Jessi Case, 16, grew up in PTC, acting since 5
Fayette County’s ties to Hollywood can be seen in more than one of the top films now playing at the local multiplex.
Aside from “Captain America: Civil War,” which was filmed in part at Pinewood Atlanta Studios, the film “Mother’s Day” includes a local native as part of its cast.
Jessi Case, a 16-year-old who grew up in Peachtree City, has a major role in “Mother’s Day” alongside such famous names as Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson and many others viewers will recognize from other films and television shows. The director is Garry Marshall, who Jessi called “a living legend” in a separate interview.
Case portrays Rachel, and her father is portrayed by Jason Sudeikis. One media report describes Rachel as “a wise-beyond-her-years 16-year-old who is having to take on the role of ‘mom’ following her mother’s passing.”
“My character is really mature and responsible,” she explained in an interview. “She’s a co-parent and given the family situation which I don’t want to give away, she’s a good friend and really responsible. She’s like the glue of the family.”
Jessi hasn’t appeared to be overwhelmed by the status of her co-stars, and she spoke fondly and complimentary of each one she worked with.
She had the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the April 13 premiere in Hollywood, according to her mother Dianne, and was complimented as one of the best-dressed stars at that event.
“Mother’s Day” is her second feature film listed on her bio at imdb.com. She also appeared in the 2012 thriller “The Yellow Wallpaper” after numerous print campaigns and commercials since she discovered her passion for acting at age 5.
The family first moved to Peachtree City in 2000 but has lived in Los Angeles most of the past four years, Dianne said. Now they are in Fayette County about 50 percent of the time. Jessi’s brother Tyler is also an actor.
Jessi won the part in “Mother’s Day” after auditioning along with scores of other young ladies vying for the role. Ironically, after spending so much time the past few years on the west coast, this movie was filmed in Atlanta last summer, and the family was glad to spend that time here while she was working.
“It was almost surreal,” Dianne said, talking about how her daughter was able to work alongside so many legitimate stars in the “Mother’s Day” cast.
While no specific details are available right now, Jessi is in the running for some other major roles in the near future.
“She’s so excited. She’s been working so hard,” said Dianne. “ “Millions of kids have talent but not all have the opportunity. We’re just blessed to be part of a great team.”
Jessi is active on Twitter, Instagram (more than 30,000 followers) and Facebook. She also has a YouTube channel.
“I love nothing more than acting,” she told a reporter in Los Angeles recently. “Since I was a little girl it’s all I’ve wanted to do.”
