Jessica Frew Discusses Advocacy and Upcoming Film Murder
Jessica Frew is an actress, model, author, and disability advocate dedicated to changing how disabled people are represented in entertainment. As Miss Wheelchair New Jersey 2026, she has used her platform to challenge misconceptions about disability while promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal representation. In the independent film, Murder, Frew brings depth and authenticity to the role of Crispy, pushing beyond the stereotypes that have long defined disabled characters on screen. Alongside her work as an actress, she is passionate about advancing disability awareness through advocacy, education, and legislative efforts. In this interview, Frew reflects on bringing Crispy to life, the importance of authentic inclusion in Hollywood, and the impact she hopes to make through both her career and her advocacy.
How was your experience during the filming process of “Murder”?
The experience was amazing. The cast and crew were great, we had a lot of laughs and joked around, especially with the director, who happens to be a very good friend of mine. We had a ball on the set while filming the movie.
What do you hope viewers learn or connect with through your portrayal of Crispy?
I’m hoping that viewers are able to connect my portrayal of Crispy to the fact that people with disabilities are capable of anything including criminal acts, such as murder.
What do you wish more people understood about the experiences and capabilities of nonverbal individuals?
I wish more people understood that having a disability or being nonverbal does not define you as a human being; rather, it merely makes you work ten times harder to live a normal life and be successful.
What impact do you hope a character like Crispy has on the way audiences understand nonverbal disability?
As I mentioned, people with disabilities can do anything that everyone else can, including murder, crime, etc. They are not always the sweet victims or angels; they can be bad or do bad things, as everyone else in this world. So don’t judge a book by its cover.
What was the most enjoyable part of portraying this character?
I would say that the most enjoyable part of portraying this character was showing the audience not to judge a book by its cover and changing people's views on those with disabilities worldwide.
Were there any scenes that were particularly challenging to film? If so, what made them difficult?
The most challenging part of filming was the set itself because it was a house with a lot of steps, but the director carried me up, and we had a lot of laughs going up, so we made the best of the situation.
How has your role as Miss Wheelchair NJ 2026 allowed you to advance the issues that matter most to you?
My role involves speaking engagements and events to advocate and spread disability awareness in all aspects of society, not just in the entertainment industry. For example, my Miss Wheelchair NJ platform is my disability history and disability management training.
What changes would you like to see in the entertainment industry when it comes to disability representation and inclusion?
I would like to see more disabled actors being considered for non-disabled characters because we see non-disabled actors playing disabled characters, but not the opposite. Also, being considered for more lead and X-rated characters.
What has been one of the most meaningful experiences you've had through your advocacy work as Miss Wheelchair NJ 2026?
Speaking at schools for special needs was one of the most meaningful experiences I had through my advocacy work as Miss Wheelchair NJ 2026, because I had the chance to inspire the students with disabilities to have the confidence in themselves and step out of their comfort zone to go after their dreams.
What are you looking forward to most in the next chapter of your career and advocacy work?
I would have to say, really focusing on making a difference in the entertainment industry by showing producers, casting directors, etc., that we can act as every regular, verbal actor in this industry. As far as my advocacy work, I look forward to getting my disability history and disability management training bill passed through state and federal law. This will help children, adults, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, and business professionals in interacting with, protecting, and treating individuals with disabilities in a manner that is equal and respectful, and making direct contact without fear or awkwardness.
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Jessica Frew
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Anica Buckson
Hair: Corey Tuttle at Exclusive Artists
Makeup: Kyle James
Photo Assistant: Dani Sax
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Esther Ludovisi
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ali Rosoff, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Related Stories
