There really isn't anyone who looks like her in the filming industry right now and it's so refreshing to see a protagonist like that. I hope she makes it big because she's talented, cool, pretty and has a lovely personality.
She’s amazing and so stunning. This is niche but I’ve always been very insecure about my nose and lips. They look similar to hers. But seeing her and recognising her ethereal beauty makes me see it in myself?? 🥲 Beauty standards today for women is big lips and tiny noses and it’s good to see not just that on screen!
@@markcruz359I mean mixed Asian. We usually see actors who are either fully white or fully Asian but it's rare to see a mixed Asian actor/actress playing a major role in any production. Of course I know there are other mixed Asian actresses out there like Celina Jade from Arrow, Olivia Munn, Kristin Kreuk, etc. But overall, they're rare and don't get a lot of screentime or major roles. So I'm really happy with this show not only casting Jessie to play the protagonist but also writing the character specifically for someone of mixed race like her.
She said smtg along the lines of "i hope people can find a character in the show that they can relate to and feel less lonely" and to me, and I'm sure to many others, Alina was that character. Thank you Jessie for portraying such a an amazing character and bringing life to it.
@Liam Bradley You got a problem with that? White actors and actresses used to play Asian characters all the time before Asians became more prominent in the modern film industry. More racial bullshit, right ?
One thing among the many things I love about her is that she always tries to connect with everyone, being a genuine friend. I watched a lot of interviews and all the cast kept mentionning that Jessie invites them to lunch to get to know each other even though she doesn't necessarily have a scene with that actor
Jessie is so naturally endearing - so down-to-earth and warm - you just want to be her friend right away. Plus, she played Alina wonderfully. I love the diversity and representation in the show - it didn't feel like tokenism at all, and I appreciate how they showcased the casual racism that Alina faced due to her being part Shu Han.
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
@@louisfriend7388 and they isn’t necessarily a plural pronoun, it’s just a gender neutral pronoun, so it’s fine that Jessie can use it for themself, because she decided that those are the most comfortable pronouns for them
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
every interview of jessie always has this wonderful lesson/realization.. It's so refreshing to see actresses think this way, being open about the show and also her flaws
I feel like she's unapologetically herself and I adore that so much. People (including her in this video) are talking a lot about non-white actors in main roles and I see how that is important, but honestly as a white girl I never had a problem with finding representation in media (I do see the problem though). What I did notice about Jessie Mei Li immediately though when I first saw her outside of Shadow and Bone were her piercings. I love them so much and I am kind of relieved to have her also show that side of young people to the world. I know she doesn't wear them on screen, but still, I love to see that representation as well! She's a gem.
Im Mexican so for me this is so important. Even in my country we get a lot of foreigners getting important roles. And latinas in American movies get just the sexy or maid roles.
@@Stephaniacat I get that! But apart from ethnicity (which as a white person I am aware I can't say a lot about from experience but only from what others told me or I read), I love how Jessie Mei Li also shows that young people can have piercings (and therefore slightly alternative people in general) and have successful careers! That's also an aspect of diversity, isn't it?
I LOVE HER ACTING, HER STYLE AND HER NATURAL BEAUTY! SO REFRESHING AND SHE IS MIXED RACE/EURASIAN! Also, nice to see someone who embraces her natural beauty... no hair dye, minimal makeup, rebel style with piercings, tan-ness/glow, vintageish style and thickish natural eyebrows! She's not afraid to talk about imperfections... in fact, she embraces and promotes them! Which is not something you witness a lot these days
jessie is such a breath of fresh air! it has been a while since I related to someone behind a certain character from a show/movie, and honestly watching these kinds of interviews gives me such a happy feeling, I can't explain it. but it's like I feel calmer and lighter. thank you for the interview ✨
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
It warms my heart to hear Jesse call herself an "actor of color," and how it was important that the show calls out the racism Asian people experience. I can't wait to see what this series and Jesse do next.
she is so sweet, I was very glad that they made Alina mixed, thought at first I could not tell :D, but after reading books, in the show it definetely adds more depth to her and the world, love how it is explored
I relate to jessie in so many ways, especially growing up biracial (japanese/swiss) and the struggles with it. Jessie is such an amazing, inspiring and loveable person, I never had such a "relationship" with an actress before. I absolutely adore her🤍
Her acting is spot on when she smiled as both light and dark Elena. It is really entirely different person but by the same person who plays it. She is so amazing.
