by Daron Pressley

October 18, 2015

‘Castle’ Star Tamala Jones Talks Near Death Experience and Strong Roles For Women of Color

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After enduring this experience Jones currently finds herself playing the role of a medical examiner on the hit ABC show Castle. With many stereotypes and mainstream networks often typecasting women of color, Jones is able to breakthrough this barrier. “One thing I can say is that I have always known ABC to be diverse, and they are ok with giving ethnic women strong roles,” says Jones.

Lanie was not written for an African American actress and she was not cast as a series regular. Lanie was initially cast as a guest star in the pilot with a possible recurring role if the show got picked up. “When it comes to breaking barriers, you as an individual [have] to be the one to do it. Sometimes when you go into a casting office they have a character breakdown, but they may not know what they are looking for. You have to show them.”

There is a misconception amongst actors that everything is very specific in Hollywood. What often separates actors is being able to adapt. “Sometimes it is not what they want,” Jones tells BlackEnterprise.com. “It is like,’oh they did want this but now they want that,’ because you showed them something different. My role shows that African American women can be more than just wives. We can be doctors, lawyers, and we do not have to play the role as someones mate. We can be strong characters too.”

Strong in her spiritual beliefs, and a tenacious will to succeed in a very cutthroat industry, Jones has undoubtedly become one of Hollywood’s most respected and enduring beauties. This belief has pressed on despite the many challenges and setbacks experienced throughout her career. Although many have doubted her, she wants to leave the message that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself.

“A lot of people may not see your vision quite the way you see [it], and you have to be ok with that,” says Jones. “But whatever you want in life, first stay spiritually-grounded, then put your mind, energy, and heart into it. When you do this you will have everything that you want. You may not have it when you want it, but you will have it.”