Emerging Actress Jolene Legrand Talks Noir Revival and Her Rising Career

Venezuelan-born actress Jolene Legrand radiates enthusiasm when discussing her craft. Settling in London in 2019, she’s steadily built a reputation through award-winning performances that draw from her rich multicultural background. We caught up with her just as she was wrapping up her latest project, a noir-inspired short film that’s already generating buzz.

What drew you to acting in the UK film scene?

Since I moved to the UK in 2019, I wanted to create something to showcase my acting range. This industry gives you so many opportunities to tell meaningful stories, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

How would you describe yourself to those just discovering your work?

[Smiling] I’m an ambitious and resilient person with a bubbly and kind personality. My work and art fulfill my life the most. I’m not perfect – one of my flaws is being quite anxious, but I’ve learned to look at the cup half full! Always start with the positive!

We hear you’re reinventing film noir with your latest project?

Yes! [Laughs] It actually started when a friend described me as a femme fatale. I dove into noir films and fell in love with the genre, and that’s how “Dance with the King” came to life. I’m working with the incredibly talented director Sonia Amino, and we’re currently in post-production. The whole vision was to create a female character who isn’t just mysterious and dangerous, but deeply human, with real emotions. It’s been amazing collaborating with Compact Film on this project, both as an actress and executive producer.

What kinds of roles and projects speak to you most?

I love thrillers, action, and psychological movies. As an actress, I want to use my voice to shed light on issues we still face nowadays, especially regarding how women are portrayed. I love my career, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and opportunities on the big screen.

What do you hope viewers take away from your performances?

[Thoughtfully] I hope my work inspires people. I like to think that if someone else can do something, so can I. So if I can, you can too. Never stop pursuing your dream and enjoy the ride.

What’s coming up next for you?

“Dance with the King” (currently in post-production) releases in Summer 2025! We’re planning a festival run first, then it’ll be available on platforms like Prime Video and Mubi. Meanwhile, I’m working on a feature film and continuing to audition – always staying busy!

Between takes, Legrand continues honing her craft through masterclasses. Her technical skills as a mezzo-soprano, combined with stage combat training and fluency in Italian and Spanish, make her a remarkably versatile performer.

You can follow Legrand’s journey on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, check out her work on IMDb, or find her latest updates on Linktree.

As our conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Legrand’s thoughtful approach to her craft and genuine passion for storytelling are setting her up for a meaningful career in cinema. In an industry often focused on instant success, her dedication to authentic character portrayals and meaningful narratives feels refreshingly sincere — and we’re here for it.