The Art of Growing Up on Screen: Jordyn Curet in Conversation
Jordyn Curet is a name you might already recognize, but her latest projects prove she’s an artist continuously redefining herself. At just 17 years old, the multi-talented actress and musician has already built a remarkable resume. Best known for her heartfelt, three-season run as Shamiah on ABC’s hit comedy Home Economics, Curet recently stepped into emotionally complex territory in A24’s 2026 romantic dark comedy The Drama. Portraying the younger counterpart to Zendaya’s lead character, she brings a nuanced depth to a role navigating the messy realities of identity and transformation.
Beyond the screen, Curet’s drive is equally impressive. A four-time Young Entertainer Award winner, with honors that include her stage portrayal of a young Phylicia Rashad in the live show A Tale of Two Sisters, she has spent her life balancing the demands of Hollywood with the everyday realities of being a teenager. She is also a passionate philanthropist who founded the non-profit Jordyn’s Joy to uplift underprivileged youth, and a gifted musician who plays ukulele and guitar, writes original songs, and participated in the 2023 Super Bowl ad.
As she enters this challenging new chapter of her career, Jordyn sat down to reflect on the art of restraint in acting, the invaluable lessons learned from observing Zendaya on set, and how she stays grounded amidst the whirlwind of the entertainment industry.
“The Drama” marks a significant shift in your career, moving into more emotionally complex territory. How did you approach preparing for a role this layered, especially one that required so much restraint? Was there a particular scene or moment that challenged you in a way you didn’t expect?
I was really drawn to young Emma because she's probably one of the most complex characters I've ever played. Every time I read the script, I felt like I noticed something new about her. I spent a lot of time building her backstory and figuring out why she behaved the way she did because I didn't want to judge her, I wanted to understand her.
One thing that challenged me was realizing that not every emotion has to be obvious. There were moments where I thought I needed to do more, but I learned that sometimes the most effective choice is trusting the audience to see what's happening underneath. That was something I hadn't really experienced to that extent before.
Young Emma deals with themes of identity and transformation. Did any part of that feel personal to you, even if the circumstances are completely different from your own life?
Even though the circumstances are obviously very different from my own life, I think I connected with the idea of trying to figure out who you are. Being a teenager is kind of a constant process of growing and changing. You're learning new things about yourself all the time. I think that's something a lot of people can relate to, and it definitely helped me understand her better.
Working alongside Zendaya is a big moment for any young actress. What did you take away from sharing that space with her, whether on set or just observing her work?
She was so kind from the moment I met her. What impressed me most was how present she was. She has accomplished so much, but when she's working, she's completely focused on the scene and the people around her. Just getting to watch that up close taught me a lot. She's also someone who makes people feel comfortable, which meant a lot to me as a younger actor.
A lot of young actresses talk about the pressure to grow up fast in this industry. How do you navigate that while still being 17?
I think I'm really lucky to have people around me who keep me grounded. I love acting, but I also try to remember that I'm still seventeen. I still go to school, spend time with my friends and family, and just do normal things. For me, it's about making sure acting is something I love, not something that becomes my entire identity.
You have four Young Entertainer Awards, including one for portraying a young Phylicia Rashad. How do you approach playing a real person, especially someone with that kind of legacy?
Playing a real person is always a little intimidating because it comes with a sense of responsibility. You want to honor who they are while still creating a performance that feels genuine. I try to learn as much as I can about the person and understand them beyond just the facts. That way, you're not just doing an impression—you're trying to understand the human being behind it.
“Home Economics” has been a constant in your life for a while now. What has it been like to grow up within a long-running production?
It's honestly been such a special experience. I grew up on that set, and when you're around the same people for that long, they really become family. I learned so much there, not just about acting, but about being on a set and working with a team. It will always be a huge part of my journey.
Social media for someone your age in this industry can be a tool or a trap. How do you use it in a way that still feels like you?
I try to use it as a way to connect with people and share things I'm excited about, but I also think it's important to have a life outside of it. Social media can be fun, but it can also make you compare yourself to other people if you're not careful. I try to remember that it doesn't tell the whole story of someone's life.
You founded Jordyn’s Joy at a young age. Where did that impulse come from, and how has running a nonprofit shaped how you see yourself outside the industry?
I've always wanted to use my platform for something bigger than myself. Starting Jordyn's Joy came from wanting to give back and create something positive. It's taught me a lot about responsibility and leadership, but it's also reminded me how important community is. Some of the most meaningful experiences I've had have happened through my work with Jordyn’s Joy.
You sing, play ukulele and guitar, have released an original song, and sang at the Super Bowl. Is music something you see growing into a bigger part of your public identity, or does it stay personal for now?
Music has always been a really important creative outlet for me. I love acting because you get to tell someone else's story, but music feels a little more personal. Right now, I'm just enjoying exploring it and learning more about myself as an artist. It's definitely something I want to keep growing in.
What excites you most about this current chapter in your career?
The opportunity to take on more challenging roles and keep growing. Every project teaches me something new, and I feel like I'm at a point where I'm learning so much about the kind of stories I want to tell. I'm excited to keep pushing myself and seeing where that leads!