IN CONVERSATION WITH JORDAN COLEMAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jordan Coleman is quickly emerging as one of television’s most compelling new talents. Currently starring as Cheyenne Barnes in BET’s long-running hit Sistas, now in its 10th season, she brings emotional nuance and unpredictable energy to the role of Andi’s younger sister. Trained at Ivana Chubbuck Studio, Margie Harbour, Graham Shields Studios, and the Upright Citizens Brigade, Jordan blends technical discipline with instinctive vulnerability. With past roles in Rebel Moon, Part One: A Child of Fire, All American: Homecoming, and more, she is steadily building a career defined by authenticity and ambition, both on-screen and beyond.

Sistas is now in its 10th season. What has it been like stepping into such an established series?

When you join a show this far into its run, you’re stepping into a machine that’s already moving. The audience already trusts the storytelling, so there’s a responsibility to honor what’s been built while still bringing something new. What I really appreciated was how collaborative the environment was. Even though the show is well established, there’s still a lot of room to explore the character and make the role of Cheyenne fully lived in.

Cheyenne is emotionally complex and a little chaotic. Beneath the turbulence, she is searching for connection. How did you tap into that vulnerability?

I tried to look past the surface of what she does and focus on why she does it. A lot of her choices come from a place of wanting connection but not always knowing how to ask for it in a healthy way. Once I grounded myself in that emotional need, the vulnerability started to come through naturally.

How do you balance making Cheyenne entertaining while keeping her grounded in truth?

Characters become entertaining when they’re unpredictable, but they stay compelling when they’re human. My goal is always to understand why Cheyenne behaves the way she does. Once I connect to that emotional logic, I can lean into the bigger moments without losing the authenticity.

What has the audience response been like so far?

It’s been really passionate, which I think is the best thing you can hope for as an actor. Some viewers really empathize with Cheyenne, and others find her frustrating at times. But that kind of reaction means the character is resonating. She’s written as the emotional younger sister of the group, so she brings a bit of chaos and vulnerability into the story, and that naturally creates strong opinions.

Do you find yourself leaning more into preparation or instinct when building a character?

I tend to start with preparation. I read every episode front to back and look at everyone’s scenes before I even start memorizing my own because I want to understand the full emotional landscape of the story and where my character fits within it. Once I have that foundation, I try to trust my instincts on set and stay present with my scene partners so the moments still feel real and spontaneous. 

You’ve worked across genres, from sci-fi to drama. Where do you feel most at home?

Comedy is definitely a strong suit for me, but honestly I feel most at home anytime I’m in front of the camera. I really love acting and portraying a character. Any time I’m not being Jordan Coleman, I get the chance to understand someone completely different from myself. Whether it’s sci-fi, drama, or comedy, you’re still diving into someone else’s emotional landscape, and that process is what makes it so much fun for me.

You’ve said you’re drawn to physically demanding roles and hope to lead an action film. What kind of action story would excite you most?

I’m really drawn to action stories that also explore the emotional life of the character. A show like ‘Killing Eve’ resonated with me because it wasn’t just about the action. You really got insight into why these characters made the choices they did and how love, relationships, or identity shaped them. I love action, but what excites me most is telling a deeper human story through those moments. And on a personal level, I also just think it’s really fun to be able to use my body in that way. I feel like that’s a gift God gave me, and it would almost feel crazy not to put those abilities on screen.

Fitness and movement are a big part of your life. How does that discipline influence your craft?

Fitness and movement have taught me a lot about discipline and consistency, and those same principles carry into my craft. Acting requires focus, endurance, and being fully present, and training my body helps me stay grounded and prepared for that. It also allows me to bring a physical awareness to my characters, especially in roles that require action or movement, which makes the performance feel more authentic.

Muay Thai, hot yoga, surfing, what do these practices teach you mentally as well as physically?

Practices like Muay Thai, yoga, surfing, and dance have really taught me how to handle things under immense pressure while staying calm. That’s not easy. It’s a skill I had to learn and build habits around over time. They also help me understand my body better, which makes me feel more confident and grounded when I move through a space, especially on set.

You’ve traveled to many countries. How has travel shaped your understanding of character and humanity?

Travel has really reminded me how universal human emotions are. No matter where you go in the world, people are still navigating love, family, loss, joy, and purpose, just in different environments and cultures. Experiencing that firsthand makes you realize how connected we all are. As an actress, I think it deepens my empathy and understanding of people, which helps me approach characters with more humanity and perspective.

In a world of quick fame, how do you stay focused on long-term growth?

I try to remind myself that the goal isn’t quick fame, it’s impact. It’s about the people you can inspire, help, or even just brush past in a positive way. Sometimes we forget there are billions of people in the world, and even small moments of kindness or inspiration can ripple outward. If you focus on reaching people with love and authenticity, you’re contributing to something much bigger than just attention in the moment.

Outside of acting and fitness, what fuels your creativity?

Honestly, just living life fuels my creativity. Traveling, meeting different kinds of people, having real conversations, and experiencing new environments all give me perspective. I really believe every single person has a story to tell, and no story is boring. Everyone deserves a voice, and the more I observe and understand people, the more I feel like I have to draw from when I step into a character.

TEAM CREDITS

talent JORDAN COLEMAN
photography JONNY MARLOW
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA