Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV News
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsABFFPride MonthOutfest OutfrontsSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • All
  • Titles
  • TV Episodes
  • Celebs
  • Companies
  • Keywords
  • Advanced Search
Watchlist
Sign In
Sign In
New Customer? Create account
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
  • Biography
  • Awards
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

Jody Jaress

  • Actress
  • Writer
  • Director
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
Jody Jaress
Select clips: So This Is Love (film), Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (TV), Fragile Storm (film), Days Of Our Lives (TV), Chain Link (film), Sands (film)
Play demo reel2:47
JODY JARESS (drama reel)
13 Videos
99+ Photos
A veteran actress, Jody has become known for her complex character roles. Having played everything from the darkest depths of insanity, to a grounded psychiatrist, a creepy nanny, a tormented nurturing mother, to a ditsy wife. Casting directors seek her out for roles needing multi-layers.

Jody began her entertainment career more than 40 years ago in Michigan. Her ancestors arrived in New York from German and Wales in the1800's and migrated to Southern Illinois where they became teachers, nurses, lawyers, farmers, pastors, lawmen, with a couple of rogues among them. Jody was born in Ottawa, Illinois just prior to her dad joining the Navy Seabees in WWII. Once the war ended the family moved to Ferndale, Michigan just outside of Detroit for many years and then moved out to horse country in Rochester, Michigan. Jody divided her time between competing in Western horse shows, singing, and beginning studies in theatre acting, stage makeup, lighting, sound, set design and directing at the Will-O-Way Apprentice Theatre and Repertory Company in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It became her home away from home. During a two year run in summer stock at Will-O-Way, she had the privilege of performing with the great stage and screen legend, George C. Scott. She received acclaim for her Command Performance requested by Sir Basil Rathbone as "Kate" in Taming Of The Shrew performed at the famed Will-O-Way Playhouse and Apprentice Theatre in Michigan.

After graduating from RHS (Rochester High School) at age seventeen, winning the Miss Rochester Pageant, the Miss Romeo Peach Queen title, and then placing in the Miss Michigan Pageant, Jody went to NYC to make "the rounds" and meet up with Lee Strasberg who welcomed her into his home for lunch and to meet his family. He requested that she come back the following year when she would be old enough to join the Actor's Studio. She moved to California instead after meeting the iconic horror film director, William Castle at a premier back in Detroit. Now in California, her very first film with dialog was The Bigot aka The Hunting Season and recently remastered and distributed by Troma Pictures as Deadly Daphne's Revenge (1987). A side note: thirty some odd years later, Jody was interviewed Answering the Call: An Interview with Jody Jaress (2018) regarding this film directed by Richard Gardner. Her next film was Patrick Swayze's first film, Skatetown U.S.A. (1979).

Over the years, her theatre work awarded her Best Actress and Supporting Actress Awards from the Desert Theatre League in Palm Springs, CA for roles in Veronica's Room (by Ira Levin), Equus (directed by actress Judith Chapman) and Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady; Jody was selected to perform as Mrs. Popov in Chekhov's, The Brute, to honor the Russian Dignitaries visiting Palm Springs.

She since has made a plethora of appearances on stage, film, television and radio. Variety reviewer, Robert Koehler wrote "Jody Jaress - excellent" referring to her supporting lead role as Rhea, in the gritty award winning Indie feature, Chain Link (2008), directed/written/produced by Dylan Reynolds starring Mark Irvingsen, Jim Storm and Lelia Goldoni.

Jody has garnered many wins and nominations in other Independent films: as a wife with Alzheimers in both of these award winning films: Fragile Storm (2015) sharing the lead with Lance Henriksen, directed by Dawn Fields and portraying Bill Hoversten's real life mother using her actual dialog in Mother's Day Memories (2019), directed and edited by Mother's Day Memories (2019); feisty and strong-willed in the award winning two character short written by Jody and Jack Donner (Stigmata, as Tal in Starship Excelsior), So This Is Love (2016) starring both Jack and Jody directed by Gloria Morrison; and also as the dying mother in a small ensemble cast in Duke (2016) with Spice Williams-Crosby directed by Anthony De Longis and produced by Gregory Crosby co-producer and screenwriter of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) directed by Mel Gibson starring Andrew Garfield.

