From iconic supermodel to powerful actor to first-time director, the Nebraska native readies for her busiest year yet.

By Richard Pérez-Feria / Photography by Mike Ruiz

In the summer of 1998, while directing a celebrity photoshoot in New York City for a magazine I was editor of, I remember glancing at the small television in the corner of the room while we were waiting for our star to change looks when a stunning young woman appeared on the screen holding a gaudy MTV microphone. Though the set’s sound was muted, the engaging House Of Style co-host (alongside fellow model/thespian Rebecca Romijn) captured my attention instantly without hearing her utter a sound. Then her name appeared in the chyron at the bottom of the screen: James King. What?! Could this really be her name? Oh, I do like me some rule breakers. I fell instantly in love with this James King, burgeoning pop culture icon.

Jaime King has gone on, of course, to become just that: An accomplished actor and supermodel with an impressive list of credits to her name. But how did James become Jamie? “My birth certificate says Jaime,” she says. “J-A-I-M-E. My grandparents, when I was younger, started to call me Jiminy Cricket. Then my parents started calling me James—and James stuck. When I first started to model, there was somebody else at the agency already named Jaime so that's how I got James.”

Dress by COPPOLA E TOPPO
Tights by Calzedonia
Shoes by ALEVí Milano
Cuff by Alexis Bittar
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Ring by Pomellato

As an established model, King was discovered at age 14 and appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Cosmopolitan among many other fashion books. At 19, she announced her move into acting in the epic drama, Pearl Harbor, portraying nurse Betty Bayer opposite Ben Affleck. Her first big starring role was in 2003’s Bulletproof Monk. Other subsequent standout performances by King include director Robert Rodríguez’s groundbreaking Sin City—where at the premiere’s after party, I briefly met King with Rodríguez and found her to be sweet, shy and other-worldly beautiful—horror film My Bloody Valentine 3D and, for five hit seasons, starred in Hart Of Dixie.

“I knew that I always wanted to be a filmmaker, an actor, a writer and a director,” King says. “That was always my plan. Modeling gave me a strong discipline of professionalism since you work very long hours. When I started acting, I had a really strong discipline of knowing that you had to be on time, knowing that you had to work 12 to 16 hours a day, knowing you had to be prepared, knowing you had to be ready, and it’s very interesting because if you’re an artist and you’re creating, you can work very, very long hours but as you’re putting out that love of creation, it’s almost like you’re charged by it—you’re charged by the process itself.”

Dress by LAPOINTE
Ring by Beladora Jewely
Ear Cuff by Mara Paris

King was born in Omaha, NE to mom, Nancy (a former beauty queen) and dad, Robert and has three siblings. Fun fact: King was named after Lindsay Wagner’s character (Jaime Sommers) in the top-rated show, The Bionic Woman. In 1995, King dropped out of high school and moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career fulltime. By 16, King’s career as a fashion model exploded as she was featured in fashion bibles Mademoiselle, Vogue, Allure, Seventeen, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar and had walked the runway for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and Chanel.

As she moved into acting in a major way, her roles kept coming and she became a Hollywood movie staple seen in everything from Sin City to White Chicks. To further solidify her impact with her growing legion of young fans, King won New Stylemaker at the 2001 Young Hollywood Awards.

As King heads into her third decade(!) captivating audiences with her performances, 2025 is shaping up to be her busiest year yet as she has four big films rolling out: Kaitlyn’s Choice, The Weight Of Darkness, Love, Danielle—and perhaps best of all—her directorial debut, Kill Me Now. I mean, there’s busy then there’s King’s year ahead.

After so much success in two of the most difficult (and public) zeitgeisty careers that modeling and acting most definitely are, I wonder how much of that “midwestern nice” still resides within Omaha’s favorite daughter. “If we all just took a moment to be a little more thankful and kind to people, or smile at people, it could really change someone’s day,” she says.

Sounds pretty nice to me—even for this extraordinary woman, this bonafide and talented force of nature formerly known as James. Jiminy Cricket indeed.