Jessie is beautiful inside and out. She knows the importance of representativeness, she is intelligent and a person I would love to sit and talk to. In love with her ❤❤
Jessie is beautiful inside and out, amazing inspirational actress to look up to, she is amazing and plays the best Alina in Shadow and Bone, so happy for her, those people are unkind to her are not worth it, we are all here for you no matter what, beautiful name 🙃💖❤️💚💟💙💝💜♥️
She seems like a super nice and really down to earth person. She did a great job shadow and bone and I really hope she gets more roles that she enjoys in the future.
At first I thought she's Russian, she doesn't look exotic really. I love them, Jessie is whimsical, lovely and very down to Earth. I would marry this woman 💛🖤☀️ *don't mind me, I'm just fangirling rn
she and amita both deserved stunt doubles that looked like them. they even painted amita's in brownface rather than getting a stunt double with a similar skin tone.
Because it happens all the time. It has nothing to do with racism. Get over yourself. It depends on the availability and skillset of stunt performers. Stop trying to look for problems that isn't there. Stop trying to find new things to be upset about. Some people are really suffering in this world. Not like you with your fake outrage.
She is a beautiful person and she is so cute. I glad to see people with other ethnicities working as protagonists. It is important to world see that we are a single race.
It's so crazy to me that they weren't originally pursuing acting because they played the hellllll out of Alina. Like... I actually love series Alina which is wild cuz book Alina was sort of a not-like-other-girls girl nut series Alina is so amazing omgggg
The best part about her S&B character is that in a lot of ways it seems like she’s playing herself. And as someone on the autism spectrum who struggled for years with accepting myself & also realizing there is a lot of good with me too , it’s very relatable.
Tbh, if she passed me on the street in my country, I would not doubt that she is a Russian or from Eastern Europe, there are a lot of people with similar looks. When I watched the series I wondered a couple of times where she came from, I mean, maybe this actress has Slavic heritage (maybe they actually found someone from Slavic countries, since the theme and culture were partially present in the original books)? Her appearance evokes comfort and a sense of something familiar, as she is similar to the people around me here in Russia. Her appearance doesn't look exotic to me at all, as opposed to how it was presented at the beginning of the video. I will wait patiently for the second season and probably read these books, thanks to the fans who stormed all the news feeds.
I’m also half white and half chinese and have been asked if I’m Polynesian before😅 it’s funny how when mixed we could look like anything, I quite enjoy hearing people’s guesses
There really isn't anyone who looks like her in the filming industry right now and it's so refreshing to see a protagonist like that. I hope she makes it big because she's talented, cool, pretty and has a lovely personality.
She’s amazing and so stunning. This is niche but I’ve always been very insecure about my nose and lips. They look similar to hers. But seeing her and recognising her ethereal beauty makes me see it in myself?? 🥲 Beauty standards today for women is big lips and tiny noses and it’s good to see not just that on screen!
yes
What do you mean by "looks like her"? You mean asian?
@@markcruz359I mean mixed Asian. We usually see actors who are either fully white or fully Asian but it's rare to see a mixed Asian actor/actress playing a major role in any production. Of course I know there are other mixed Asian actresses out there like Celina Jade from Arrow, Olivia Munn, Kristin Kreuk, etc. But overall, they're rare and don't get a lot of screentime or major roles. So I'm really happy with this show not only casting Jessie to play the protagonist but also writing the character specifically for someone of mixed race like her.
I agree mostly but I think Olivia Munn got a similar look too
She seems so cool, natural and honest/unpretentious.
I admire Jessie she has a warm, friendly, bubbly personality she's someone I would love to be friends with.🧸
@Liam Bradley ?
@Liam Bradley You know her?
