Australian Actress and Performer Morgan Jago
We recently caught up with talented actor and performer Morgan Jago from Australia who is doing amazing things in the world of showbiz. She was happy to share with us her experiences thus far, achievements and plans for the future in entertainment. Here is what she had to share with our readers:
Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when you first got into performing?
Well I started dancing and performing in an amazing dance company in Australia when I was 5 and then at about 11, if I remember correctly, I started playing music specifically the piano. I used to always put on dance performances for the grown up’s organizing the other kids, probably pushing them around (laughs) -choreographing them and making sure everyone turned up to watch so I suppose I was a bit of a producer even at that tender age! I traveled and lived in many countries and I guess now looking back I was gathering life experiences to be an actor. I moved to New York city to pursue music, I was writing my own songs by then, and signed to a record company whilst at the same time was trained by Sanford Meisner’s apprentice Ron Stetson at the legendary Neighborhood Playhouse in the craft of acting. To Mr. Stetson I’ll always be very grateful as he kicked my butt for a year until I could truthfully act under given circumstances and have been working as an actor ever since.
What inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
Art. I’m an artist and creativity and expressing myself has always driven me to act. That firstly and now one of the things that is motivating me is the desire to have all people represented in film and television not just having a token Asian, African-American or indigenous person in the group to look like diversity is represented but telling stories that represent cultures of the world in all situations and having different kinds of people play those roles because that is a truthful representation of our world. Being Australian but English-Chinese by blood, I am one of many people who doesn’t look like a stereotypical nationality or ethnicity -and yet there are many people in the world like me, and I feel that when more of our real world is reflected on the screen it will help more people feel they have a place and a voice.
What kind of training have you had, if any?
Lots of it! I’m so lucky I’ve had the best coaches and mentors in the world. Kristy Sexton for acting, Karen Nimereala for singing, Gabrielle Rogers for dialect to name a few. I believe an actor should always be training no matter where they are in their career and in life -because in truth, the moment you feel like you know everything you’ve lost the game.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
The last role I played as a priestess mother from a fantasy land was really sweet and lovely to play. I really enjoyed stepping into a role of caring for everyone else, as I’m not a mother in real life, but it felt nice to step into those shoes. I like to go quite deep into a role and “Vespera’s” shoes felt really nice! She’s powerful, strong and caring. It was a comforting role to play.
What projects do you have coming up?
I’ve written and produced what I’m calling a ‘noodle’ western, you’ll get that joke if you put spaghetti and Eurasian together. I’m really excited to play a character, a very cool character, I created for myself and create a film of my own for the first time. So stay tuned in for that! I’ve also just signed with a fantastic new agent in Los Angeles and am relocating so I’m super excited to start working with them and doing lots of new and exciting projects that come my way!
What has been your favorite moment on set so far?
The opening scene for “Aquaman”. Hands down one of the most monumental things I’ve ever seen. It took the set builders months to build a lighthouse on the most scenic point on the Australian eastern seaboard and we came in for one night of shooting to do the scene where Aquaman’s dad (played by Tempura Morrision) finds Queen Atlanna (Nicole Kidman). It was breathtaking, the set, the man-made creation of a storm, the sun setting, the whales that came over to say hi with a big tale splash and all of the crew stopping, which never happens. I thought wow this is what humans can accomplish with a bit of organization! It was really special.
Who would you most like to work with?
Definitely David Lynch, I love that guy! Everything he does is mind expanding and even how he advocates meditation which is something I’ve always practiced and advocated as well. He’s in my opinion one of the best artists of our time. Quentin Tarantino, if he makes another film! Stanley Kubrick, though I know now it’s impossible of course. Jon M. Chu because his work is beautiful and game changing for Asian representation in Hollywood. Also, I think I’d be perfect in the Game of Thrones prequel.
What are your plans for the future?
To just keep working, creating and uplifting. My goal is to always be working with great people making great art.
What is your advice to aspiring performers?
To just keep working, creating and uplifting. My goal is to always be working with great people (and) making great art. I also have a book coming out in a couple of months. Also, believe in yourself and never compare yourself to others because you being you IS how you get the job! Find a really great mentor/teacher/coach. Don’t buy into all the bullshit about it being a hard career, you can do whatever you want in life. Keep your mind clear, do what you’re passionate about and just keep going. Don’t quit and you’ll see it will all work out.
