Judy Thompson interview

A major reason why Kay Brandt has remained a force in this business has been her foresight and willingness to take chances. In her current production Cherry, these qualities are in high gear as she casted independent mainstream actress Judy (JuJu) Thompson in the critical lead role. This talented actress is a true gem who gives her character an endearing soul despite Cherry's selfish behavior. The popular saying "the eyes are the windows to the soul" is quite appropriate in describing JuJu since with one look at her gaze, the viewer easily forgets her character's bad qualities briefly and forges onto the real woman's irresistible spell. On behalf of the adult industry, I welcome Judy Thompson with open arms. Her arrival will be a much needed and positive trend. 

Hi Judy, I was amazed at your superb performance of the complex character Cherry. Furthermore, I was floored on finding out that you are not an adult actress, but a mainstream one instead. How did you find out about this juicy role and fascinating opportunity?

I found out about "Cherry" through a Los Angeles general casting billboard. The breakdown went something like this,- Emotional range, strong acting, and must be comfortable with nudity and kissing women.  I submitted my head shot and resume.  I was contacted by the casting director and he requested additional photos that were less commercial.  Kay contacted me 2 weeks later for an interview.  We connected immediately.  It was meant to be.

Did you have any apprehension to the sexual nature of this role and upon entering this industry?

Of course there was some apprehension prior to meeting with Kay.  The content provoked a lot of questions/fears I needed to confront before I could completely commit.

When did you first know that you wanted to become an actress?

I've known I've wanted to act for as long as I could remember.  In saying that, I'm a firm believer that you have to walk the walk and surrender passionately & consciously into whatever you really want.  I was very passive about my desire to act, treating it as a hobby and thus opportunities passed me by.  The universe will provide if you are clear. I'm finally giving acting my full attention and intention.

For our readers, could you briefly state your acting background for us?

I started in community theatre at the age of 8, studied at various playhouses, learning a variety of techniques in the Bay Area, Improv,Stanislavski system, Uta Hagen, Stand up, Stage Combat, Shakespeare, Commercial and under 5's. I landed my first role 1997 after my first audition for the Cinemax film, "Teach me Tonight".  I was offered more roles of the same genre, but wanted to continue my studies. I settled into the Shelton Studios in S.F.. They became my acting family and I'm still very close with Matt Shelton and my fellow thespians. I starred in Stage productions and independent films, in S.F. from student to low budget and from there joined Joan Spangler at "Look Talent".  I moved to L.A. in 2008 and immediately started classes with "The Groundlings" and working with a comedy coach. I've been blessed with a variety of work that keeps me happy, fresh and open.

 You are breathtaking in Girl/Girl scenes. As I had mentioned in my review for Cherry, I can see "a sleeping lioness ready to pounce" in you. How do you like being around an adult set and watching the women have sex right in front you?

Actually  the sex scenes were performed in private in order for the performers to really create a connection.  There was a genuine respect for the girls' intimacy. This encouraged a sincere passion and new level of exploration.  It was a professional crew and Kay was pouring every ounce of energy into every shot, so the rest of the cast and crew gave her needed space while we prepared to shoot the next scene.

What traits of a woman do you admire most? What makes a woman sexy? In addition, what traits of a man do you admire most? What makes a man sexy?

I'm attracted to people who have a strong sense of who they are, what they want, and what makes them happy.  I don't do wishy washy.  That goes for men and women.  Passion and respect for life, confidence, positive psyche, and that little bit sparkle gets my attention.  However, primal animal attraction without logic has been known to sway me as well.

What has been the biggest surprise for you about the adult industry?

The biggest surprise I'm sure is yet to come. People are people, with or without clothes.

In your personal life, do you watch lesbian or any adult films?

I haven't watched an adult film for at least 17 years with the exception of "Cherry".

You are a very sexy woman. When anyone looks at your face, your eyes immediately pull that person right into you. They are a great mesmerizing and magnetic stimuli. I am sure that others have complimented you on them, right?

Yes, thank you.  My eyes have always been a strong physical trait, genetics to thank.  I try to use them to convey truth without using words and for Jedi mind tricks.

Are there any industry people (actors, actresses, directors, etc.) who you would like to work with very badly and why? What would be your dream scene?

Too many to list, here's the tip of the ice berg.  Directors-Joss Whedon, Clint Eastwood, David Fincher, Guillermo Del Toro, Sophia Coppola, Ron Howard, Terry Gilliam, Christopher Nolan, Tarsem Singh, Rob Reiner, Tim Burton, John Waters,Peter Jackson, Christopher Guest, Spielberg, Tarentino, James Cameron, Danny DeVito and Jodie Foster because their films have provided me a beautiful escape that I can enjoy over and over.  Actresses-Helen Mirren, Angelica Huston, Cher, Stockard Channing, Susan Sarandon, Diane Wiest, Sigourney Weaver, Catherine O'Hara, Queen Latifah, Pam Ferris, Laura Linney, Dakota Fanning and Betty White because I love strong women that can stream between comedy and drama.  Actors- Morgan Freeman, Edward Norton, Liam Neeson, Robert DeNiro, Will Smith, Robert Redford, Skeet Ulrich, Robert Downey Jr., Shia Lebeouf, Bill Murray, Denzel, Christopher Walken, Christoph Waltz, Ben Stiller, Ian McKellen, and Neil Patrick Harris because they are more than just a pretty face, complex.

Dream scene would be working with anyone I listed above.

How were you as a kid growing up?

I was hyper, curious, morbid, social,  funny, physically awkward, and had a mad crush on Speed Racer.  I would wander the neighborhood bare footed, getting into and out of trouble as much as possible.  I also loved animals.  I'm actually exactly the same now except lazier. 

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love to read, practice yoga, ride horses, hike, dance, write and travel.

What's your favorite thing about having worked in the adult industry? 

My favorite thing has been meeting Kay and our new friendship.

Are there any web sites or future projects that you would like to promote? What are you currently working on film wise?

Cherry 2 will release in June, and we are gearing up to film episode 3 at the end of the month, can't wait to see who I get to use and abuse.  I'm working on getting my website up by the end of May and I will be filming and co starring in a full length Romantic Comedy this Summer called "Bullfrogs and Butterflies."

Interview by Apache Warrior

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