Tetona Jackson is set to join the spotlight in the upcoming CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House,” alongside Damon Wayans Sr., Damon Wayans Jr., and Essence Atkins.
As the October 21 premiere approaches, Jackson reflected on how this role marks a significant moment in her evolving career. As both an actress and the mother of a daughter, she sees the project as a perfect opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Balancing a growing career with motherhood is another task Jackson is embracing. “It is the most challenging job I’ve ever done, but it’s the most rewarding,” she said. “It sounds so cliché, but it’s so true.”
“I’m still learning, and I’m still growing — there are always challenges and obstacles thrown my way,” Jackson continued. “But for me, it’s very important to try to find that balance as much as possible.”
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“Poppa’s House” centers on Poppa, a legendary radio host played by Wayans Sr., who faces challenges both at work and at home. Jackson portrays Nina, the wife of Damon Wayans Jr.’s character.
Before stepping into this sitcom, Jackson made her mark in BET’s “Boomerang,” a series adaptation of the 1992 film. She described her experience on that show as essential to her growth, saying it taught her the importance of ensemble work and timing.
“‘Boomerang’ was a huge part of my life,” said Jackson. “Simone [her leading character on ‘Boomerang’] has a very special place in my heart. That show was so much fun to do.”
Although “Boomerang” was a single-camera show, Jackson said it prepared her for the multi-camera sitcom environment she is now navigating.
“One of the things that helped me with ‘Poppa’s House,’” said Jackson, “is that in a multicamera sitcom, when they yell cut, the writers will come in and pitch different jokes, so you learn not to be completely locked into certain things because it’s constantly changing.”
“You have to learn to go with the flow and be open to those changes,” Jackson added.
Jackson thought back to the audition process, feeling that everything aligned perfectly for her to land the role. From her initial Zoom audition with casting director Leah Daniels-Butler to the chemistry read with Damon Wayans Jr., each step reinforced her belief that she was on the right path for the role.
“Once I was there and reading with Damon Jr., it just kind of started to flow,” said Jackson. “I think our chemistry was very authentic, it was fun, and being on set, a lot of my scenes are with Damon Jr., but it’s constantly fun.
“We’re constantly getting in trouble for laughing and being loud,” Jackson added. “From the audition process to now, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
One of the standout aspects of her experience on “Poppa’s House” has been the bond she has formed with Essence Atkins. Jackson shared that Atkins has been a mentor and a friend throughout filming, and she believes their off-screen connection has only strengthened their on-screen chemistry.
“We’ve quickly become like family,” Jackson remarked. “She’s like my big sister on set… She’s been by my side every step of the way, and we’ve grown to become like family. I’m very blessed and fortunate to have her in my life.”
Jackson also expressed gratitude for working on a set that supports working parents, saying she is fortunate to bring her child to work with her. She reflected that this flexibility allows her to stay connected with her family while still focusing on her performance.
She said the production’s understanding of her dual roles as an actress and a mother has made this project especially meaningful.
“We have an amazing schedule on a multi-cam, where I work for three weeks and I’m off for one week — it’s a hiatus week,” said Jackson. “It’s very important to me during that hiatus week to spend as much time with her [Jackson’s daughter] as possible.”
Although Jackson is currently immersed in comedy, she said she is eager to explore other genres in the future. She thought about her deep interest in psychological thrillers, mystery, and suspense and expressed a desire to take on roles that challenge her in new ways.
“I’ve always wanted to do some sort of psychological thriller, which is so far from what I’m doing now,” Jackson said. “I would love to do something along those lines, whether it be a TV series or a feature — I’m manifesting that and putting it into the universe.”
Looking back on her journey from “Boomerang” to “Poppa’s House,” Jackson said she is proud of how far she has come. “I’m so excited for everyone to see it because so much love and passion has gone into this show,” said Jackson.
Keith L. Underwood is a show biz insider, former entertainment publicist, and the creator, producer, and host of Black in the Green Room, an entertainment radio show on KBLA Talk 1580, a YouTube channel show, and a multi-platform podcast.
