about jes
If you’re reading this, thank you. That is all.
I currently live in New York where I pursue my acting career with a fiery passion. In 2013 I landed a recurring role as an inmate on the successful Netflix series, ‘Orange is the New Black.’
My love of film came at an early age but I didn’t pursue acting with a serious passion until I was in high school. While in school I attended theatre courses and auditioned for the school's productions. My love of performing carried over to my college years where I continued with courses in theatre and film. I was also cast in original theatre pieces produced by the school, as well as the classic ‘Romeo+Juliet.’ In addition to my theatre work I also auditioned for independent short and feature films.
My first staring role came at age 19 in a film called, ‘The Virgin of The Candles’ (2009) written and directed by Victoria Giordana, I played “Dayo” a slave who escapes to a Spanish mission where she becomes involved in an emotional triangle between two priests.
After that project I landed a small part in the independent feature ‘Brother Liar John’ (2010) as the seductive ex-girlfiend.
From there, I decided to pursue acting in New York City. In 2012 I moved to New York and auditioned for NYU’s Drama School, Tisch. I was not accepted but despite the rejection I continued to pursue the career I wanted; appearing in theatre, independent and short films, such as ‘Jefftown’ and ’Taste’.
film & tv
FEATURE & SHORT FILM
p l a y (2019) the girl (lead) Dir. Jay Palmieri Jr.
Tragic (2017) annabelle (Lead) Dir. Marvalee Peart
Léa (2017) Harlow (Lead) Dir. Jay Palmieri Jr.
The Morning After (2016) Jane (lead) Dir. Sekou Sangare
JEFFTOWN (2016) Evan the Biker Babe Dir. Joshua Briggs
Meet Up (2016) Jannie (Supporting) Dir. Antione Ogier
TASTE (2016) Charli (Supporting) Dir. Jay Palmieri Jr.
Eighty-6 (2015) Pauline (Supporting) Dir. Gage Zanghi
Sweet Shadow (2016) Krystal (Supporting) Dir. Richard Seneque/Jassiel McBride
Just One (2015) Taylor (Lead) Dir. Donell Clark
Brother Liar John (2010) Angelina (Supporting) Dir. Benjamin Raphael-Garcia
The Virgin of the Candles (2009) Dayo (Lead) Dir. Victoria Giordana
tv APPEARENCES
Orange is the New Black Inmate (Recurring) NETFLIX 2013-2017
Shades of Blue Undercover detective (rECURRING) NBC 2015-2018
THEATRE
POMEGRENADE KHARON I R T THEATRE NYC, NY
Call of The Void Tabatha New Perspectives Theatre, NYC,NY
Twelve Angry Women Juror 8 Roebuck Theatre, NYC, NY
...Suck It Up Princess. Kelly Manhattan rep Theatre NYC, NY
NORTHBOUND (2017) ANNABELLE THEATRE FOR THE NEW CITY NYC, NY
Black Star (2016) ramona The Secret Theatre, NYC NY
The Tooth of Crime (2015) Cheyanne /REF Connolly Theatre NYC, NY
Tragedy at Hood 14542 (2014) Wife (Supporting) Cabrini Repertory Theatre, NYC,NY
Charlie's Aunt (2010) Kitty (Suporting) San Leandro Players Theatre, CA
A Grave Situation (2010) Actor 4 (Supporting) Theatre Festival, San Francisco, CA
Romeo and Juliet (2008) The Siren (Supporting) Laney College Theatre Oakland, CA
Turning Tables (2008) Jasmine/Little Girl Laney College Theatre, Oakland, CA
more on
+ N E W S +
for performances + screenings & other artistic ENDEAVORS.
CURRENT EVENTS
THEATRE
'N O R T H B O U N D: THE TULLY EDITION'
OPENNING FEB 26TH 2018
the players Club at Gramercy Park
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW FOR TICKETS
PAST EVENTS
t h e a t r e
'ella or the baby'
opened dec 2017
Ella or The Baby explores the decision that a couple have to make
between either the life of their soon to bee born child or their
surrogate mother.
Written By Kendra Augustin Directed by Leslie Weishaar
'P O M E G R E N A D E'
opened sept 2017
An original piece, Based on the story of Hades & persephone
Hades, lord of the underworld, kidnaps persephone hoping to
wed her and bring piece to his unstable kingdom. It's instability
brought on by the plagues of mortals and their wars; the bodies
of the dead pile up in the underworld leaving no room for them
or their memories of the world. The story explores the relationship
of Hades and Persephone
Written & Directed by Ran Xia
'call of the void'
opened aug 2017
the new perspectives theatre nyc
Story of a brother and sister who endure a trauma brought on by the sister and
are years later forced to deal with the repercussions of her actions, confronting
one another on an emotional level.
