Find out Jameela Jamil’s surprising path from BBC Radio to celebrity on The Good Place. Listen to her open narrative and transforming auditions.
Jameela Jamil’s acting career began how?
Recently sitting down on David Tennant’s podcast, Jameela Jamil spoke about her unusual career route to acting.
She had a rather different career before she started to be a regular sight on NBC’s smash comedy The Good Place.
Presenting on BBC Radio 1’s Chart Show, Jameela decided in 2015 she just wasn’t feeling television anymore.
She even teased about completely giving up TV to focus on DJing and writing.
What Set Her Change in Motion?
When life curved her path, Jameela acted boldly. She traveled with her musician lover and, after a difficult period with only $17 in her bank account, she begged for any job—even if it was not glamorous.
Her desperation drove her to auditions she never would have thought of attending.
One was even for organizing a magic performance in Las Vegas, but then received the unannounced call meant to permanently alter her life.
How Was The Good Place Designed?
Jameela nearly skipped the The Good Place audition, believe it or not. She first thought it sacrilegious to attempt acting without any expertise.
She decided to try it nonetheless when sources informed her that auditioning may increase her reputation and provide access to the writers’ room.
That choice brought her screen time alongside Ted Danson, Manny Jacinto, William Jackson Harper, and Kristen Bell.
Her Viewpoint on the Traveling Path
Jameela acknowledges her career turn has been nothing less than a fortuitous trip.
She is especially appreciative of any chance, large or little as she feels as if she has always been in the right place at the right moment.
Her narrative reminds us that audacious moves—even driven by desperation—can result in unanticipated and incredible possibilities.