Rachel Bay Jones Talks About The Joy Of Playing Audrey On 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage'

Rachel Bay Jones is having the time of her life playing Audrey, the no-nonsense mother of Mandy on Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. In this role, she's bringing her unique flair and depth to a character who’s sharp, witty, and unfiltered. It’s the kind of part that lets her stretch her acting muscles in ways she never imagined.

“Audrey isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and sometimes she can be downright brutal,” Rachel explains with a laugh. “But that’s what makes her so much fun to play. She says things I’d never dream of saying in real life. It’s fascinating to explore what drives someone like Audrey to behave the way she does. It’s all about understanding her motivations and making her relatable—even if she isn’t always likable.”

Rachel didn’t always have the spotlight shining on her, but her perseverance paid off. The daughter of two Shakespearean actors, she made her Broadway debut in 1989 in a revival of Meet Me in St. Louis. For over two decades, she worked steadily as an actor, honing her craft and waiting for her big break. That moment finally arrived when she took on the role of Heidi in Dear Evan Hansen. This iconic performance earned her prestigious accolades, including Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awards.

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“I didn’t find my stride until my 40s,” Rachel reflects. “Now, at 55, I can look back and see how beautiful this journey has been. Success didn’t come overnight, but every step along the way helped shape me into the artist I am today.”

How Rachel Got Her Start in Show Business

Rachel’s path to stardom began in the world of theater, thanks to her parents, both Shakespearean actors. Growing up surrounded by the arts, she discovered her love for performing at an early age. One day, while flipping through a script her mother was auditioning for, Rachel spotted a role that matched her age. “I told my mom, ‘I can play that part,’” Rachel recalls. “She was thrilled and helped me prepare for the audition. My grandmother even sewed me a cute outfit for it.”

Her family’s unwavering support has been a constant throughout her career. Even now, they remain just as excited about her work. Interestingly, Rachel’s 21-year-old daughter has recently decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Though Rachel initially discouraged her, fearing the challenges of the industry, she eventually embraced her daughter’s decision. “She came to me crying, apologizing for disappointing me, but I couldn’t stay mad. She’s talented, and I’m proud of her.”

Advice for Aspiring Actors

Rachel offers sage advice for those entering the competitive world of acting. “The industry and the art of acting are two completely different things,” she advises. “Stay true to who you want to be as an artist, and as an actor, always strive for honesty. Authenticity is key.”

Rachel’s Big Break

For Rachel, her big break came with Pippin on Broadway. The production not only garnered critical acclaim but also introduced her to lifelong friends like Charlotte d’Amboise, Terrence Mann, and Annie Potts. “It was such a joyous experience,” Rachel says. “The show brought us all together, and we created bonds that will last forever.”