IN CONVERSATION WITH JEANINE MASON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jeanine Mason joins Amazon Prime Video in Season 2 of Cross, the hit crime thriller based on James Patterson’s bestselling novels, premiering on 11th February. From winning So You Think You Can Dance to becoming a fan favorite on Grey’s Anatomy and leading Roswell, New Mexico, Jeanine has built a career rooted in versatility, cultural authenticity, and purpose, on screen and beyond.

dress and pants ADAM LIPPES
shoes LARROUDÉ by NICOLÒ B
jewelry DINOSAUR DESIGNS

Cross returns with even higher stakes in Season 2. What excited you most about stepping into this world? 

Getting to be the antagonist. It sounded delicious and challenging, and like such a departure from anything I’ve previously done. That’s my preferred way of making choices in this career. What would be an unexpected and delightful next move.

You are joining as a new character in season 2. What can fans expect from your character? 

She teeters between villain and vigilante. She’s a chameleon, she’s vengeful and unrelenting. She’s a dark angel of sorts. I hope fans are inspired by her passion and horrified by her choices. I hope they’re ultimately motivated to be a part of the solution. They can also expect lots of costumes and antics, so many wigs. I was completely brought down to the studs on this one. I used every “skill” I have and we managed to add a few new ones to the mix.

dress 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
top bangle DINOSAUR DESIGNS
bottom bangle ALEXIS BITTAR
ring ALEXIS BITTAR

The show balances action, crime, and psychology. How do you approach grounding that intensity emotionally? 

It helps to have Wes Chatham as your right hand man. He brought such levity and enjoyment to the awful things these two get up to. He reminded me that these characters have been planning this revenge for so long, now they're here to go down enjoying the pain they're inflicting on these corrupt people. 

You started your career as a dancer. How does that physical and emotional discipline still inform your acting today? 

It’s everything. It's my acting superpower. My favorite kinds of actors are fully engaged in their bodies, there’s magic having that much freedom in your instrument. 

jacket THE FRANKIE SHOP
jeans VIKTOR AND ROLF
bra ARAKS
shoes JIMMY CHOO
earrings DINOSAUR DESIGNS
rings MEJURI

You became a fan favorite as Dr. Sam Bello on Grey’s Anatomy. What did that experience teach you about longevity in television? 

That it’s a rarity and a treasure. I can’t tell you how good it feels to meet Grey’s Anatomy fans. The show has been with them through so much. It’s so cool to meet people and immediately be a safe and comforting space to them because you are associated with something they have such tenderness for. 

Leading Roswell, New Mexico required carrying both a genre show and a cultural conversation. How did that shape your confidence as a lead? 

It was a dream education. I loved the responsibility and it made me a better advocate for myself and for our stories in this industry. Forever grateful. It became the blueprint for what I want to do more of. 

coat, shirt and tie THE FRANKIE SHOP
stockings FALKE
shoes JIMMY CHOO
earrings and rings DINOSAUR DESIGNS

coat, shirt and tie THE FRANKIE SHOP
bag 3.1 PHILLIP LIM

Representation has been a consistent throughline in your work. How do you advocate for authenticity while navigating large studio projects? 

It helps when you have a collaborator like Ben Watkins. We had a meeting before I officially signed on and he laid out all the support he was looking to give. It’s a dream when you’re welcomed like that and when you have a showrunner that is jazzed to celebrate your people. 

You’re deeply involved in social justice advocacy, particularly around immigrant rights and women’s issues. How do those values influence the projects you choose? 

I’m just interested in being a helper. And where I can be of most use to the cause is ensuring we’re represented authentically. It’s what I feel I’m here to do. It makes saying no to projects that don’t center that very easy. 

suit and corset TIBI
shoes JIMMY CHOO
bra STYLIST'S OWN

Growing up in Miami and now living in New York, how have those cities influenced your worldview and creative instincts? 

Worldview wise, I’m most comfortable in vibrancy. Color, culture, all the senses firing. And I think my creative instincts are an extension of that. I’m drawn to size and dynamism. We can do less when we’re dead. 

coat, shirt and tie THE FRANKIE SHOP
stockings FALKE
shoes JIMMY CHOO
earrings and rings DINOSAUR DESIGNS
sunglasses MAX MARA

How do you stay grounded when juggling intense roles, advocacy work, and a fast-moving career? 

I have an incredible support system and I lean on them. I can’t stress enough how important of a choice your inner circle and partner is. My, extremely handsome, partner is incredible and the best thing I ever did was wait patiently for him to arrive. 

As you look ahead, what kinds of characters or stories are you most eager to bring to life next? 

More “opposite of what I just did”, more challenge, more delightful new collaborators and more doing what I can on behalf of my people. More holding up my end of the bargain. 

dress TIBI
shoes JIMMY CHOO

TEAM CREDITS

talent JEANINE MASON
photography ANKA GARBOWSKA
styling ROBYN VICTORIA FERNANDES at The Only Agency
makeup AMANDA THESEN at Exclusive Artists
hair COREY TUTTLE at Exclusive Artists
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA