“I think it’s always going to be hard for black actresses and has been since we’ve been in the business,” Jones comments. “However, the business is definitely changing, and we have to find our place in this business. In the movie industry, we often find ourselves working for Tyler [Perry] or on independent films.”
The Pasadena, Calif., native began her career as a teenager in television commercials and broke into the big screen in comedies such as “Booty Call” and the dramatic comedies “The Wood,” “The Brothers” and “Two Can Play That Game,” to name a few. She also co-starred in the television shows “For Your Love” and “The Tracy Morgan Show.” The actress earned guest starring roles on “Everybody Hates Chris,” “ER” and “My Name is Earl.”
In a sex-crazed and reality TV-dominated culture, Jones says roles that reflect African American actors and actresses are less prevalent than when she started in the business. Shows such as “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” “Living Single” and “Martin” were the rave, and they placed a spotlight on the positive, yet realistic, dynamics of the African American community.
“Martin was funny and crazy, but he showed you what friendship meant,” she says. “Many people aren’t investing money into quality projects anymore and are not conscious of what they put on TV.”
With the projects she undertakes, Jones says she stays cognizant of the roles she portrays on television and on the big screen. Recently, Jones starred in “35 and Ticking,” a comedy about a group of childhood friends who face midlife crises with their relationships, or lack thereof. She admits her character in this film is a little close to home for her, as she gushes over babies and has conversations similar to those in the movie within her own circle of friends. In this project, Jones worked alongside some of her role models in the industry: 
Nicole Ari Parker, Jill Marie Jones, Kevin Hart and Dondre T. Whitfield.
“I love that the movie is friendship- and relationship-based, which we don’t see enough of on the screen,” says the actress. “It’s the kind of movie that makes you think about your life after the project.”
Jones says she values relationships and mentoring and credits this to her grandmother, who was a foster mother of more than 100 children. The actress says her grandmother introduced her to The Rosemary Children’s Services, a West Coast organization that also helps foster children. Jones adds that her family keeps her grounded, which is important to her and necessary in order to maintain the balance of working in the entertainment industry.
“My grandmother doesn’t like how open young girls are today about their sexuality,” says the actress. “She reminded me that I’m a role model. It’s my responsibility to show them something worthwhile and not conform.”
Tune in to “Castle” on Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.
Follow Tamala Jones on Twitter at @tamalajones.
