Photo Credit: Sami Drasin Photography
Jada Facer is a pint-sized actress who got her big break as the surprise daughter of Joey Lawrence in the fan favorite series ABC Family’s “Melissa and Joey.” “Melissa & Joey” is currently airing its last season on ABC Family.
The series follows Mel, the grown-up former wild child of a political family, who is now a local politician herself. When her sister ends up in a prison and her brother-in-law flees after a scandal hits, Mel must take responsibility for her niece and nephew. Help comes in the unlikely form of Joe (Joey Lawrence), who moves in and becomes the family’s ‘manny.’
Jada, who is a Utah native, moved to Los Angeles when she was just nine years old. Growing up with a love for Shirley Temple, playing dress up and pretending to be the tiny actress, Jada participated in choir, musical theater, and community theater.
She discovered her love for professional acting after an opportunity came to her to work on a short film titled “Y: The Last Man,” a horror film based on a book. Thereafter, you can find Jada in a variety of productions including television series ABC’s “Mistresses,” CBS’ “Bad Teacher,” independent and short films including “One Bad Thing,” “Nina Del Tango,” and “Father’s Promise.” Her most memorable role is in the 1800’s period piece, the Hallmark original film “Love’s Christmas Journey,” which has become a staple on the network every year during Christmas time.
When Jada’s not acting she likes writing music and singing. During her spare time she enjoys drawing, cooking special dinners and desserts with her parents, spending time outdoors and spending time with her dogs. Her favorite part about acting and performing is the ability to make the audience identify with the character and emotions.
Art Eddy: You played Dani Mancini on the ABC show “Melissa and Joey.” The show is now coming to an end. What will you take away from your time being on that show?
Jada Facer: Besides so many great memories, I learned a lot from being on the show. Everyone is very sweet there and incredibly talented. They were always helping me out if I ever had a question. And I learned so much just by just watching all of them act.
AE: I had the pleasure of interviewing Joey Lawrence. He and your other co-star Melissa Joan Hart have been successful child actors. What did they tell you about their time as a kid actor and how to keep being successful in that industry? 
JF: Joey and Melissa have had amazing careers. I’m such a fan of their work. They would always tell me to just to be yourself and never let the business change who you are. I feel like they are both great examples of that too because they are just really nice people.
AE: What season or episode has been the most memorable to you?
JF: On one of the episodes, I get to sing with Joey. That was a dream come true. I had always wanted to sing on a T.V. show. And getting to sing with Joey was even better.
AE: Do you and rest of the cast hang out after you are done working?
JF: We are always joking around on and off set. There isn’t a moment when someone isn’t laughing.
AE: With this series coming to an end what do you want the fans of “Melissa and Joey” to know?
JF: I know this isn’t the last time you’ll be seeing these people. They are all so talented and nice that I’m positive you’ll be seeing them very soon!
AE: What is the next step for you in your career as an actor?
JF: This pilot season has been super busy for me. I’ve been going out for new T.V. shows and a couple of movies. So I am hoping something will happen with one of those.
AE: You are also a song writer and singer. Whose music are you influenced by?
JF: Taylor Swift has been a big influence on my music. She was the one who got me into writing and playing guitar. I remember thinking, she was young and was a great song writer, so I can do it too.
AE: What type of music are you into?
JF: Even though I love mainstream Pop, I would say I’m more Alternative-Pop. I love Birdy, Imagine Dragons, Lorde, and Taylor Swift.
AE: Do you prefer music or acting?
JF: I can’t choose. I always say, “If I couldn’t be an actor, I would be a singer. And if I couldn’t be a singer, I’d be and actor.” But, I’m so happy that I have been able to do both.
AE: Who would you love to open for if you got the chance to go on a tour?
JF: This probably won’t come much as a shocker, but Taylor Swift. I will always be one of her biggest fans!
Follow Jada on Twitter @JadaFacer