It takes some people years to realize what they want to do with their lives. For actor Jordan Hinson, she knew exactly what she wanted to do at the age of six. She began acting in local plays in her hometown of El Paso, Texas and soon she was headed to Hollywood to pursue her dream.
After booking several commercials, Jordan got her big break starring in the Disney Original movie Go Figure, where she played aspiring professional figure skater Katelin Kingsford. She is probably best known as Zoe Carter on the long running hit Syfy series Eureka. She’s also appeared in the television series CSI: Miami, Dirt and Hank.
Currently, she is starring in hilarious comedy Kevin from Work which airs Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on the ABC Family channel. Today, we sit down with Jordan to talk about her new series, what separates Kevin from Work from other comedies and what fans can look forward to during the first season.
Pop Culture Principle – What was it about the script for Kevin fom Work that made you want to be a part of the project?
Jordan Hinson – I loved the humor. And I loved how simple the story was, yet how far it could take each character.
Pop Culture Principle – You originally auditioned for the part of Audrey. Did you know right away that role wasn’t a good fit for you?
Jordan Hinson – I knew immediately I wasn’t a good fit for Audrey. I felt I was too edgy and outspoken to play such an ethereal beauty, but I found an immediate connection to Roxie’s crazy energy.
Pop Culture Principle – Can you tell us the basic premise of Kevin from Work?
Jordan Hinson – Kevin works alongside his crush, Audrey. He realizes nothing will ever happen between them so he accepts a job in Italy. At his going away party, he gets drunk and writes her a letter professing his love only to have the job fall through and he has to continue to work next to her with all his feelings exposed.
Pop Culture Principle – What can you tell us about your character Roxie?
Jordan Hinson – Roxie is Kevin’s sister who moves to LA on a whim and kind of takes over his apartment and his life. She’s fun and carefree.
Pop Culture Principle – In what ways are you like Roxie and what are some differences between the two of you?
Jordan Hinson – I identify with Roxie in the way she does everything on a spontaneous whim; in a lot of ways I’m like that, but I think we differ in her ability to be partying 24/7. I like my Netflix and I like my sleep.
Pop Culture Principle – The series boasts a great young cast including Noah Reid and Matt Murray. What was it like working with the cast on set?
Jordan Hinson – They’re all phenomenally talented and kind. I’ve never had such an instant connection with an entire cast before.
Pop Culture Principle – Did you have to stick to the script or were you allowed to improvise and come up with ideas as well?
Jordan Hinson – We tried to really stay true to the script, but McG was really open about us improvising as well. A lot of the stuff you see is thought up by us in the moment. It’s a nice balance.
Pop Culture Principle – Barbie Adler created Kevin from Work. She’s also been involved with such series as How I Met Your Mother, Arrested Development, and My Name is Earl. How involved has she been with this series?
Jordan Hinson – Barbie has been 100% hands on; on set as much as humanly possible. She’s everything you could hope for in a show runner. She’s irreplaceable.
Pop Culture Principle – Mc G is one of the executive producers and directed several episodes of the series. He’s known for series such as Supernatural and Chuck. What was it like working with him on Kevin From Work?
Jordan Hinson – McG is one of the coolest, smartest producers I’ve ever worked with. He’s also very hands on when directing. I think he brings a certain vibe to the show that couldn’t have been accomplished without him.
Pop Culture Principle – What do you think will separate Kevin From Work from other comedies on television today?
Jordan Hinson – I think it’s relatable. I think everyone has crazy friends and coworkers and love lives. And “Kevin From Work” showcases young people in such an intelligent way. And our cast of characters are all so different and wild in their own ways.
Pop Culture Principle – It’s been said that doing comedy is much harder than doing drama. Would you agree with that?
Jordan Hinson – I think that one doesn’t outweigh the other. I personally prefer comedy, especially when it’s written as well as our show. I have so much fun at my job and finding those comedic gems is part of the fun, I think.
Pop Culture Principle – What can fans look forward to with the first season of Kevin from Work?
Jordan Hinson – A LOT. I think people will be pleasantly surprised by how the characters connect and intertwine. Each episode finds itself more than the last and I’m really lucky to be a part of it.
We would like to thank Jordan Hinson for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with us. You can catch brand new episodes of Kevin from Work every Wednesday night at 8:30/7:30c on the ABC Family channel. If you would like to keep up with all of Jordan’s latest news and projects, you can follow her on Twitter @jordandanger, Instagram @jordandanger and you can also visit her Facebook page here.
**Photos courtesy of ABC Family/Eric McCandless/Ron Tom/ Scott F. Schafer**