Written by Kendra Augustin Directed by mary mcginley
'N O R T H B O U N D'
opened feb 2017
theatre for the new city
Jes Davis stared as the leading lady in this original theatre piece 'Northbound.'
She played "Annabelle" a slave longing for freedom but trapped by circumstance
and her own inner conflict.
An original theater piece written & directed by marvalee peart.
opened feb 9th 2017
at the, theatre for the new city
FASHION SHOWS
T U N C by JESXDAV ON THE RVNWAY
MODA WEEK INTERNATIONAL NWFW 2018 FASHION SHOW
THE SET NYC nye 2017 FASHION SHOW
T U N C by JESXDAV in a Fashion & Art Event
hosted by The Set NYC to bring awareness to and end CHILD TRAFFICKING.
THE SET NYC oct 2017 FASHION SHOW
T U N C by JESXDAV in a Fashion & Art Event
hosted by The Set NYC to bring awareness to and end CHILD TRAFFICKING.
THE SET NYC NWFW 2017 FASHION SHOW
Jes showcased her punk inspired brand, T U N C by JESXDAV in a Fashion & Art Event
hosted by The Set NYC to bring awareness to and end CHILD TRAFFICKING.
R A W artists FASHION SHOW
NOV 16TH 2016 RAW: NATURAL BORN ARTIST † ART & FASHION SHOW
Jes participated in the RAW ART Show as a Designer showcasing her brand T U N C † JESXDAV PUNK LEATHER JACKETS & SHIRTS
To see more from T U N C † JESXDAV & her RAW ARTIST PROFILE check out the links below.
more past events
JULY 13TH 2016 NEW YORK FINE ART SHOW 'BLACKLIGHT' HOSTED BY PIM SHIH
Jes Davis was one of the artist featured in the fine art show to see her work check the, 'JACKETS & ART' tab.
JUNE 24TH 2016 AMALGAMATE PHOTOGRAPHY OPENING
Collection of photos by photographer LOUIS SEIGAL. Showing the relationship between the artist and their art. Jes Davis is featured as one of the artists photographed. .
past SCREENINGS
T A S T E SCREENINGS
The fashion horror film 'Taste,' in which Jes plays "Charli," the seductive escort. Directed by Jay Palmieri: The film chronicles the life of a fashion model who's life is complicated by her mysterious night activities and the presence of a prominent photographer.
OCTOBER 2ND 2016 'TASTE' TO BE SCREENED DURING, THE SCARE-A-CON HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
AUGUST 24TH 2016 'TASTE' TO BE SCREENED DURING, THE NEW FILMMAKER NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
the morning after
'THE MORNING AFTER,' Directed by Sekou Sangare was screened during THE UPTOWN MAGAZINE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL on May 13 & May 14th 2016. The film explores the morning after an intimate night with John and Jane, as they wake up together. No words. Just thoughts, spoken through the body and most importantly the eyes. You can see the full film on Vimeo.
salty cf
What is CF ?
I was born with a Chronic Genetic lung condition, Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis or CF: is a condition where the body produces an excess of thick sticky mucus that attach primarily to the lungs and requires rigorous daily respiratory therapy to eradicate most of the mucus build up. Not only does the mucus affect the lungs but other vital organs as well: liver, kidneys, the digestive tract is another major system affected, making it difficult to gain weight. The body doesn’t retain nutrients or fat from food on it’s own, to do so require medications. So there’s that. I’m a bit wary a times about mentioning this part of my life as I don’t want it to define who I am, but it is a part of my life.
the salty girls
In May of 2015 I became involved with THE SALTY GIRLS, a group founded by photographer Ian Pettigrew to highlight the challenges and strength of women with Cystic Fibrosis compiled into a book of inspirational stories from these women and myself. It took a lot of back and forth conversations about whether or not to expose myself to the world like this. Private by nature, it’s always been helpful to me that CF isn’t an obvious physical condition. It was easy for me to hide and pretend to not be a CF patient, not hear pity or woe concerning my health. No one wants to hear that, you feel sorry for them at least I didn’t. So, doing Salty Girls for me meant, that might happen, that people would rally around me as the, ‘sick girl’, their ‘sick friend.’ Needless to say, that was all in my head. I was met with so much admiration and words complimenting my strength. It was empowering as I hadn't really conceptualized. I knew people thought I was strong, but hearing it was different, it was good, it felt great.
THE SALTY GIRLS project has been so successfull that it has expanded from the Books and Calendars to a magazine. if you'd like to support please visit the website and subscribe, or buy a book.
+IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS, DONATE OR SUPPORT, VISIT THE SITES BELOW.
“I CAN’T DEPEND ON ANYONE TO ACCEPT ME, I HAVE TO ACCEPT MYSELF.”
PHOTOS BY IAN PETTIGREW