CHILLIN’ WITH JACKIE TOHN

By Joseph Luparello

American singer and actress Jackie Tohn was born and raised in New York.

Tohn’s natural music ability speaks for itself. The guitar and ukulele-toting-singer-songwriter used it to steamroll her way to the Top 24 of American Idol (season 8). Ryan Seacrest himself gave Jackie the nickname, “Miss Personality.” Her sound was described by LA.com to be: “pretty pop with a twitch; a paradox of vulnerability and arrogance, honesty and exaggeration, swagger and silliness.” Her vocals, eclectic outfits and fanny-packs left an imprint on America and the judges.

Along with her idol fame, Jackie is praised for tracks of her own. All three of her albums (“The Golden Girl EP” (2005), “Beguiling”(2008), and “Jackie Tohn 2.YO” (2010)) received critical acclaim and on available for listening on iTunes.

Acting professionally since she was 12 years old, Jackie’s has built her career through features in shows like Netflix’s Glow, The Closer, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Sopranos, Veronica Mars, The Nanny, Memphis Beat, and CSI: NY to name a few. One of her larger roles can be seen on Bravo’s Summer Show, Platinum Hit (2011). Platinum Hit follows 12 emerging musicians as they compete in a series of innovative songwriting challenges testing their creativity, patience, and drive. From dance track to love ballad, every episode features a different theme that will has contestants writing and performing lyrics from multiple genres.

Chilled got the opportunity to sit and chat with Jackie about what she has been up to and what is on the horizon for her career.

Chillin' With Jackie Tohn

Chillin’ With Jackie Tohn

Photo by Elisabeth Caren

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

I am hosting and judging a new cooking competition show on Netflix called Best Leftovers Ever! In each episode, three cooks take last night’s leftovers and turn them into high end cuisine, competing for the chance to win ten thousand dollars!

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

In non-COVID-19 times, I love to hike and travel to a new country once a year if I can. These days, I chill on the couch with my dog Glen and cross stitch with cult documentaries on in the background.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I love sushi, so Sugar fish always does the trick. I am a Jewish girl from New York, so of course I love Jerry’s Deli. I love Blairs in Silver Lake and Gwen in Hollywood when I’m feeling a little fancier.

Chillin' With Jackie Tohn

Chillin’ With Jackie Tohn

Photo by Elisabeth Caren

What types of dishes do you typically order?

I love a good piece of fish and vegetables. BIG soup gal over here. I love curry, poke, rice bowls, Italian food.

Any favorite bars?

Bar Covell and The Varnish.

What drinks do you order when out?

I like wine, though I am not much of an aficionado. The red ones are typically good! So are the white ones when I really think about it. If I’m doing a cocktail, I exclusively go Mexican Mule.

Chillin' With Jackie Tohn

Chillin’ With Jackie Tohn

Photo by Elisabeth Caren

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I occasionally have sake at home with sushi. I like my sake like I like my coffee. Hot, cold, or as a shot. Does not matter to me!

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

My home bar is stocked with various unopened bottles of liquor and wine I’ve been given over the years. Which one I open first is anyone’s guess. The most recent addition was this fancy bottle of tequila. It had a vodka sibling that I gave to my neighbor—which I now deeply regret.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I have not!

Chillin' With Jackie Tohn

Chillin’ With Jackie Tohn

Photo by Elisabeth Caren

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

I would have to say Howard Stern. I have been a superfan of his since I was a teenager. Listening to him really helped shape my comedy and how I felt about pushing boundaries when I was coming into my own as a comedian.

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