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Who is Jazz Raycole?
Jazz is an American actress, celebrated for her prominent role as Claire Kyle in the hit TV sitcom “My Wife and Kids”, and as Izzy Letts in the TV series “The Lincoln Lawyer”, in addition to many other roles she’s had so far in her career.
Why did Jazz Raycole Leave “My Wife and Kids?
Reflecting on her exit a decade later in an interview with The Christian Post, Raycole explained, “I was just 12 years old when I got that job. The producers were looking for someone a bit older, and I simply wasn’t ready for that”. Consequently, she chose to follow her true passion, dance, which led her to New York, providing her with the opportunity for personal growth and travel.
In the show’s first season, Raycole portrayed Claire Kyle. However, when the second season aired, viewers noticed her absence as Jennifer Freeman assumed the role.
While some speculated that aesthetic reasons influenced the casting change, Raycole clarified that it primarily resulted from the producers’ desire for an older actress. She debunked rumors connecting her departure to concerns raised by her mother regarding a storyline involving Claire having a pregnant friend.
Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Jazzmine Raycole Dillingham was born on 11 February 1988, in Stockton, California USA, the daughter of Ray, a water company superintendent, and dance studio owner Claudia Dillingham, who managed her early career. Beginning her dance journey as a toddler, Raycole received training from both her mother and Barbara Faulkner. By age four, she was already a competitive dancer, eventually becoming a member of the Boston Ballet in 2001. Raycole’s education was conducted through homeschooling by her mother.
Career Beginnings
Raycole’s acting journey commenced in 1995, when she lent her voice to a puppy character in the beloved film “Babe”. Additionally, she portrayed Onika Harris in the movie “Waiting to Exhale”.
In 1997, Jazz Raycole made an appearance as Sierra in the TV series “The Parent ‘Hood”, which revolves around the struggles and joys of an African-American family living in Los Angeles, and stars Robert Townsend, Suzzanne Douglas and Reagan Gomez-Preston.
The following year, Jazz took on the role of the Lead Dancer in the miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon”, which produced by Tom Hanks, dramatizes the history of NASA’s Apollo program, which aimed to land humans on the moon. The same year, Jazz appeared as Angela in the episode entitled “Ellen: A Hollywood Tribute: Part 2” in the TV series “Ellen”. The episode was part of a two-part tribute event to the popular sitcom “Ellen”, which starred Ellen DeGeneres and explored various comedic situations.
My Wife and Kids
Although her tenure on “My Wife and Kids” was a brief one, she shared the screen with such stars as Damon Wayans at a young age, which helped her acting. The sitcom followed Kyle family, led by patriarch Michael Kyle, and has become a cult classic in the genre.
Continued Career
After some minor roles, Jazz Raycole returned to television from 2005 to 2007, taking on the character Lisa in the TV series “Everybody Hates Chris”, adding humor to the comedic take on Chris Rock’s teenage biopic. Concurrently, ,etween 2006 and 2008, Jazz Raycole took on the role of Allison Hawkins in the TV series “Jericho”, a gripping post-apocalyptic drama starring Skeet Ulrich, Lennie James and Ashley Scott in lead roles.
Following a series of one-time appearances, Jazz secured a notable role in the TV series “The Soul Man” from 2012 to 2014. She portrayed Lyric Ballentine, initially part of the main cast during the first season and later in a recurring role for seasons two and three. This comedy starred Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash, and revolves around the life of R&B singer-turned-minister Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine, his family, and the comical challenges they encounter as they navigate their new roles within the church community.
Jazz Raycole – 28
Original Claire Kyle on My Wife and Kids
Still acting on The Soul Man & Vanity as Zoe pic.twitter.com/PiNKcpNYEA
— Where Are They Now? (@WATNCelebrity) April 17, 2016
In 2015, Jazz Raycole joined the main cast of the TV series “Vanity”. This gripping drama series explores the high-paced world of New York’s fashion elite, in which a teenage girl named Zoe, portrayed by Raycole, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her mother’s mysterious death. The series features stars such as Alex Frnka, Karrueche Tran and Stephen A. Chang.
Most Recent Work
Between 2017 and 2018, Jazz Raycole assumed the role of Sydney Fletcher in “The Quad”, a TV series set in the backdrop of an historically black college and university (HBCU). This engaging drama explored the aspirations, complexities and challenges faced by both students and faculty within the HBCU, and starred Anika Noni Rose, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Jasmine Guy.
In 2019, Raycole took on the recurring role as Winnie in the TV series “I Ship It”, during its second season. The same year, Raycole portrayed Mae in the heartwarming TV movie entitled “Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas”. This holiday movie, with its supernatural twist, explores themes of love, connection and second chances during the festive season.
Since 2022, Jazz Raycole has played a significant role as Izzy Letts in “The Lincoln Lawyer”. This TV series, based on Michael Connelly’s popular novels, centers around the life and legal career of defense attorney Mickey Haller, and sharing the screen with stars such as Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, and Becki Newton.
She is currently working on an upcoming drama film “Searching”, which is in post-production without a premiere date set. The film is written and directed by Natalie Sutherland and will star Sutherland and Jazz, alongside Shannon Farrara.
Net Worth
According to authoritative sources, Jazz Raycole’s net worth is estimated at $3 million, as of late- 2023.
Personal Life, Married, Husband, Children
Jazz Raycole maintains a discreet stance on her love life, with no public rumors or confirmed relationships. According to reports, she is currently single and wholly dedicated to advancing her career in the entertainment industry.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Jazz Raycole has black curly hair and brown eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 2ins (1.57m), while she weighs approximately 115lbs (52kgs). Her vital statistics are unknown, nor her bra size.
