Cherry Jones: The Small-Town Girl Who Conquered Broadway And Hollywood
Cherry Jones, often hailed as "the high priestess of New York theater," has won two Emmys and countless hearts with her performances. Yet, beneath all the accolades, she remains the same small-town girl from Paris, Tennessee. "It’s a warm, loving place," Cherry, now 63, shares with Closer Weekly. "People there volunteer together, work tirelessly for the community, and respect each other without getting into divisive politics. They just focus on making life better for everyone."
Even though Cherry doesn't live in her hometown anymore, she and her wife of nearly five years, filmmaker Sophie Huber, 48, often visit the quaint southern town. "People may disagree on things, but we all want the same basic things: safe places for children to grow up and enough food for everyone," Cherry explains. "If we can concentrate on that, maybe we can all be friends again!"
Defending Jacob: A Role Close to Home
In Apple TV+'s gripping miniseries Defending Jacob, Cherry plays a lawyer representing a teenager accused of murder. When asked what drew her to the role, Cherry reflects on her childhood. "My mom always told my sister and me that our parents would love us unconditionally, no matter what," she says. "Even as a kid, I'd joke, 'What if I murdered someone?' And she'd always respond, 'Unconditionally.' That’s the heart of this story."
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From Stage to Screen: The Journey of a Lifetime
Cherry has been in some major films, but most people remember her as the U.S. President on 24. "On my first day, I was shaking, thinking, 'How am I going to pull this off?' But everyone treated me with such respect because I was the president! It gave me so much confidence," Cherry recalls. "Every time I see the Oval Office now, I think, 'Aww, I miss my office!'"
Though there's been talk of a 24 sequel, Cherry thinks her character, Allison Taylor, might be under house arrest somewhere in Colorado. "I guess they'd move on to a whole new era with Jack Bauer," she muses.
Why Thrillers Keep Cherry on Her Toes
Cherry has starred in several thrillers, including Signs and The Perfect Storm. "They’re rip-roaring good stories! Anything that keeps an audience on the edge of their seat is always exciting to be part of," she says. "Even in theater, I did a play called Doubt, where within five minutes, the entire audience was leaning forward, totally hooked. That's the magic of storytelling."
When Meryl Streep took on the role of Sister Aloysius in the film adaptation of Doubt, Cherry appreciated her performance but still feels the play was stronger. "It's just me being a theater girl. I think plays can be more dynamic," she admits.
A Career Filled with Awards
Cherry has won two Tony Awards (The Heiress and Doubt) and two Emmys (24 and The Handmaid's Tale). "Winning awards feels surreal," she says. "When I won for The Handmaid's Tale, I hadn't prepared anything to say, which is why I ended up thanking Elizabeth Olsen instead of Elisabeth Moss. The whole audience roared!"
Despite her success in film and TV, Cherry considers the stage her true home. "It's where I grew up and learned my craft. I'm still figuring out television and film after doing it for 20 years," she reveals.
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Life, Love, and Legacy
Reflecting on her life now, Cherry says, "This is my favorite era. I've had many glorious chapters, but I enjoy this one because I've lived most of my life already. Now, I just want to help the generations coming up behind me. We're in tough times, and it's going to take all hands on deck—especially those with positive energy and experience."
Cherry met Sophie when she moved into a house in L.A. with several apartments. "Sophie was in one of them, and we became great friends. A few years later, we became more than friends and got married in 2015," she shares.
During this time, Cherry and Sophie have grown closer, along with Cherry's sister and brother-in-law. "We’ve all blended perfectly," she says. "We enjoy each other's company, but we also respect our private time. Sophie works on scripts, my sister writes for her organization, and my brother-in-law keeps busy outside. I usually read or listen to podcasts on the porch, and I’ve even made a few pot holders!"
Coming Out: A Personal Decision
Cherry came out publicly in 1995, a time when it wasn't common for celebrities to do so. "I was always open with my colleagues and family, but when you're not a public figure, it's different," she explains. "During an interview, the question came up, and it felt right to answer honestly. It was effortless because so many brave LGBTQ+ people had paved the way."
When asked about her relationship with actress Sarah Paulson, Cherry reflects on the importance of honesty and support in any partnership. "You have to always have your partner's back," she says simply.
Looking Ahead
Cherry doesn't have a bucket list per se. "My goal is to help people who need it," she says sincerely. "I may not do it perfectly, but that's what I hope to accomplish."
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!
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