Task 101: Introducing Jamila Wilde
Part 1 - The Basics
What is your full name?Jamila Elizabeth Wilde (born Jamila Elizabeth Louis)
Where and when were you born?I was born in Van Nuys, California on Valentine's Day, 1992. So yes, I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, even if my life hasn't always been a fairytale.
Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.) My mom is Sheila, a nurse. Super caring, always putting others first. My dad, Jamal, is a bit more reserved. He's an accountant, so everything has its place and time with him. They're both amazing have always been my greatest example of love, partnership and ambition.
Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like? I'm an only child, but I have a few cousins who are like siblings to me. Grew up with them, got into all sorts of trouble with them... they're my family, for better or worse.
Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.I'm living the high life (sort of) in downtown LA! I snagged a penthouse condo at 825 South Hill. It's modern, sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a killer view of the city. And... it's just me. Independent woman, remember?
What is your occupation?Actress, and part-time professor teaching Communications at UCLA. Gotta pay the bills between those big acting gigs, you know?
Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.(Laughs) You want me to describe myself like I'm on a dating app? Okay, let's see... I'm mixed race, my dad's Dominican and Trinidadian, and my mom's Haitian. I've got this warm brown skin that looks amazing with a tan. My hair? It's a force of nature, dark and curly. Usually, I keep it styled, but on my days off, it's a full-on fro. Eyes are big and round, deep brown. And I've got these full lips—bow-shaped, that make me look like I'm always pouting, even when I'm not. Now, about my style... I'm not really a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. I'm confident in my body—it's curvy and voluptuous, and I like clothes that accentuate that. I love dresses that hug my curves, high-waisted skirts, anything that makes me feel feminine and powerful. And shoes? Honey, I live in heels. They make my legs look miles long. Oh, and I've got a few tattoos—a feather under my left breast, a portrait of my maternal grandmother who passed away on my right arm, my other grandmother's name on my wrist, my grandfather's name on the side of my finger, and one between my breasts that I don't talk about much because it was a dare. And I've got a scar on my knee from when I was a kid and tried to jump a fence. Not my finest moment.
To which social class do you belong?I guess you could say I'm upper-middle class now, but I definitely had a working-class upbringing. That's helped me keep things in perspective. I can rock a designer dress on the red carpet, but I'm just as happy in some athleisure wear.
Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?Thankfully, no. Healthy as a horse. Unless you count a weakness for chocolate...
Are you right- or left-handed?Left-handed. Always been a bit of a rebel.
What does your voice sound like?I've been told I have a warm, expressive voice. It's gotten me a few voiceover gigs, so I guess it's working for me!
What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?"Like" probably way too much. And "literally." Oh, and everything is "crazy." Which is crazy, right?
What do you have in your pockets?My phone, obviously. Keys. Usually a lip gloss. And maybe a crumpled receipt or two.
Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?I talk with my hands a lot. Like, a lot. And you know that phrase "bite your tongue?" Well, sometimes, when I'm like deep in thought or trying to hold back from saying something, I'll bite lip or my cheek or something. And I can be a bit of a perfectionist, which can be annoying, I'm sure. But hey, it's helped me in my career.
Part 2: Growing Up
How would you describe your childhood in general?It was... interesting. A bit of a split life, really. I grew up in Van Nuys, which was pretty chill, but then we moved to D.C., which was a whole different world. I went to a private school there, so I was always switching between this "good girl" persona and then hanging out with my friends in the neighborhood, being a totally different person.
What is your earliest memory?Playing with my cousins at my grandma's house in Van Nuys. We were running around in the backyard, laughing and having fun. It was a simple memory, but it's one that I cherish.
How much schooling have you had?I graduated from high school in D.C. and then went on to get my master's degree in Communications from UCLA. Teaching at the college level, you gotta have those credentials!
Did you enjoy school?It had its moments. I liked learning new things, but I wasn't always the best student. I was definitely more interested in having fun with my friends.
Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?I'd say a lot of it came from just living life. Making mistakes, learning from them, and figuring things out as I go.
While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.My mom was a big role model for me. She's such a strong and independent woman, and I've always admired her for that. And honestly, I have a cousin who lives in New York. She's always had her head screwed on straight, and she's been a great friend and mentor to me.
While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?I have a pretty big extended family, but I'd say we're pretty tight knit. My grandparents were always visiting us or we were having big family gatherings at their places in Maryland and Orlando, respectively. Like I said, I have a lot of cousins who are like siblings to me. We've been through thick and thin together. The dynamics actually pretty different for each one. My mom has a sister in Van Nuys with two kids. The oldest, we're close in age, and before I moved to the East Coast, we were pretty inseparable. We're not as close as when we were kids, but I'd still say we're best friends. The other is a few years younger and kind of looked up to me growing up. I did my best not to lead her astray. (Chuckles) My dad has a twin brother in NYC who also has two kids. One of whom was like my rock growing up. She's still like my role model to this day. The other... well, we've had a rocky relationship, but family is family. There's not much I wouldn't do for them.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?An actress, of course! I've always loved performing and being the center of attention.
As a child, what were your favorite activities?Anything creative, really. I loved to sing, dance, and act. I was always putting on shows for my family and friends.
As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?I was always a bit of a ham, always trying to make people laugh. I was also very outgoing and social, and I loved being around people.
As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?I wouldn't say I was popular, but I had a close group of friends who I loved hanging out with. We were all a bit quirky and different, but we had a lot of fun together. The crew that I spent time with at school was very different than the one in my neighborhood, though.
When and with whom was your first kiss?Yikes, that's embarrassing. It was with a boy named Michael at a school dance in middle school. It was awkward and sloppy, but it was a kiss nonetheless.
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?(Slightly hesitant) No, I'm not. I lost my virginity to my first boyfriend when I was 15.
Part 3: Past Influences
What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?That's tough... There have been a lot of important events. Moving back to L.A. after college was definitely a big one. It was a fresh start for me, and it allowed me to really focus on my career. But also, the time I spent with my cousins in New York. They really helped me to grow and figure out who I am.
Who has had the most influence on you?My cousin, honestly. She's always been a great friend and mentor to me. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?Building a successful acting career. It's been a lot of hard work, but it's been worth it. And also, being able to teach at UCLA. It's a way for me to give back and help other people achieve their dreams.
What is your greatest regret?Not being more honest with my parents about what I was going through during that tough time in D.C. I was so caught up in trying to be the "perfect daughter" that I didn't let them see the real me.
What is the most evil thing you have ever done?(Takes a deep breath) Okay, this is gonna sound bad, but... I once totaled my ex-boyfriend's car by putting sugar in his gas tank. He had lied to me about something really important, and I was so angry that I just snapped. I know it was wrong, and I'm not proud of it, but it happened.
Do you have a criminal record of any kind?Nope, clean record here. Thank God, homie covered for me about that car thing...
When was the time you were the most frightened?So once upon a time, someone I cared about ghosted me. I had no idea where they went or what happened to them. It wasn't super long after my grandma died, and I was really just thinking the worst. I actually spent years worried this person was at the bottom of the Potomac River until I saw them on TV one day.
What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?Oh God, there are so many to choose from. But one that sticks out is when I tripped and fell on stage during a play in high school. I was mortified.
If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?I would have been more open and honest with my family about my struggles. They love me unconditionally, and I know they would have been there for me if I had just let them in.
What is your best memory?Landing my first big acting role. It was a dream come true. And also, getting my master's degree. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.
What is your worst memory?Losing my grandma. That was just... devastating.
Task 102: A Deeper Dive