Meet the Member: Jeri Lynn Endo

Continuing the tradition of our past member spotlights, meet Hawaii actor Jeri Lynn Endo.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Aloha! I’m Jeri Lynn Endo from the island of Oahu. I can almost say I’ve lived half my life in Hawaii now. I still consider myself as bicoastal, fortunate to also have a family base in Southern California. 

What is your acting background?
My first stage experience was a lead role in a fifth-grade summer school play and my second role, 30 years later, was a background part in Kayo Hatta’s feature, Picture Bride. I also doubled for Tamlyn Tomita in pickup shots. Shortly thereafter, I  landed a part in an ambitious University of Hawaii student shot-on-film project, a mother-daughter drama, Paper Cranes. At that time, local non-union commercials were a way to gain experience, but student films offered audition and film experience. 

Over the years, those students have become the core of Hawaii’s creative industries, indie filmmakers and UH’s Academy for Creative Media. I’ve been very fortunate to have expanded my filmography with opportunities and support from all these organizations. I am also currently the volunteer coordinator for the Hawaii Filmmakers Collective, tagline “Make more films!” 

Why did you join SAG-AFTRA?
I grew up in a union household. My dad was an airline machinist, AFL-CIO, and the union changed his life. I always knew union membership was given for Los Angeles-based actors and feature film projects produced in Hawaii.  

My top secret bucket list item was playing Chin Ho Kelly’s mom on the Hawaii 5-0 reboot as a featured background in season four. Daniel Dae Kim held my hand that morning while I cried my eyes out. The last time I saw him he said, “Hi, mom!” My second bucket list item was to join SAG-AFTRA, fulfilled by the role of Bonnie, a newlywed on her honeymoon on season one of Doogie Kamealoha, MD. 

Do you have future union aspirations?
I’m looking forward to connecting with my fellow Hawaii Local members and exploring more of what SAG-AFTRA has to offer this coming year. In the meantime, I plan to encourage more local indie projects to go union. 

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m pretty good at billiards. I even have my own custom cue built by my dad. It’s on my resume, but no castings … yet! 

Jeri Lynn is represented by Premier Models & Talent, Honolulu Hawaii.

Please email hawaii@sagaftra.org if you have any suggestions for the next “Meet The Member” article or any other suggestions for our Hawaii Local newsletter. 

Photo by Tracy Wright-Corvo.

This appeared in the Hawaii Local newsletter.