Actress Cherry Jones Visits FHU Theatre Classes

Broadway and television actress Cherry Jones visited Freed-Hardeman University Monday, Nov. 26, to talk with theatre majors.

“It’s a rare experience for our students to have an opportunity to sit down and have a face-to-face conversation with an actor who works in film, television and on the Broadway stage,” Dr. Cliff Thompson, Director of FHU Theatre, said.

Jones was a regular in the critically acclaimed series “24” on the Fox Network. She currently portrays Dr. Judith Evans in the new television series, “Awake.”

“Cherry Jones is an incredible woman. She told us many stories of her experiences as an actress. When we asked her how we could succeed in theatre she said, ‘You have to want it more than anything in the world,’” Rebecca Thompson, senior theatre major, said. “Getting to meet someone who has been successful in the theatre business really encouraged all of us to continue our studies in theatre at Freed-Hardeman.”

A native of Paris, Tenn., Jones has won Tony Awards for her performances in lead roles in “The Heiress” and in “Doubt.” FHU Theatre has presented both plays on campus. “The Heiress” was this year’s Homecoming production and “Doubt” was presented in the previous season.