Jeannette Blackwell

Jeannette Blackwell was born and raised in Akron, OH. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and was featured in their February 2015 issue of THE CENTRALIAN as “an Alumni on the Move”. Her background includes theater, television, film and print media. Ms. Blackwell's theater performances have received Best Supporting Actress in a Play nomination from the Joseph Jefferson Non-Equity Award committee in Chicago; The Lena Horne Award/Best Featured Actress nomination from The Black Theatre Alliance of Chicago; and she received the Best Actress Award in Collaboraction Theater of Chicago's 2001 Sketchbook Festival. Some of Ms. Blackwell's favorite theater performances include the role of "Felicity" in The Shadow Box at Karamu House in Cleveland, OH. The Cleveland Plain Dealer described her performance as, "excellent"! Her performance as "Hattie McDaniel/Mammy" in Dog & Pony Theatre Company of Chicago's production of The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler was described as, "A performance to beat all performances" by the Chicago Tribune, and her memorable performance as "Ms. Gussie Mae Black" in the Chicago Theatre Company's production of Morning, Noon and Night was hailed as "brilliant" by the Chicago Sun-Times. Other stage credits include "Mrs. Thomas" in Richard Wright's Native Son at Stage Actors Ensemble; "Sister Moore" in James Baldwin's The Amen Corner at ETA Creative Arts Foundation of Chicago, and the role of "Oprah Winfrey" in Factory Theatre of Chicago's campy production of Siskel and Ebert Save Chicago. The late film critic, Roger Ebert, attended opening night and gave the production his famous "thumbs up". Ms. Blackwell made her theatrical director debut in the world premiere production of In Three Days, written by Attorney Ted Johnson at The New Marietta Theatre In The Square in Marietta, GA. She also directed its remount at 7 Stages Theatre in Atlanta. Her television works include background work on Season 4 of the Showtime series, THE CHI; Ava DuVernay’s THE RED LINE on CBS; Season 1 of the FOX series, THE RESIDENT; Season 1 of GOOD GIRLS on NBC; part of the core Calvary Church staff in Seasons 2 and 3 of the OWN-TV drama, GREENLEAF; the pilot for Lee Daniels', STAR on FOX-TV and "Mrs. Adams" in the FOX series, RED BAND SOCIETY. Film works include background actor in the Academy Award winning film SELMA and she co-starred as "Sarah" in the independent Civil War film, DOG JACK, narrated by Academy Award winner, Louis Gossett, Jr. Her other credits include advertisements for BP Amoco; Midas Mufflers; Treasure Island Resorts & Casinos and the National Restaurant Association. Blackwell’s future projects include a new series coming to HBO called, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE and co-starring in a new film called, THE COMING. Ms. Blackwell is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.