From her breakout moments hosting the Miss Universe pageant to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, In this exclusive interview London and Claudia takes a deep dive into her success as a talk show host, actress and producer.
Exclusively Interviewed by London Summers
London Summers: Claudia, it’s a pleasure to connect with you. “RUN” is your latest film project, congratulations! How did you get involved with Marques Houston and Footage Films’ new movie? What can fans expect from your role?
Claudia Jordan: Thanks for having me London! My best friend actress Annie Ilonzeh booked the lead role and she suggested me to Chris Stokes for the role of Jenny. Chris was open to the idea and the rest is history. We just did another movie together called RockaBye where I have a much bigger role! Annie is such a great friend who is generous with compliments and opportunities.
LS: Marques Houston and the Footage Films team have been producing incredible work. What was it like collaborating with them, and what stands out most about their creative process?
LS: You’ve evolved so much since RHOA from film, to hosting, producing, and now acting in RUN. How do you think that chapter prepared you for the woman and professional you are today?
CJ: I think being on reality TV makes you keep your head on a swivel and prepares you to always look for the next scene, the next project, the next opportunity because you have to when you are on a high pressure show like that. I will say the best thing about being on RHOA is that you have fans and supporters for LIFE! And also it forces you to deal with someone you have an issue with because you cannot avoid them and you have to put on your big girl draws on and talk it out cause there must be closure or at least a follow thru on conflict. It’s helped me NOT avoid uncomfortable situations in my real life.
LS: Growing up, I’ve watched your career expand from reality TV, hosting, film, game shows, high-profile music videos, and modeling. What inspired you to pursue a career in entertainment, and what was your “I made it” moment?
Claudia: I always thought I was going to work in the science field until I was in the mall with my mother and we came across a model search and that lead me to enter my first pageant that I won (Miss Teen Rhode Island) and the rest is history! When I was featured in People Magazine’s Most Beautiful issue I kind of felt like I was getting there. Then when I was on stage with Billy Bush hosting the Miss Universe Pageant in 2009 in front of hundreds of millions of viewers I felt I had arrived and recognized it was a full circle moment since I started out in pageants. It felt really good!
LS: You’ve always had glowing skin, voluminous hair and timeless beauty. What are your go-to beauty and hair must haves that make you feel confident before a shoot or red carpet?
CJ: I think moisturizing your skin is one of the most important things you can do for your beauty. I do it twice a day. I also think working out contributes a healthy glow more than any beauty product could and I ALWAYS try to work out more before a big project or red carpet. Even on vacation-there are no days off from putting your fitness first. I will also add that I have been taking a liquid collagen drink by Health Direct called Amino Sculpt and I have been getting a lot of compliments lately. Folks have been asking me what work I have had done and I tell them it’s this drink that has plumped up and refreshed my face. I have put a few people onto it and they say their friends and family are all asking them what they have done because they appear younger and prettier! True story!
LS: Beyond the glitz and glamour, what were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced and overcome and who was there to support you through those moments?
CJ: I face the same challenges as any other black person living in America in these uncertain times. Feeling extreme anxiety about seeing my people harmed and targeted of kept outta the opportunity zones. That really bothers me! I have this overwhelming sense inside of me where I feel compelled to fight for justice for others which also adds more stress and anxiety to my plate but I wouldn’t dream of having it any other way. I’ve dealt with depression in the past because in this business it is hard to NOT define yourself by your career success so when things were not working out or very slow I would fall into a slump and question my whole life and self worth. I worked hard to NOT have that mentality anymore but sometimes those thoughts of not being enough creep into my mind. As far as support my mother has always been there as a supporter and safety net my entire life and I have some really AMAZING girlfriends in my friend circle that hold me down! Annie, Auta, Aisha, Roberta, Gwendolyn. Mimi, Toni, Tracey, Cecily, Tina, Porscha, Rada, Amber and more! Even if it’s just an ear to listen to me vent and talk something thru.
LS: Hollywood can be both tough and rewarding. What advice would you give to actresses in entertainment who are just beginning their journey?
CJ: I would tell them that nothing is worth sacrificing who you are what you believe in to attain. Boundaries because if you are weak minded-predators will smell that in the air and you will be prey. Stand your ground and don’t do anything that doesn’t feel right or go against your morals. I’ve seen people get caught up and it NEVER works out for them in the end. Some price tags are just too expensive to take on and you can NOT put fame and money over your peace of mind and your soul. I would also tell beginners to be open to other areas in the business. Don’t put yourself in a box. You may THINK you just want to be a singer and you could end up winning an Oscar by being fearless and trying other parts of the business like Jamie Foxx did! You might discover incredible talents you never thought you had just by being OPEN to try. I ONLY thought of myself as a model when I started until I said YES to trying out hosting-which lead me to an entirely different and far more rewarding career path. You only get there by being brave and stepping out of your comfort zone.
