“I hope fans are inspired by her passion and horrified by her choices”, says actress Jeanine Mason when asked about her role as Luz in CROSS. We’ve known Jeanine Mason as the champion of So You Think You Can Dance and the heart of Roswell, New Mexico, but this season, she’s ready to play the dark angel.

As she joins the world of Prime Video’s CROSS, Mason is leaning into the challenge of being the antagonist. Between high-stakes scenes and her organizational work with United We Dream, she’s navigating a life defined by vibrancy and a brand-new role called motherhood.

We sat down with the Miami-born star to talk about her "acting superpower," working alongside Aldis Hodge, and why she’s always looking for the next big step.

**Left:**
SUITING BLAZER MINI DRESS by Naked Wardrobe
Shoes by TORY BURCH
Jewelry by Nicole Amato
**Right:**
Suit by Kate Hundley
Jewelry by Nicole Amato
Shoes by Schutz

What initially drew you to CROSS, and what can viewers expect from your character this season?

Getting to be the antagonist. It sounded delicious and challenging. She teeters between villain and vigilante. She’s a chameleon; she’s vengeful and unrelenting. She’s a dark angel of sorts. I hope they’re ultimately motivated to be a part of the solution.

What was it like working with SAG Award-winning actor Aldis Hodge and the rest of the cast?

I’m so proud of him. I was so excited to do everything in my power to bring it this season. Season 1 set such a high bar, and I want to make sure that the performance I bring lives up to that expectation and does right by this amazing team. That’s what Aldis, Ben Watkins, and this crew deserve.

Jeanine, you started out as a dancer. Do you still find that background influencing the way you approach acting?

It’s everything. It's my acting superpower. My favorite kinds of actors are fully engaged in their bodies; there’s magic in having that much freedom in your instrument.

**Left:**
Bridgely Jumpsuit by ET OCHS
Shoes by STUART WEITZMAN NEW YORK
Jewelry by Nicole Amato
**Right:**
VEGAN LEATHER TRENCH COAT by Naked Wardrobe
Pants by Safiyaa
Boots by SCAROSSO
Earrings by Nicole Amato

Why did Roswell, New Mexico mean so much to viewers? What did that role mean to you personally?

The nostalgia, the beauty of New Mexico, the aliens and cowboys, the queer love, and the Chicana in the center fighting for immigrants and science. I loved the responsibility, and it made me a better advocate for myself and for our stories in this industry. I'm forever grateful. It became the blueprint for what I want to do more of.

The Man Who Changed the World explores family and legacy. Why did this story feel important for you to tell while playing the role of Lollie?

I’d never played a real-life person before. It meant so much to me that some quality of mine reminded this family of their mother. What a wonderful byproduct of this kind of work, that you can hopefully bring some peace or joy to a family missing their mother.

You've worked in TV, film, and animation. Do you have a favorite medium, or does it depend on the project itself?

I love them all and selfishly would like to continue bouncing around. And theatre. Don’t forget the theatre!

Between filming a high-stakes series like CROSS and your work with organizations like United We Dream, your schedule must be intense. How do you decide where to put your energy when you aren't on set?

Well, having a 4-month-old at home certainly makes the schedule even more intense! I would say I just let myself be guided by what I’m passionate about and where I feel like I’m able to help out or make a difference. I’m lucky to have some incredible friends who are full-time in nonprofit and activism work, and their passion is contagious. I’m always asking them how I can get involved and how they’re seeing the world these days.

Growing up in Miami and now living in New York, how have those places shaped who you are today in your work?

It’s shaped my worldview. I’m most comfortable in vibrancy, color, culture, all the senses firing. And I think my creative instincts are an extension of that. I’m drawn to size and dynamism. We can do less when we’re dead.

What direction do you see your work heading in next?

More “opposite of what I just did”, more challenge, more delightful new collaborators, and more doing what I can on behalf of my people. More holding up my end of the bargain.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Jeanine Mason
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Corey Tuttle for Exclusive Artists using Oribe
Makeup: Amanda Thesen for Exclusive Artists using Charlotte Tilbury
Set Design: Jasin Cadic
PhotoBook Assistant to the Creative Director by Mia Aponte
Photo Assistant: Dani Sax
Fashion Stylist Interns: Cooper Certain, Malia Leonard
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Lily Kalbasz, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: LOFT ELEVEN TEN

Jeanine Mason on Villains, Vigilantes, and Motherhood