Jody's notoriety as a character actress claims even more diverse roles: creepy mid-wife in the horror film, 2 Bedroom 1 Bath (2014) with Dee Wallace, Michele Hicks written and directed by Stanley Yung; sternly protective maid in Hollywoodland (2006) starring Ben Affleck and Adrien Brody, directed by Allen Coulter; a grandmother turned flesh-eater and evil in the comedy Little Fish, Strange Pond (2009) with Matthew Modine, Zach Galifianakis, directed by Gregory Dark; and a bible toting Christian in Jody's first period film, Chinaman's Chance: America's Other Slaves (2008) starring Ernest Borgnine, Timothy Bottoms and Reggie Lee, directed by Aki Aleong. Jody had previously played a religious fanatic in Why Is The Dog Howlin' Momma, a play loosely based on the poet, Charles Bukowski.

Some of her television guest star and co-star roles include, Days of Our Lives (1965) and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) as well as series regulars/leads on a variety of Anime' and Manga projects such as; I My Me! Strawberry Eggs (2001). She has an abundance of television commercials to her name.

As a first time Film Director and Screenwriter, Jody's psychological drama, Traces of Memory (2014) starring Maray Ayres and Sara Ballantine, was chosen to screen at fifteen (15) international film festivals winning eleven (11) awards. Ulli Lommel acquired Jody as script consultant on Absolute Evil - Final Exit (2009) starring David Carradine, David Carradine. Return Of the Sacred is a feature film Jody is writing, partnering with the creator of the concept, private investigator Roger Tolces.

Jody has held many different titles throughout the years especially that of Mother and Grandmother and vegetarian. Add to her hats: psychiatric aide, crisis counselor, spa director, group home counselor, Director of John Robert Powers Models, emcee, lecturer, solderer of computer boards, law secretary, and for a few years, was the primary acting coach of film, television and stage performance at South Coast Actors Studio.

She was awarded the Key to the City of Orange in California in honor of her thirteen (13) years of organizing, emceeing and booking the main stage entertainment at the Orange International Street Fair. She also did the same for the May Festival in Santa Ana, CA. She lends her talents and support toward the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Aids Healthcare Foundation, One Billion Rising Against Violence, and for Save The Children events.

Jody was awarded the prestigious USO pin for her dedication and years of service performing for the armed forces at various military camp sites and on US Naval ships.

More recently, for her years as a jazz and blues vocalist, inspiring others to follow their passions, she was Honored as a "Jazz and Blues Living Legend" and Inducted into the Living Legend Foundation by the Duke Ellington Society of L.A., NAACP Beverly Hills and Hollywood, and by the City of Los Angeles. Some of the Icons Jody has opened for in Las Vegas, or headlined with in California are, Harry Belafonte, Linda Hopkins, Bili Redd Thedford, Janet Blair, the Ink Spots, Louis Armstrong, Hank Williams, Jr, Sheb Wooley, Freda Payne, Mary Wilson, Herb Jeffries and with major musicians/composers/music producers; HB Barnum, Nolan Shaheed, Bradley Young, pianist (Chet Baker), Jon Stuart, percussionist (Lainie Kazan, Tamir Hendelman), Tony Dumas, bass (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock), Quentin Dennard, drums (The Temptations, Freda Payne), Ralph Penland, drummer (Santana, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra), Dori Amarilio, jazz guitarist (Mike Stoller, Charles Jarot) Alan Walker, sax (Temptations, Sugar Ray) and many others. Some California music venues Jody has headlined: Catalina's Jazz Bar & Grill, Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill, Tom Rolla's Gardenia, Upstairs at Vitello's, Jax, and House of Music & Entertainment, Beverly Hills, CA.

