When we look back on 2022, we’ll remember a year that challenged our resourcefulness, emotions, unity, and finances. In the face of these obstacles, we learned the infinite value of togetherness. In THIS INTERVIEW we revisit the last 12 months from the perspective of actor, activist, podcast host, and filmmaker Jacqueline Piñol.
Believable in both voice and live action roles, Jacqueline has impressed a wide audience as Detective Julie Espinosa on Bosch, as Dr. Judith Mertz on Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Evolution, and as the voice of Rio Morales in hit video games Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. She is also the creator of podcast and docuseries The Canine Condition which addresses and discusses the treatment of dogs.
Jacqueline took time out of her busy schedule to share some of her thoughts with us, answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2022 and what to expect from her in 2023. THIS is for YOU!
How would you summarize 2022?
Catching up to normal and living the last 3 years in one.
What was the best song, album, television show, movie, and podcast of the year?
Best song, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift.
Best album, Midnights by Taylor Swift.
Best television show, The White Lotus season 2.
Best movie, ELVIS.
Best podcast, mine – The Canine Condition Podcast , available on Apple Podcasts.
Did you read anything inspiring or influential that you would recommend to others?
This year I needed to read something that would start off my year with some inspiration and positivity. I came across Brené Brown’s Atlas Of The Heart.
My son’s name is Atlas, so I was drawn to the title of the book. But let me tell ya, it is rich with wisdom, inspiration, and empowerment for our journey through life. The cover says it brilliantly, “we are the mapmakers and the travelers”.
What’s something you did to help someone in need, whether you knew them or not?
I paid for medical bills and the spay and neuter of several people’s pets so they could keep their pets and not have to surrender them to a shelter or re-home them due to financial difficulties.
Recall for us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
Back in February, hearing that Russia had invaded Ukraine was beyond heartbreaking. It is 2022 and there are world leaders who think going to war and killing innocent people is justifiable just so they can claim land as their own. That is true insanity.
How did you celebrate your birthday?
I actually took time for me, away from my son and doggies and hubby. I pampered myself with a Spa Mani Pedi and then got all dolled up for a date night with my hubby. We went to Katsuya in Hollywood for dinner.
That weekend we went with the dogs and our son to Lake Arrowhead and just enjoyed nature. It was so peaceful. I needed that.
Why is it important to live every moment of your life to the fullest?
Because you truly do not know when the last moment of your life will be. I say how do you want to live while you are still here? I don’t mean to bring sadness into the conversation but having lost my younger sister 3 years ago to cancer, I will tell you that living life to the fullest every moment of my life is now a daily practice.
It is challenging but knowing that my sis Katherine can’t be here with me ever again, I do it for both of us. She wanted to have the opportunity to live so those of us that are lucky to be here should revel in it.
Were you able to achieve the goals you set?
YES! This has been a crazy year of a lot of “to do’s” on the list. Thankfully I can begin to celebrate because I have finished post-production on my dog rescue documentary series. I have worked on The Canine Condition documentary series for 7 years. And due to many hiccups along the way and lack of funding, I wasn’t able to finish sooner.
This year I set my mind to it, and I did it. We are adding finishing touches to episode 8 of season two and we will be releasing it in January of 2023. I am no longer filming the series. I wanted to be sure that what we did cover and all the work we did do would see the light of day.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
I don’t believe in blessings, but I do believe that the good things that happen to us are results of actions we have taken or the return we get from serious dedication and determination that comes from positive energy. I have a very joyful family unit. My hubby/partner, my son and my dogs encompass so much and what is good and positive in my world. They give me energy and motivation to put my best foot forward.
Tell us how you evolved over the last 12 months.
2022 has been closer to what I feel was normal since 2020. Having experienced what we all have lived through in the last three years and seeing the volatile shifts in our political climate around the country, I walk around with more awareness now. I observe a lot. I purposely extend kind gestures more often. I think we all need that.
Did you experience a defining moment?
Yes.
As an actor, one can get caught up in a web of wanting and waiting. Early this year I realized that I am more than what I do for a living. As a creator and artist, I realize I have more to give and add to the world than to just be an actor. When I finished working with my documentary’s editor on one of the episodes, I sat back and was so proud of the work we did. That was the moment I realized that my personal journey documenting The Canine Condition and advocating for dog rescue and adoption made me a filmmaker.
I have so many stories to tell. I have so many friends who have written beautiful scripts that are shelved but I can envision them coming to life. I never had the confidence to claim this before, but now I do. I am a filmmaker. I want to make films from behind the camera.
What can we expect from you in 2023?
I am acting in a couple of exciting projects that will be revealed in 2023. Due to signing NDAs I’m not allowed to talk about them but as soon as I can at least post about them, I will! I am also very excited about my future in filmmaking.
I applied to film school. I’m the type that likes to learn and going to graduate school to get an MFA is thrilling for me at this point in my life. I want to learn everything about how to make films for any medium. And there aren’t that many Latina directors out there, so who knows what the future holds, but I am excited! | THIS ENT
[By Mr. Joe Walker | Photos by Matt Stasi]
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