Talented actress Tamala Jones has appeared in various projects on both the big and small screens. She is recognizable for both comedic and dramatic roles in movies including “The Wood”, “Kingdom Come”, “The Brothers”, “Head of State”, and “Two Can Play That Game”. In late 2009 she appeared on the big screen in the Oscar-nominated feature “Up in the Air”, with George Clooney. In 2010 she co-produced and starred in an independent film titled “35 and Ticking”, which also featured Nicole Ari Parker, Keith Robinson, Kevin Hart and Wendy Raquel Robinson.
Currently starring as Lanie Parish on ABC’s “Castle”, which returns for a 6th season this month, Tamala plays a straightforward and sarcastic forensics analyst who is “whip smart and puts her talents to use on some of (NYPD’s) strangest cases”.
In our September Magazine, Tamala tells COCOTIQUE about her life off the screen, gives us some inside scoop on her acting career, and reveals her Ultimate Beauty Arsenal.
Tell us about a typical day in the life of Tamala Jones. What is your favorite part of what you do?
My days usually start off with a cup of coffee, answering a few emails and then heading off to work. My work day on “Castle” can last anywhere from 8 to 14 hours. I love playing Dr. Lanie Parish! I’ve always played a wife or a girlfriend of someone; I love the challenge of learning all the medical jargon. I simply love acting!!
What has been the best moment of your acting career thus far?
The best moment of my acting career was working with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac in “Head of State”. I had the honor of working with two comic greats and I learned a lot from them. They were both very kind to everyone and they taught me a lot about comedic timing — things only true comics would know. They also taught me that no matter how big of a star you become, your light shines brighter and longer when you remain humble.
Did you always want a career as an actress? What steps did you take to bring your dream to fruition?
I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer!! I tried an acting class at the age of 14 and I loved it!! Going to so many acting workshops, I got discovered by a talent scout and I've been blessed to have been working since then.
What advice would you give a young woman of color who is interested in becoming an actress as well?
It's hard out there for actresses of color … there are not enough roles, but there will always be something for us. Don't give up, no matter how many times you hear no, always study the greats and stay in an acting class/workshop to sharpen your skills.
We love seeing you as a forensics analyst on “Castle”. What types of roles or projects are next for you in the future?
Right now I have an independent film out called "Things Never Said". I also have a film short called "The Box", with my co-star from “Castle”, Jon Huertas. As far as what roles I would like to play next: I want something meaty and challenging.
How do you incorporate exercise into your daily routine when you are spending extremely long days on set?
I work out on my days off. I’ve never been an actress who could exercise during work and then get back into character .
How would you describe your “off-duty” style?
In the summer, I'm in sun dresses and sandals all day. In the winter: jeans, big coats and UGGs.
What is your beauty routine like when you’re not on the “Castle” set?
Sleep is great for beauty!! LOL! I'll go to the spa at least once a week to get a massage and a scrub. I do my own facials. I use a mask on my face every other day. Also, a little bit of pure Shea butter as a moisturizer on your face keeps you with a very youthful appearance.
What is the most luxurious beauty treatment you have ever indulged in?
It was in Belize, outside in a hut, surrounded by a cascading river. I received a brown sugar and honey full body scrub and then I was rinsed with goat’s milk and moisturized with some special oil. My skin was silky smooth and I smelled like candy!
What’s in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal – your top 3 beauty products you can’t live without?
Shea butter, Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo ( my facial wash ) and Epicuren eye cream
Currently starring as Lanie Parish on ABC’s “Castle”, which returns for a 6th season this month, Tamala plays a straightforward and sarcastic forensics analyst who is “whip smart and puts her talents to use on some of (NYPD’s) strangest cases”.
In our September Magazine, Tamala tells COCOTIQUE about her life off the screen, gives us some inside scoop on her acting career, and reveals her Ultimate Beauty Arsenal.
Tell us about a typical day in the life of Tamala Jones. What is your favorite part of what you do?
My days usually start off with a cup of coffee, answering a few emails and then heading off to work. My work day on “Castle” can last anywhere from 8 to 14 hours. I love playing Dr. Lanie Parish! I’ve always played a wife or a girlfriend of someone; I love the challenge of learning all the medical jargon. I simply love acting!!
What has been the best moment of your acting career thus far?
The best moment of my acting career was working with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac in “Head of State”. I had the honor of working with two comic greats and I learned a lot from them. They were both very kind to everyone and they taught me a lot about comedic timing — things only true comics would know. They also taught me that no matter how big of a star you become, your light shines brighter and longer when you remain humble.
Did you always want a career as an actress? What steps did you take to bring your dream to fruition?
I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer!! I tried an acting class at the age of 14 and I loved it!! Going to so many acting workshops, I got discovered by a talent scout and I've been blessed to have been working since then.
What advice would you give a young woman of color who is interested in becoming an actress as well?
It's hard out there for actresses of color … there are not enough roles, but there will always be something for us. Don't give up, no matter how many times you hear no, always study the greats and stay in an acting class/workshop to sharpen your skills.
We love seeing you as a forensics analyst on “Castle”. What types of roles or projects are next for you in the future?
Right now I have an independent film out called "Things Never Said". I also have a film short called "The Box", with my co-star from “Castle”, Jon Huertas. As far as what roles I would like to play next: I want something meaty and challenging.
How do you incorporate exercise into your daily routine when you are spending extremely long days on set?
I work out on my days off. I’ve never been an actress who could exercise during work and then get back into character .
How would you describe your “off-duty” style?
In the summer, I'm in sun dresses and sandals all day. In the winter: jeans, big coats and UGGs.
What is your beauty routine like when you’re not on the “Castle” set?
Sleep is great for beauty!! LOL! I'll go to the spa at least once a week to get a massage and a scrub. I do my own facials. I use a mask on my face every other day. Also, a little bit of pure Shea butter as a moisturizer on your face keeps you with a very youthful appearance.
What is the most luxurious beauty treatment you have ever indulged in?
It was in Belize, outside in a hut, surrounded by a cascading river. I received a brown sugar and honey full body scrub and then I was rinsed with goat’s milk and moisturized with some special oil. My skin was silky smooth and I smelled like candy!
What’s in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal – your top 3 beauty products you can’t live without?
Shea butter, Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo ( my facial wash ) and Epicuren eye cream