Dress by Vera Wang
Necklace by Loree Rodkin
Earrings by Ben Amun

Did you always know the power your beauty provided or, at such a young age, was it generally confusing being admired for something as strange as your face?
Starting my modeling career at the age of 13, I quickly became aware of the influence of my appearance. This early exposure to fame was quite confusing, as the confident image I projected often clashed with the deep vulnerability I felt inside. I was grateful for the opportunity to travel the world and collaborate with people I deeply admired, but I sometimes I questioned whether I was truly prepared for it. Over time, I learned to navigate these complexities, embracing both the privileges and challenges that came with my early success. As I matured, I realized that my experiences were a gift and could be channeled into art and creativity, allowing me to connect with others and help them feel less alone.

I’ve talked to scores of successful models who all seem to regret—or at least feel melancholy about—how much they missed out in high school (prom, boyfriends, etc.). Was that your experience as well?
In regards to melancholy of youth- I was not built for traditional school, social experiences, I really didn’t fit into the narrative of what a child is supposed to be like or want- maybe because of this there was a sadness that I did not feel like other kids and that my needs didn’t align with other kids around me and how we are to be raised. The melancholy I felt was probably shame that I didn’t fit into the puzzle and it made me feel uncomfortable and lonely and at times unlikable when I was at school. That was tough. I romanticized what a “normal” youth would be like. However, I trust that my path was one to be of service and I would not shift it.

Full Look by Ferrari
Tights by Wolford
Earrings by Lilou Paris

Who was the first celebrity you not only met but interacted with that when you got home you said, “I can’t believe I just hung out with…?”
We went to an after-party for the Golden Globes, and Bill Murray came in and started dancing with all of us. I was so shocked because he’s one of my favorite actors in the world. He came in, started spinning us around, dancing in a circle with us, and then disappeared. I just couldn’t believe it happened. Apparently, he’s well known for doing things like that.

You were thrust in the world of high stakes modeling at such a young age in an industry with so many potential disasters at every turn for a child. I know you really went through it back then, but what can you tell us about those tough times and your resounding triumph over those dragons?
As I learned to harness my experiences in the fashion world, I could see a clearer vision of what it is that I wanted for my future. I always wanted to be a filmmaker. I always wanted to write. And by setting goals and intentions and being extremely mindful, there's something about moving with loving inside of your heart with that clarity of focus that allows you to look at anything that you've experienced bless it and be thankful and transmute it into something really, really beautiful. Embracing authenticity and mindfulness have guided me through the ups and downs, helping me transform my experiences into something wonderful. It’s a powerful approach to life and my career.

Full Look by Prabal Gurung
Shoes by FRANCESCA BELLAVITA
Jewelry by Beladora Jewely

I LOVED you in Sin City and I love Robert Rodríguez, a true cinematic mad genius. Did that role feel different to make? It felt like we were witnessing something new, something exciting. How was it to make that movie?
Working on Sin City was a transformative experience. Robert Rodriguez, a true cinematic raconteur, brought fresh and exciting energy to the set. His belief in my abilities taught me to trust a filmmaker beyond measure. The film’s visual style, inspired by Frank Miller’s graphic novels, was groundbreaking, blending classic noir with cutting-edge technology. Collaborating with both Robert and Frank taught me things I never thought possible, expanding my artistic horizons. It felt like stepping into a vivid, stylized world, and it was thrilling to be part of such an innovative project. I got to work with some of my best friends, and it is something that will never forget and one of my proudest achievements.

You say that modeling prepared you for acting because both fields require long hours and professionalism. Do you think that’s still the case today for models who aspire to become actors?
My background in modeling taught me discipline and professionalism, which are crucial in acting. But beyond that, acting is about merging with your character and unveiling their truth. It’s a limitless journey that requires dedication to mastering the craft. Studying at the Actor’s Studio under Lee Strasberg’s theories has deepened my understanding of approaching each role from the heart, emphasizing emotional truth and authentic expression.

