Jessica Sherr talks about her show ‘Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies’

Jessica Sherr. Photo Credit: Ted Ely

Actress and performer Jessica Sherr chatted about her upcoming show “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies” at the Triad Theater in New York City on June 20th.

 How has your experience been doing “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies”?

I’ve been playing Bette Davis onstage for over 12 years and it’s been an incredible ride! The show has grown and evolved so much over the years and I’m still having a blast playing her – she was such a badass!

I also love introducing Bette to audiences who may not be familiar with her or with her incredible story.

What do you love most about this show?

 What I love most about Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies is that the show is an emotional rollercoaster (it’s happy, it’s sad, it’s funny and also tragic)–just like life. I think that’s the reason that audiences come see the show a 2nd and 3rd time– the show is so alive.

I also love that this is a show about women’s empowerment and specifically about a fearless woman and artist and a trailblazer who was one of the first to speak out in Hollywood against the studio system.

Bette was a fighter and I love being able to channel her strength and resiliency on stage. 

What motivates you each day as an actress and performer?

That I don’t have to sit at a desk job! (Laughs). No, but seriously, I think it’s an innate need to create and to be creative. I can’t sit still. As an artist, it’s your job to be a conduit for art to exist and it’s so much fun.

How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)

 Being an actor and producer today, with the prevalence of technology and social media, allows me to share and perform my work with audiences all over the world in a way that I couldn’t in the past.

During COVID for example, I performed Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies live every Thursday for people all over the world, from my computer. It blew my mind that we could all find a way to connect with each other during such a disconnected time.

And, because I filmed my show during COVID, now people can watch the show on Broadway on Demand.

 I love when people come see my show in New York, but for those who don’t live in the Tri-State area, streaming platforms give people the opportunity to check it out! 

What do your plans for the future include?

I am developing two feature film scripts at the moment, including a feature film about the life of Bette Davis that I co-wrote with writer, Caitlin Sherer. I will play Bette Davis on the big screen!

I am also working on the feature film Hilary Quick Doesn’t Talk to Her Anymore with Chandler Wild and Scott DelaCruz (which was a semifinalist at the Austin Film Festival) and I plan to continue working in television.

What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?

Start small. Take a class and make sure you go every week. That accountability will turn into part of your routine. Also, make your own projects and don’t forget to enjoy every moment. 

What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)

That’s a great question! To me, success means being accountable to yourself and always showing up with integrity for your work. I never dreamed that Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies would be successful.

I just started writing the show and from there, I’ve gone on this incredible journey of performing the show all around the world.

The show originally made its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, followed by runs in London and Chicago and I have now performed over 400 shows to date! It’s mind-blowing. And it goes to show what happens when you put in the work.

What would you like to tell our readers about “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)

I want people to feel like they’ve gotten to know this very special woman. Bette was a trailblazer and one of the first to stand up and speak out in Hollywood. I want audiences to learn more about her confidence and what a badass she was.

We could all benefit from being a bit more like Bette David and standing up for what we believe in–with integrity. 

To learn more about Jessica Sherr, follow her on Instagram.

For more information on “Bette Davis Ain’t For Sissies,” visit its official website.