Actor Hailey F. Kilgore has opened up about the emotional toll and personal growth that came with portraying Jukebox, also known as Laverne Thomas, in Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
In a series of social media posts shared Thursday, Kilgore described the role as the most demanding of her career, saying the experience challenged her in ways she had never anticipated.
“This is the hardest role I have ever done,” Kilgore wrote. “This is the hardest role I may ever do.”
The actor said that while earning the part was an achievement, fully immersing herself in the character required a deeper level of commitment.
“To book the gig is one thing. To commit, to lose yourself in it, and to truly walk in that [experience] is something completely different,” she wrote, adding that she was “so… proud” of the work she accomplished.
Kilgore also reflected on the profound emotional connection she developed with the character over the course of the series. She said portraying Jukebox brought moments of joy and heartbreak, helping her navigate themes of grief, loss and sacrifice.
“Juke and I went through the absolute best of times and the lowest… times,” Kilgore wrote. “She held me above water. She was my outlet. In darkness she showed me you can still be good. There can still be light.”
The actor also praised the Raising Kanan ensemble, singling out co-star Patina Miller for her leadership. Kilgore described the cast as “phenomenal, magical, outstanding,” saying they consistently rose to every challenge during production.
The posts were accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of Kilgore sitting at a dressing room mirror, appearing reflective while wearing a bandana and a costume.
Kilgore did not elaborate on the specific inspiration behind a piece of writing she said she began several nights earlier, noting only that she intended to keep it private.
Her comments offer a glimpse into the personal investment behind her performance, underscoring the emotional demands of bringing one of the franchise’s most complex characters to the screen.