Dress by Jason Wu
Shoes by Versace
Earring by Pomellato

Now, how is it possible that you have so many movies coming out one after another? Tell us about Caitlin’s Choice, The Weight Of Darkness and Love, Danielle.
In Caitlin’s Choice, my character navigates a profound journey of moral dilemmas, community ties, and personal integrity. Though her son faces challenges in a horse-riding tournament, she finds pride in his resilience and also in Caitlin, a fellow rider who overcomes significant obstacles. This story elegantly unfolds themes of empathy, understanding, and the true spirit of support, showing that success is about more than just winning—it’s about coming together as a community.

As a mother, my character’s journey in The Weight of Darkness is profoundly personal. When her daughter is taken, she is plunged into a harrowing world where her husband’s unraveling quest for power collides with her desperate need to find her child. The film explores the raw pain and relentless determination of a mother fighting against powerful forces, uncovering hidden truths, and ultimately discovering her own resilience amidst the darkness. Having faced similar challenges with my own children, I am deeply connected with this role. Through this film, I hope to share a message of resilience and healing for others who have faced similar situations.

Being part of Love, Danielle was deeply personal for me, as I’ve lost a dear friend to cancer. It was challenging yet rewarding to tell this story, and I hope our film offers comfort to those affected by cancer. Filmmaking brings me immense joy, and working on meaningful projects like this one makes me feel truly fulfilled.

Dress by Stella McCartney
Tights by Wolford
Shoes by Burberry
Earrings by Saulé Label
Cuffs by Alexis Bittar

How nervous/excited are you about your directorial debut with Kill Me Now? Directing was definitely on your to-do list when you first came to Hollywood, yes?
Stepping into directing with Kill Me Now has been one of the most profoundly joyful experiences of my life. Collaborating with Jacqueline Singer to bring her vision to life has been deeply fulfilling. The film delves into the exploration of women’s truths, a theme central to my passion for storytelling. I truly feel I was born to be a filmmaker, especially to tell stories from a female perspective. There’s simply nothing like bringing other people’s stories to life with extraordinary actors in ways that haven’t been seen before. It’s a step I’m embracing with passion, knowing it’s part of fulfilling my purpose.

**Left:**
Sweater by Monse
Tights by Calzedonia
Shoes by FEMME
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Necklace by LILLIAN SHALOM
Ring by Pomellato
**Right:**
Dress by COPPOLA E TOPPO
Tights by Calzedonia
Shoes by ALEVí Milano
Cuff by Alexis Bittar
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Ring by Pomellato

I couldn’t not ask you about how Taylor Swift, my favorite person on the planet, is your son’s godmother. I mean…what?! Mind-blowing doesn’t begin to cover it. Obvious question: Are you (and him) Swifties?
It’s pretty special, isn’t it? Having Taylor Swift as my son’s godmother is a true blessing. She’s an incredible person and role model. As for becoming Swifties, it’s hard not to be when you’re around her infectious energy and music! We definitely enjoy her songs and admire her talent in our family.

Sweater by Monse
Tights by Calzedonia
Shoes by FEMME
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Necklace by LILLIAN SHALOM
Ring by Pomellato

Complete this sentence for me… “After everything I’ve gone through in my life, the one thing I know to be true for sure is…”
After everything I’ve gone through in my life, the one thing I know to be true for sure is that no matter what, leading with loving grace, integrity, joy, clarity of purpose, and finding happiness in the smallest things, being a mother and an artist, is the most fascinating, delicate, and happy part of life. I’ve had the opportunity to use everything for my learning, expansion, and growth, and that fills me with gratitude, deep fulfillment, and humbleness.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Jaime King
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Interview by Richard Pérez-Feria
Fashion Stylist: Janelle Miller at A-Frame Agency
Hair: Elsa Canedo at OPUS Beauty using Rōz
Makeup: Natalie Ventola at OPUS Beauty using M∙A∙C Cosmetics
Manicure: Ginger Lopez at OPUS Beauty using Aprés Nails
Photo Assistant: River Chad
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
*Special Thanks to Hype Studios

Jaime King, Queen