Jody has recorded a smooth jazz CD, Whisper Low. She recorded various voices on Jack Donner's spoken word CD, Hearts On Fire, a Jack Donner original dramatic-humoresque script about the human psyches.
BornApril 18
  • More at IMDbPro
    • Contact info
    • Agent info
    • Resume
BornApril 18
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
  • View contact info at IMDbPro
  • Awards
    • 15 wins & 11 nominations

Photos102

Jody Jaress screen shot from horror film 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH
Jody Jaress, Lance Henriksen FRAGILE STORM
Jody Jaress screen shot filming  VASELINE at Melody Ranch
Jody Jaress screen shot MOTHER'S DAY MEMORIES
Jody Jaress
Jody Jaress with Chris Roe, Manager at JEXA AWARDS
Jody Jaress NCIS
Jody Jaress
Jody Jaress
Jody Jaress
Jody Jaress
Jody Jaress NCIS

Known for

Mark Harmon, Maria Bello, Wilmer Valderrama, Rocky Carroll, David McCallum, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, Emily Wickersham, and Diona Reasonover in NCIS (2003)
NCIS
7.8
TV Series
  • Leora
The Edge of Her Mind Anthology (2022)
The Edge of Her Mind Anthology
6.3
  • Older Woman (segment "Fragile Storm")
  • 2022
Titanic 666 (2022)
Titanic 666
3.3
  • Mrs. Straus
  • 2022
2 Bedroom 1 Bath (2014)
2 Bedroom 1 Bath
3.7
  • Agnes
  • 2014

Credits

Edit
IMDbPro

Actress

  • Bound
    • Alex
    • Post-production
    • Short
  • Alone
    • Samantha
    • In Production
  • Life Goes On
    • Adriel
    • Completed
    • Short
  • Mark Harmon, Maria Bello, Wilmer Valderrama, Rocky Carroll, David McCallum, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, Emily Wickersham, and Diona Reasonover in NCIS (2003)
    NCIS
    • Leora
    • TV Series
    • 2023
  • Patrick Gorman and Suzanne Von Schaack in The Wonder of Love (2022)
    The Wonder of Love
    • Jo jo
    • Short
    • 2022
  • Titanic 666 (2022)
    Titanic 666
    • Mrs. Straus
    • 2022
  • The Edge of Her Mind Anthology (2022)
    The Edge of Her Mind Anthology
    • Older Woman (segment "Fragile Storm")
    • 2022
  • Blood Born (2021)
    Blood Born
    • Lilith
    • 2021
  • Piotr Adamczyk, Rafal Królikowski, Dorota Segda, Magdalena Gawecka, Pawel Domagala, Przemyslaw Stippa, Anna Smolowik, Jacek Knap, Sandra Herbich, and Emma Giegzno in In for a Murder (2021)
    In for a Murder
    • Wanda (English version, voice)
    • 2021
  • 48 hour Lost & Found (2020 IV) (2020)
    48 hour Lost & Found (2020 IV)
    • Rich Lady at Mansion
    • Short
    • 2020
  • Bill Hoversten and Jody Jaress in Mother's Day Memories (2019)
    Mother's Day Memories
    • Mother
    • Short
    • 2019
  • Ana Alexander, Hana Hayes, and Alexandra Grossi in Her Mind in Pieces (2019)
    Her Mind in Pieces
    • Older Woman (segment "Fragile Storm")
    • 2019
  • Misha Segal, Alan Williams, Gloria Morrison, David Pomeranz, Jody Jaress, Cletus Bradley, Alyssa Morrison, Vivienne Kjono, and Socrates A. Charos in Mykonos Blue (2019)
    Mykonos Blue
    • Grandmother Paloma
    • 2019
  • Jack Donner and Jody Jaress in So This Is Love (2016)
    So This Is Love
    • Josey
    • Short
    • 2016
  • Tuc Watkins and Devon Graye in Retake (2016)
    Retake
    • Debbie
    • 2016
  • Duke (2016)
    Duke
    • Kate Strong
    • Short
    • 2016
  • Fragile Storm (2015)
    Fragile Storm
    • Older Woman
    • Short
    • 2015
  • See Me (2014)
    See Me
    • Emma
    • Short
    • 2014