She said smtg along the lines of "i hope people can find a character in the show that they can relate to and feel less lonely" and to me, and I'm sure to many others, Alina was that character. Thank you Jessie for portraying such a an amazing character and bringing life to it.
Being Eurasian (half French, half Taiwanese), I'm so happy and proud to see a leading actress who looks like me on screen 😍 Love you Jessie 💕
yep bi-racial actors are getting more recognition in this time and age. Jessie has alot of potential, her future is bright.
Isn't Taiwanese China? so technically Half French, Half Chinese?
@@kennethmajorSG Taiwan is a country, so half Taiwanese is correct!
@@Annyliaoo but the people are Chinese.
i'm taiwanese! hiiiiii
Thanks Harper's bazaar for bringing Jessie. Jessie is so beautiful talented and love this show they are perfect
She’s the perfect one to play Alina omg
@Liam Bradley You got a problem with that? White actors and actresses used to play Asian characters all the time before Asians became more prominent in the modern film industry. More racial bullshit, right ?
She is unpretentious and warm, truly a sun summer, and her being honest with who she is
Loved hearing about the audition process and chemistry reads. I always feel that gets forgotten but is so interesting
She's perfect really for alina, she's better than what i imagined alina was the books. Truly she's sunshine
One thing among the many things I love about her is that she always tries to connect with everyone, being a genuine friend. I watched a lot of interviews and all the cast kept mentionning that Jessie invites them to lunch to get to know each other even though she doesn't necessarily have a scene with that actor
Mei Li means "beautiful" in Mandarin and it's such a lovely part of her name!
Her last name is Li, most likely written as 李, so my guess is her name is more like a homonym to 美丽 (beautiful). Either way, lovely name.
Jessie is so naturally endearing - so down-to-earth and warm - you just want to be her friend right away. Plus, she played Alina wonderfully. I love the diversity and representation in the show - it didn't feel like tokenism at all, and I appreciate how they showcased the casual racism that Alina faced due to her being part Shu Han.
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
@@louisfriend7388 "they" was referring to the show's production, wasn't it?
@@louisfriend7388 and they isn’t necessarily a plural pronoun, it’s just a gender neutral pronoun, so it’s fine that Jessie can use it for themself, because she decided that those are the most comfortable pronouns for them
@@louisfriend7388 they doesn't have to be pluarl. Please inform yourself
she’s literally the human form of sunshine
she is one of the prettiest people i've ever seen. just an insane aura overall
I LOVE watching Jessie's interviews. This is definitely one of the best. And I have such a girl crush on her. She's amazing.
hi! i know you meant no harm but a reminder that jessie goes by she/they pronouns!
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
@@louisfriend7388 using they/them pronouns doesn't mean you have to call yourself 'we' or 'us' or anything plural.
@@louisfriend7388 you don't seem to know that "they" is also singular
It's lovely that Jessie kind of sensed Archie would be perfect for the role before he even knew he had it !! 🙂
every interview of jessie always has this wonderful lesson/realization.. It's so refreshing to see actresses think this way, being open about the show and also her flaws
@@janet6001 sorry I dont mean to be rude but if you use she/they isnt what the original author said still ok?
Jessie is amazing! They did perfect as Alina
as a halfie its really awesome to hear someone on screen talk about the struggles of a dual heritage!
jessie really is a literal sunshine!! im gonna go cry again bcs the casting is so perfect 😩🤌✨
Jessie is the embodiment of human sunshine and I love her so much
She sounds really down to Earth. I so hope the show will be a success.
I feel like she's unapologetically herself and I adore that so much. People (including her in this video) are talking a lot about non-white actors in main roles and I see how that is important, but honestly as a white girl I never had a problem with finding representation in media (I do see the problem though). What I did notice about Jessie Mei Li immediately though when I first saw her outside of Shadow and Bone were her piercings. I love them so much and I am kind of relieved to have her also show that side of young people to the world. I know she doesn't wear them on screen, but still, I love to see that representation as well! She's a gem.
