10 Things about Jaicy Elliot
You’ve just begun on your journey as an actor. What made you decide to get on this path and how did you get your start?
When I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to perform somehow. It was only in middle school that I auditioned for a play and realized that this was something I could do my whole life. I love this work, it never ceases to amaze and challenge me. I believe that I have grown with it and it has now become an essential part of who I am.
Which actors did you look up to and which ones have had a positive impact on your career thus far?
I’ve always had a soft part for the underdog. I am a big fan of a strong supporting actor. I think sometimes they can be overlooked. I really appreciate all actors and do have a long list of favorites in hollywood but the most influential ones would definitely be the actors I have worked with. From my classmates in Theatre School in Paris to the cast of Grey’s Anatomy, I have learned so much from each individual actor. I feel incredibly lucky to have met so many artists in my life and I look forward to meeting many more!
You’re on television’s most successful shows, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. How were you first introduced to the show and what made you excited to jump on board?
Starting on Grey’s Anatomy was exciting! I had been a fan of the show for a long time and I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. Add to that was the fact that I was part of the intern group. The six of us were so enthusiastically welcomed by everyone, it was incredible. I think they were looking forward to having new kids around. I had a great time discovering the whole set and meeting the cast, crew and writers! There are so many talented people to meet on that show. I had a lot of reasons to be excited!
On the series, you play the part of Dr. Taryn Helm. What can you tell us about her personality, and what you enjoy most about brining her character to life?
Let me start by saying that I genuinely love Taryn. I have so much compassion for her. I think she is strong and well meaning. She also has a compassionate side to her that she can sometime mistake for vulnerability, which she doesn’t like. That said, I have a lot fun with how short she can be. I like that she can be a little harsh even if it’s with herself. But, she is also very funny and calls it like it is. It makes for a very contradicting person, and that’s always interesting!
You’re part of the intern clan on the show. How much preparation did you do prior to this role in order to prepare for a medical set?
We have amazing doctors on set who work with us, they do a great job at teaching us the motions that doctors have to go through. Having watched the show forever, I knew of the tone of the show for a while. It almost felt obvious to me. It’s only later that it occurred to me that being a fan of the show had prepared me in the best possible way. Everything fell in place when I started actually working on the show. It was such a cool experience, it’s still a thrill.
What can fans and viewers expect to see from Taryn and the rest of the doctors on Grey’s?
The season has already started and I think the beat has been set from the start. There are a lot of moving parts and things are being shaken. I’m so excited for this season, as an actor and a fan. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Off set, you’re a celebrity ambassador for the organization Valley Community Healthcare Center. What is your involvement consist of and what is their mission?
I love the Valley Community Healthcare Center. I am so thrilled to be working with them, it’s such a special place. They provide so much low cost solutions for their community, it’s amazing. From health prevention, to diagnosing, to treatment, to actually having an onsite pharmacy, they will help anyone who needs medical attention. They even make their own vision glasses to lower costs for patients. I’m serious about this place. They are so committed to helping as much people as possible, I feel honored to work with them. I want to spread their message and hopefully help to create more opportunities for places like these to exist and thrive. I believe health should be a right for all and wish places like the Valley Community Healthcare Center to become pillars of our communities.
If you weren’t working as an actor, what career choice would you make instead?
I come from a long line of mental health specialists from my mother’s side. I believe I have been unintentionally groomed to become one myself. I am always curious about the human psyche and how different we all are and act. I think in some way it has also influenced my career choice. I most probably would have become just like my mother, but then again, don’t we all at some point?
When it comes to fashion, what designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I love textures! When I buy an item, more often than not, it is for the material and the cut. Because of that I find that I like a lot of Japanese designs like Clergery or Cos. They have really interesting fits, beautiful materials and they are always elegant in simplicity. But, on a daily basis I like to be simple with a twist. Levis’ jeans, a white teeshirt, leather boots and a colored scrunchy, classic and effective.
We look forward to seeing more of you on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
I am on my third season of Grey’s and it’s more exciting than ever. I am still learning so much from it and it feels like home now, that’s where I want to be. I have also co-launched a Music Event Production but that is a work in progress, a passion project. I love organizing concerts in Los Angeles, getting to know all these incredible musicians and giving them a platform. Music is such a big part of my life and i’m very excited about growing our vision for ‘MeAndYou’. Stay tuned.
Twitter: @JaicyElliot
Instagram: @JaicyElliot
Photographer: Michael Anaya/ Christophe Guibbaud/ Paul Gregory
Hair & Make Up: Allison Noelle
Stylist: Brooke Sheperd