Rising Star Jolene Legrand Reimagines Noir in ‘Dance with the King’

There’s something refreshingly authentic about Jolene Elisabeth Legrand’s approach to acting. The Venezuelan-born performer, who cut her teeth in Italian theater before settling in the UK, isn’t just another face in the crowd. Since 2019, she’s been quietly but consistently building a reputation as one of independent cinema’s most intriguing new talents.

Her latest starring role in “Dance with the King” (currently in post-production, releasing Summer 2025) showcases what those in the industry have already noticed – Legrand has that rare ability to disappear completely into her characters. While many actors claim versatility, watching her seamless transitions between roles in recent projects like “Modern Day Masking” (2023) and “Shockwaves 2” (2024) proves she walks the talk.

“I wanted to create something that would challenge me as an performer,” Legrand says about her latest project, where she not only stars but also serves as executive producer and writer. It’s this kind of artistic ambition that sets her apart in an increasingly crowded field.

Between takes, you might catch the award-winning actress practicing stage combat or running lines in one of the three languages she speaks fluently – English, Italian, and Spanish. Her mezzo-soprano voice training adds another layer to her already impressive skill set, though she’s refreshingly modest about these accomplishments.

Recent appearances in “Same Lovers” (2024) as Amy and her role as an Italian Reporter in “Shockwaves 2” showcase her growing filmography. She’s also set to appear as Bridgette in the upcoming “Forever Yours,” currently in pre-production. You can catch glimpses of her work on her Instagram page, where she occasionally shares behind-the-scenes moments.

“Dance with the King” particularly stands out in her portfolio. The 12-minute short film, directed by Sonia Amino and produced by Compact Film, grew from Legrand’s fascination with film noir and her desire to breathe new life into the genre. Rather than simply recreating classic tropes, she’s taken the bold step of reimagining them for contemporary audiences.

“I wanted to de-objectify the figure of the Femme Fatale, make her more human,” she explains, revealing the thoughtful approach she brings to her craft. This balance of respect for classical cinema and forward-thinking creativity seems to be Legrand’s sweet spot.

Currently diving into a new feature film while juggling auditions, Legrand maintains the kind of packed schedule typical of rising stars. Yet she somehow finds time to continue her training through masterclasses, demonstrating the work ethic that’s becoming her trademark.

For those wanting to keep up with her rapidly evolving career, her Linktree offers the most current updates on her projects and appearances. After “Dance with the King” completes its festival run, viewers can expect to find it on streaming platforms like Prime Video and Mubi.

In an industry that often favors flash over substance, Legrand represents something different – an actor equally committed to entertainment and authenticity. As she continues to take on more challenging roles and expand her creative horizons, one thing becomes clear: this is just the beginning for Jolene Legrand.