Im Mexican so for me this is so important. Even in my country we get a lot of foreigners getting important roles. And latinas in American movies get just the sexy or maid roles.
@@Stephaniacat I get that! But apart from ethnicity (which as a white person I am aware I can't say a lot about from experience but only from what others told me or I read), I love how Jessie Mei Li also shows that young people can have piercings (and therefore slightly alternative people in general) and have successful careers! That's also an aspect of diversity, isn't it?
Yeah omg I love her piercings so much too!
I swear I will never get tired of these interviews. Jessie is such an amazing actress and person. ❤️😭
A literal sunshine☀️
thank you harper's bazaar for featuring our sun summoner!!! 😭🙌🏻☀️
I LOVE HER ACTING, HER STYLE AND HER NATURAL BEAUTY! SO REFRESHING AND SHE IS MIXED RACE/EURASIAN! Also, nice to see someone who embraces her natural beauty... no hair dye, minimal makeup, rebel style with piercings, tan-ness/glow, vintageish style and thickish natural eyebrows! She's not afraid to talk about imperfections... in fact, she embraces and promotes them! Which is not something you witness a lot these days
jessie is such a breath of fresh air! it has been a while since I related to someone behind a certain character from a show/movie, and honestly watching these kinds of interviews gives me such a happy feeling, I can't explain it. but it's like I feel calmer and lighter. thank you for the interview ✨
What a gem of a person ✨💫
I love her & this show so freaking much❤️❤️
@@janet6001 - you need to wake up and grasp the concepts. First of all, please notice that Jessie refers to herself as “I “ not “ We” throughout the interview. A true plural spirit would always refer to themselves as “We” or “Our-self”. Jessie is not a true plural and may never become one. Therefore Calling Jessie “she” is absolutely fine. Please don’t ask Jessie to take that extra step when she/ they aren’t ready. It’s about respecting her/their choice not your choice. You have no idea how hard it is to become a true plural and the shame society throws at you when you do!
It warms my heart to hear Jesse call herself an "actor of color," and how it was important that the show calls out the racism Asian people experience. I can't wait to see what this series and Jesse do next.
She looks so friendly and easy going, I already love her 🥺
WASIAN REPRESENTATION it’s so nice to see someone that looks like you on screen
her smile really is like a ray of sunshine, i can never get enough of it. 🥺
she is so sweet, I was very glad that they made Alina mixed, thought at first I could not tell :D, but after reading books, in the show it definetely adds more depth to her and the world, love how it is explored
My goodness what a beautiful woman, her skin is perfect.
Jessie is so inspiring, i love them so much 💗
I think this is the first comment I’ve seen that uses the ‘them’ pronoun
I love them so much. They're so sweet❤
I relate to jessie in so many ways, especially growing up biracial (japanese/swiss) and the struggles with it. Jessie is such an amazing, inspiring and loveable person, I never had such a "relationship" with an actress before. I absolutely adore her🤍
She’s so good! I can’t believe she just stumbled into acting then made a break so soon!
THEY'RE MY FAVOURITE PERSON EVER
Her acting is spot on when she smiled as both light and dark Elena. It is really entirely different person but by the same person who plays it.
She is so amazing.
I love her accent and she's cute, preety & talented as well 😍
Loved this!! Bring Amita Suman next we all love her character Inej!!!
Jessie is beautiful inside and out. She knows the importance of representativeness, she is intelligent and a person I would love to sit and talk to. In love with her ❤❤
i wanna give her a hug . Like a really big hug
Jessie is beautiful inside and out, amazing inspirational actress to look up to, she is amazing and plays the best Alina in Shadow and Bone, so happy for her, those people are unkind to her are not worth it, we are all here for you no matter what, beautiful name 🙃💖❤️💚💟💙💝💜♥️
Jessie was perfect in this role i really hope to see more of her in other roles in the future
She seems like a super nice and really down to earth person. She did a great job shadow and bone and I really hope she gets more roles that she enjoys in the future.
