Meet Becky Jo Harris | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Becky Jo Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Becky Jo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I think I’ve been pursuing a career as an actor since I was little, before I even knew I was pursuing it. I loved storytelling, I loved thinking with my right brain (the creative/visual side), and I loved watching people create.

This always comes as a shock, but growing up I was super shy. But because I was so shy, I would spend most of my time making and creating things. When I was 7, I used a typewriter to write and illustrate a children’s book. I think it was about a pug…I can’t remember, but I’m sure my mom still has it somewhere. I also used to paint still lifes of various objects I’d find around the house, of which I know exist because they are still hanging in said house. And I can’t forget all of the scenes from my favorite movies and tv shows I would reenact in my room. Thank goodness my mom doesn’t have evidence of that.

I just loved creating. So it makes sense that I combined my love for all of these things and became an actor and artist. And I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to figure out how to pursue these things as a career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Honestly, I’m the most proud of the fact that I keep going. Do you know how many times I’ve auditioned for something, gotten so close, almost booked it, and then never heard anything? Last year I thought for sure I’d be the spokesperson for Lay’s Potato Chips, but now here I am just eating Lay’s Potato Chips waiting for my next audition. There are so many shoulda, coulda, woulda’s but we just have to keep going, because it’s the people that keep going for 10, even 2o+, years that become “overnight” successes. I think the best way to get through and past the constant rejection is to find a way to create your own art. I love making my own funny videos/sketches/characters, and doing that has helped me not feel so hopeless or helpless. That and having someone to complain to. Thanks mom.

We also have to not put so much weight into everyone’s criticism. You are the one that knows yourself the most. Not that random person that messaged you on Insta saying you should do such and such because he/she heard from whosiwhat that such and such was the way to do things. Being yourself is your biggest selling point, so why do EXACTLY what everyone else is doing? Listen to those around you, learn from them, and then find ways that work best for you.

Because of this approach, I feel like I’ve been able to build a brand that is uniquely me. I know that I am quirky, bumbly, relatable Becky Jo. And if I keep marching to the beat of my own drum, who knows? Maybe one day a casting call will say “seeking a Becky Jo Harris type”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here is a list of things to do in Phoenix coming from a fourth generation Arizonan.

Let’s paint the picture. You fly in. It’s April or October because the weather is perfect in those months. I pick you up, and I hand you list of things to do. This list consists of:

– Walk around Downtown Phoenix. We could:
– Go to Songbird Coffee and get a latte and a scone.
– Go to Welcome Diner and get a fried green tomato and other tasty foods.
– See a show at Stand Up Live.
– Walk to Hanny’s and grab a drink and check out the art installation they have.
– Eat at Pizzeria Bianco which has the best pizza in town.
– Check out a show at Valley Bar or The Van Buren or Crescent Ballroom, all of which have the
coolest vibes and always have great bands and artists playing.
– Or stop into any of the other cool, artsy places Downtown Phoenix has to offer.
– Eat at Durant’s. It’s more expensive, but the history and ambience of the place makes it worth it. When you arrive, you go through the backdoor and through the kitchen. You then find yourself in a dining room filled with dark red booths and lined with lush red wallpaper. Order some oyster’s and a signature cocktail. You won’t be disappointed.
– Eat some delicious and authentic Mexican food at the Tee Pee.
– Hike Camelback mountain and see the valley from a bird’s eye view.
– Check out First Fridays downtown. Every first friday of every month you can walk Roosevelt Row and see hundreds of local artists show off their art and perform.
– Peruse the Brass Armadillo. There are so many antiques there, you’re bound to find some hidden treasures.
– Go to Captain Bill’s Submarine Shop. While you wait for your sub, you can check out all of the cool 80’s and 90’s memorabilia and tables covered in pictures of past frequenters. My aunt used to go here in the 80’s and actually has a picture on one of those tables. It’s my claim to fame whenever I go there.
– Go to the West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In movie theater. Opened in 1952, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the latest films while enjoying a piece of the past.

I would list more, but there are so many other things to do this list would be a mile long. Arizona is filled with so many hidden treasures and adventures. I’ve lived in AZ my entire life, and I still I have so much more to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No no don’t make me choose! There are so many people that have helped me along the way and supported me.

Ok, if I had to choose, I’d say my mom. She’s the one that listens to me complain when things don’t go right. Which is A LOT. She’s the one that drove me from AZ to LA at 4am when I randomly wanted to do background work on ‘The Goldbergs’. She’s the one that still says that the book I wrote and illustrated when I was 7 is a masterpiece and needs to be published. She’s helped me financially when I’ve needed and emotionally when I’ve felt down. I feel so lucky to have my mom.

Website: https://www.beckyjoharris.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeckyjoharris/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/beckyjoharris

Image Credits
Steven Fellheimer Photography Dustin Bojorquez Alejandro Cruz