Jasmin St. Claire Makes Leap Into Mainstream Movies

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

She was just a quiet, normal, conservative girl. A brainy graduate of Columbia University who worked at the foreign trade desk of an investment bank before posing for Penthouse, Jasmin St. Claire spent her early 20s cementing a reputation as the world's most controversial sex symbol. But now with mainstream film roles, a new cable TV gig, and an action figure on the way, St. Claire is poised to prove that she's 'the thinking man's fantasy.'

"It's definitely been a struggle. Making people overlook my past work and simply see me as just another actress reading for a part. Fortunately though, I've found that if you work hard at your craft and stay persistent, eventually someone is gonna give you that shot. Of course then the rest is up to you."

The phrase "Never say never" springs to mind when one thinks of Jasmin St. Claire, a woman who once told Jerry Springer that she had no desire to be in mainstream movies, and whose amazing transformation from adult video superstar to serious actress may be the most shocking move of her career yet.

But there she is, studying with one of the country's top acting coaches, appearing regularly on the fledgling A3TV cable music network, and signing to appear in an upcoming comedy from Lost Colony Entertainment entitled "Communication Breakdown." A far cry from her reputation as one of the most notorious stars of the adult entertainment world, these days St. Claire is looking downright mainstream.

"Truthfully? I never thought I would get the right opportunities. There was always politics involved and my past limited what roles I could play, but working with Lost Colony has really been a great door that was opened. I'm just thankful that I'm finally getting the shot to prove that I have something to offer as an actress now."

St. Claire's journey to the edge and back has been a wild roller coaster ride to say the least. Born in the Virgin Islands, the actress grew up in New York City and had what can only be termed an atypical background for someone in her previous chosen career.

"I went to the best private schools in New York City. Brooklyn Friends, Anglo American, McBurney and a few others. I did my freshman year at Schiller University in London, then completed my studies at Columbia University."

After graduation, St. Claire taught French in an after school program for children of incarcerated parents, then moved on to a career as a financial planner before embarking on her controversial stint in the adult industry.

"Now I just wanna act. Being in front of the camera is a privilege and too many people take it for granted. I would love to be given the opportunity to do horror flicks, action, drama, you name it."

The actress, who counts quirky actor Crispin Glover among her favorite actors and whose secret desire is to do the sequel to "Freddy versus Jason," is a big fan of edgy cinema.

"I love very cult type movies. That's one of the things I loved about 'Communication Breakdown.' Besides the fact that it's a great script and has all these wild characters, it's got real potential to become a cult hit I think."

In talks with several producers about upcoming film roles and set for the release of her very own action figure, St. Claire feels that her career in show biz is only just beginning and hopes to prove to girls just breaking in that you can overcome any obstacle the industry might hurl at you.

"Never let the business get the best of you."

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