Jaylen Barron, known for her role in the Emmy-winning “Free Rein,” recently took on a significant challenge in “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.”
“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” now streaming on FX and Hulu, examines the rise and fall of NFL star Aaron Hernandez, from his New England Patriots fame to his murder conviction.
Playing Shayanna Jenkins, the fiancée of Aaron Hernandez, Barron described this role as an important step in her career. “I feel like this one [Aaron Hernandez] has had the most effect on my craft, and I feel like I’m able to show people what I can really do,” she said.
Instead of judging Jenkins’ choices, Barron approached her character with empathy, focusing on the strength Jenkins displayed amidst personal and public challenges.
“I watched a lot of her interviews and went on all her socials, just to try to pick up on some of her mannerisms,” said Barron. “The way she would act when she was nervous, or the way I perceived her to be in some moments, insecure – just doing research and watching her constantly.”
This foundation, Barron explained, was essential for bringing depth to Jenkins, a character under intense media scrutiny. To portray Jenkins authentically, Barron also studied Aaron Hernandez’s life, gaining insights that added layers to the emotional complexities her character faced.
“I made sure I watched Aaron and watched him play, so I could understand the gravity of his impact on football, how good he was, and how admired he was,” said Barron. “That was part of the reason why she [Shayanna] loved him and pushed him so hard, because she knew how great he could have been.”
“I really just did my homework,” Barron continued. “Studying all the time.”
On social media, Barron has built a loyal following by staying true to her authentic self. She believes her fans connect with her because she shares her genuine side, offering glimpses into her life that feel real rather than curated.
“Just be a real person and relatable,” said Barron. “I feel like I do a lot of that on my stories on Instagram, where I show more of my personality, but I feel like if people really want to know me, they’ll find an interview.”
This transparency, Barron noted, isn’t just a social media approach; it’s a reflection of her values and a way to stay grounded. Her openness, she feels, helps create a meaningful connection with her audience.
“I think it just comes with age and experience,” shared Barron. “I used to be very timid, always making sure I said all the right things and not fully being myself… I am who I am, and I feel like that’s what has allowed me to play the kinds of roles I’ve been able to play.”
Barron added, “I do have that grit about me, and I do have that realism of representing real Black women out in the world.”
Barron, who hails from Reno, NV, with a Mexican mother and Black father, said her upbringing by resilient women helped keep her grounded in Hollywood’s unpredictable world.
“If you meet the women in my family — they don’t play,” said Barron. “They’re very straightforward, they’re about their business, they’re about their money… and telling you the truth about yourself. It might be a little rough sometimes… and I think that’s why I’m okay with being myself.”
Barron’s commitment to authenticity also shapes her acting process, where she focuses on creating natural and relatable performances.
Barron shared that her technique goes beyond memorizing lines; she takes time to internalize her dialogue, study her scene partners, and become familiar with the set environment. By immersing herself fully in each role, Barron aims to make scripted scenes feel genuine to viewers.
“Those details matter in order to show a real relationship, so I make sure I mold my environment and mold this character as a real person, living her day-to-day life,” said Barron. “You’re able to see that connection on screen.”
In addition to playing Shayanna Jenkins in “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” Barron sees Vanessa Williams as another non-fictional role she could envision herself playing.
“I don’t know her business or anything like that. I don’t know any ‘tea’ to be like, ‘This is the story,’” said Barron. “But I feel like it would be cool to be a pageant princess.”
Just as Williams broke boundaries as a pageant princess, Barron aims to bring authenticity and empathy to every character, especially those rooted in true stories, as she continues to hone her craft.
Returning to her portrayal in “American Sports Story,” Barron reflected on how roles like Jenkins push her to explore intricate emotional layers and complex real-life experiences.
See Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins in American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, now streaming on FX and Hulu. The series explores NFL star Aaron Hernandez’s rise and fall, with Barron delivering a powerful, empathetic performance.
Keith L. Underwood is a former entertainment publicist and the creator of Black in the Green Room, a column, podcast, radio show, and YouTube channel celebrating Black voices in Hollywood. His work highlights diverse talent and impactful storytelling across the industry.
