Why Jennifer Michele de Winter Is the Gen Z Talent Hollywood Should Be Watching
Hollywood loves a label people, the next big thing, the breakout, the ingénue. Jennifer Michele de Winter doesn’t seem interested in any of that. She’s not waiting to be discovered because she’s busy building. With a filmography that already spans acting, writing, directing, and visual art, she’s part of a new generation of creatives who don’t ask for permission to tell stories.
There’s a quiet intensity to Jennifer when she speaks. Her words land like sketches that are honest, unfiltered, and precise. You get the sense she’s already playing the long game: one rooted in purpose, not performance.
Galore sat down with Jennifer to talk about courage, creation, and why being real might be her most radical act yet.
You’ve been building such a dynamic creative path — acting, writing, directing, even visual art. What first made you realize you wanted to create as much as perform?
Performing has always been fun to me. The fun thing about creating is that it allows you to tell the story you want to tell in your own unique way. I love inspiring people with the stories I get to be a part of, and creating just adds an extra dimension that lets me keep doing it all the time.
You’ve said storytelling feels natural to you. What kinds of stories excite you most?
I like unique stories, inspirational ones too. It’s always great to see the underdog persevere and win. I also love heavily emotional stories where the audience can really connect to the deepest feelings of the character. And stories set in different times or places always add an extra layer for me.
Your short film Riley explores the social pressure young people face. What made that story personal for you?
We all face it, it’s part of life. I wanted to share Riley in a way that people can relate to, and hopefully, it helps young people see that everyone feels pressure sometimes. Even when it’s not visible on the outside, we’re all navigating our own version of it.
You’ve worked both in front of and behind the camera. How does that shape how you act now?
It definitely helps to understand what the director is looking for when I’m acting, and vice versa. When you really grasp all the different roles that make a project come to life, it enriches whatever part you’re playing at the time.
You’ve been praised for blending vulnerability with strength in your performances. How do you find that balance?
I actually believe vulnerability is strength. It takes courage to be vulnerable; there’s nothing weak about it in my opinion. It’s a subversion of what many think they know. To be brave is not only to stand firm, but sometimes it’s to open up. Openness is power.
Social media can be both a creative outlet and a minefield. How do you stay authentic with an audience that’s always watching?
I always believe in being yourself. I’m naturally happy and I love people, so interacting with fans and followers doesn’t drain me, but on the contrary, it energizes me. The lessons I learn from those interactions often find their way into my projects.
Do you ever feel like beauty or glamour can be both a gift and a trap in this industry?
I enjoy beauty; to me, it’s a form of art. I don’t experience a bad side to it. It doesn’t feel like pressure in my mind, it’s just fun. It’s another way to express creativity.
You’re part of a generation that grew up online, hyper-connected, expressive, and bold. How does that shape your view of the industry and the stories you want to tell?
It may influence me more than I realize. I try to take everything in and share my stories with the world. Of course, they are shaped by life experiences, and I think its great to be courageous in the stories that we tell.
Gen Z often blurs the line between artist and activist. Are there causes or ideas you feel especially connected to right now?
There are a lot of causes I passionately believe in. The one I’m most actively involved in is LA mission, I believe we all deserve a voice, basic food, shelter and dignity. It’s a great joy and honor to be a spokesperson for them and be actively involved.
Do you think fame still means the same thing it used to or has Gen Z completely redefined what it is to be seen?
I think social media enhances everything, there is a lot more interaction all the time. Maybe there is less of a quiet place compared to before, but it’s another way to express yourself and connect with people, to share stories and experiences.
In an industry glossed over by hype and sameness, Jennifer Michele de Winter stands out not because she shouts louder, but because she listens harder to voice, to story, and to self. That’s why she doesn’t just feel like the Gen Z talent Hollywood should be watching: she feels like the one writing the watch-list.
Photographed by Mike Yarkeev
Hair by Armine Mnatsakanian
Makeup by Luiza Manukian
Styled by Iana Vyshniakova