Writer

  • Jack Donner and Jody Jaress in So This Is Love (2016)
    So This Is Love
    • co-writer
    • Short
    • 2016
  • TRACES OF MEMORY a psychological drama by first time director/writer Jody Jaress starring Maray Ayres, Saratoga Ballantine and featuring Daniela Torchia
    Traces of Memory
    • writer
    • Short
    • 2014
  • Jack Donner and Jody Jaress in So This Is Love (2009)
    So This Is Love
    • Writer
    • TV Series
    • 2009

Director

  • TRACES OF MEMORY a psychological drama by first time director/writer Jody Jaress starring Maray Ayres, Saratoga Ballantine and featuring Daniela Torchia
    Traces of Memory
    • Director
    • Short
    • 2014
  • In-development projects at IMDbPro

Videos14

JODY JARESS (drama reel)
Demo Reel 2:47
JODY JARESS (drama reel)
Jody Jaress in EYE OF DAN (comedy)
Demo Reel 7:26
Jody Jaress in EYE OF DAN (comedy)
Jody Jaress in LAST CALL
Demo Reel 2:59
Jody Jaress in LAST CALL
Jody Jaress in 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH (Interview)
Demo Reel 1:15
Jody Jaress in 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH (Interview)
I Am Somebody: No Chance in Hell
Clip 1:00
I Am Somebody: No Chance in Hell
I Am Somebody: No Chance in Hell
Clip 1:08
I Am Somebody: No Chance in Hell
DUKE "behind the scenes" Promo Video
Interview 11:22
DUKE "behind the scenes" Promo Video
Retake
Trailer 1:15
Retake
2 Bedroom 1 Bath
Trailer 1:45
2 Bedroom 1 Bath
Hollywoodland
Trailer 1:56
Hollywoodland
Frenemy
Trailer 1:28
Frenemy
Strawberry Eggs
Trailer 2:08
Strawberry Eggs

Personal details

Edit
  • Official sites
    • Facebook
    • Facebook Fan Page
  • Alternative name
    • J.E. Jaress
  • Height
    • 5′ 5½″ (1.66 m)
  • Born
    • April 18
    • Ottawa, Illinois, USA
  • Spouse
    • Michael F. JaressDecember 12, 1962 - 1975 (divorced, 2 children)
  • Children
      JonCary Jaress (JC Jaress)
  • Relatives
      Ondine Zoë Jaress(Grandchild)
  • Other works
    TV commercial: RA Access Medication "Empowerment" 2001.
  • Publicity listings
    • 16 Articles

Self-verified on IMDbPro

  • Gender / Gender identity
    • Female

Did you know

Edit
  • Trivia
    Jody attended the _Monaco Charity Film Festival (2008)_ where she had two feature films competing against each other and a short respectively: Chain Link (2008) winning Best Picture, Chinaman's Chance: America's Other Slaves (2008) and The Guest (2005).
  • Trademark
      Jody's trademark is definitely her luscious hair. Ask anyone
  • Nickname
    • Jody

Related news

Contribute to this page

Suggest an edit or add missing content
  • Learn more about contributing
Edit page

More to explore

Production art
List
The Best Things to Watch in June
See the list
Production art
Photos
See These Trending Actors in Early Roles
Can you place the face?

Add demo reel with IMDbPro

Demo reel thumbnail
Make your IMDb page stand out by adding a demo reel
Upload your demo reel

Add demo reel with IMDbPro

Make your IMDb page stand out by adding a demo reel
Upload your demo reel
Demo reel thumbnail

How much have you seen?

Keep track of how much of Jody Jaress’s work you have seen. Go to your list.
Production art
Photos
LGBTQIA+ Power Couples of Hollywood
See the photos

Recently viewed

Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
Get the IMDb App
Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
  • Get the IMDb App
  • Help
  • Site Index
  • IMDbPro
  • Box Office Mojo
  • IMDb Developer
  • Press Room
  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices
IMDb, an Amazon company

© 1990-2023 by IMDb.com, Inc.