karli (Brave Artists Management) is such a light! She believed in me from the day we met and has been the back bone to my career ever since. And shout out to my agents at Stewart Talent for keeping me busy with auditions because that is half the battle.”

Q: When not on screen, what are some of your favorite things to do? 

J: “I like to live a fun life! Auditions and working on set is really fun for me, but when I am not focusing on that, I love impromptu game nights with my friends, I love hiking, beach days, movie nights, checking out new restaurants, going to live music events, and live comedy shows! I love to laugh!”

Q: What are your biggest goals for your acting career? 

J: “My goals are always evolving the higher I go in my career. Right now my number one goal is to book a leading series regular role on a major network television show, or streaming platform that runs for like 10 seasons. Something like Grey’s Anatomy (I’m obsessed with that show! lol). I’d also love to book a major motion picture, I’ve always wanted to be in a scary movie or an action film!”

Q: Where can we follow your amazing journey? 

J: “I post all of the wonderful things I get to do in this industry on my Instagram: @jasmineashanti_stclair.”

Thanks you guys, so much!

Photo Credit: Matt Kallish

IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6597610/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl105

Interview Written and Conducted By: Je’Kayla Crawford

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Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Entertainment Writer– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.