At first I thought she's Russian, she doesn't look exotic really. I love them, Jessie is whimsical, lovely and very down to Earth. I would marry this woman 💛🖤☀️
*don't mind me, I'm just fangirling rn
she and amita both deserved stunt doubles that looked like them. they even painted amita's in brownface rather than getting a stunt double with a similar skin tone.
Because it happens all the time. It has nothing to do with racism. Get over yourself.
It depends on the availability and skillset of stunt performers.
Stop trying to look for problems that isn't there. Stop trying to find new things to be upset about.
Some people are really suffering in this world. Not like you with your fake outrage.
loved Jessie as Alina! I hope the show gets renewed soon and we will get to see her in a few more seasons
She is a beautiful person and she is so cute. I glad to see people with other ethnicities working as protagonists. It is important to world see that we are a single race.
Im so happy for her!!!! love her so much!!!!
@@janet6001 i actually knew that and i did do the correct, her=she but thanks for putting out the word.
She is such a darling and I loved her performance in the show. This is her first gig - so cool!! Love her nose piercings too!!
It's so crazy to me that they weren't originally pursuing acting because they played the hellllll out of Alina. Like... I actually love series Alina which is wild cuz book Alina was sort of a not-like-other-girls girl nut series Alina is so amazing omgggg
she’s the friend who waits for u when u have to stop and tie ur shoes while the rest of the group leaves
Her accent is incredible. I want to be able to talk like her. 🥰🥰
The best part about her S&B character is that in a lot of ways it seems like she’s playing herself. And as someone on the autism spectrum who struggled for years with accepting myself & also realizing there is a lot of good with me too , it’s very relatable.
She's a queen, I feel so seen with her character :)))
I would die for Jessie Mei Li
THEY ARE SO CUTE AND HER SMILEEE
He is a very nice person.she is a charming actor and wants to see his work from Thailand.🇹🇭
I LOVE HER!!!
She's enchanting ☀️
She’s so beautiful 🥺
Tbh, if she passed me on the street in my country, I would not doubt that she is a Russian or from Eastern Europe, there are a lot of people with similar looks. When I watched the series I wondered a couple of times where she came from, I mean, maybe this actress has Slavic heritage (maybe they actually found someone from Slavic countries, since the theme and culture were partially present in the original books)? Her appearance evokes comfort and a sense of something familiar, as she is similar to the people around me here in Russia. Her appearance doesn't look exotic to me at all, as opposed to how it was presented at the beginning of the video. I will wait patiently for the second season and probably read these books, thanks to the fans who stormed all the news feeds.
I’m also half white and half chinese and have been asked if I’m Polynesian before😅 it’s funny how when mixed we could look like anything, I quite enjoy hearing people’s guesses
@@jade728 her dad's chinese , not white.
I hope there's S2 coz I really lover her as Alina ^^
I like her voice and charisma. Go Jessie Go.
shes so pretty . she is perfect for alina.
Absolutely radiant, Jessie is such an empowering woman
HOPE SHE'LL GET THE RECOGNITION SHE DESERVES
Very happy for her
literally stan Jessie Mei Li
i love them so much, words cannot explain
THEYRE ICONICCCCC
I admire her. I hope she knows that she makes us more confident🤍
Loved this interview ❤️❤️
She so humble...❤
I want to see Jassie in more roles, i love the energy that she/they has
Yeah. I'd love to see her in Star Wars.
@@eyesthere that is the best idea i have ever heard in my life
I just adore her. She seems super sweet and super fun.
they're so lovely and so talented 💕
Jessie is very cool. Wish her nothing but success.
she is very beautiful, sweet, adorable, and fun person ❤❤❤
jessie is so incredibly bae i love them sm
She’s so pretty 🤩
She is so precious 🥰❤️
She is amazing! The perfect Alina!
She's so sweet 🥺💖
they're so wonderful ughhh
She's so beautiful
shes such a big inspiration
She looks better without the nose ring. Loved her in Shadow & Bones.
Okay, but who cares?
Half Chinese！ Proud of you
What a lovely person. Love the vibe
she's so pretty and cute
She is such a sunlight ❤
They should put her in the MCU
Agreed
perfect for the role