Jerly Prescott is an American actress, director, and advocate

Jerly Prescott is an American actress, director, and advocate. Her career and personal journey have left a significant impact on the entertainment industry and public health awareness. Prescott has become a prominent advocate for sarcoidosis awareness. In 2022, she partnered with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research FSR to promote the Ignore No More campaign and focused on the impact of sarcoidosis on African American women.

Jerly Prescott’s Career Journey

Jerly Prescott’s professional journey began with her working as a trucker before she went back to school and advanced her education. In 1998, she began her teaching career as a professor at Wake Forest University and later at the North Carolina School of the Arts. She transitioned into acting with a role as Jacqui in Season 1 of AMC’s The Walking Dead, a role that garnered her worldwide recognition. She was initially cast for two episodes, but after her skilled performance, her character was added to the series.

Prescott took on her role in Season 3, appearing as one of the voices Rick hears on the phone. Prescott directed, wrote, and starred in the drama film Stand Down Soldier in 2014. Her television credits include recurring roles as Cherry in Ray Donovan and Judge Delilah Nunes in Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. She has also appeared in Bolden!, Brothers & Sisters, Southland, Parks and Recreation, Revolution, NCIS: Los Angeles, Scandal, Shameless, Big Little Lies, 9-1-1, Batwoman, and Nancy Drew.

She was cast for her first series role in 2019 as Madame Xanadu in the DC Universe series Swamp Thing. Despite the series’ cancellation after one season, Prescott’s performance was widely recognized. Recently, she has starred in the Netflix romantic comedy film Resort to Love in 2021 and took on a recurring role in the BET+ drama series All the Queen’s Men from 2021 to 2022. In 2023, she appeared in the romantic drama film To Live and Die and Live.

Jerly Prescott’s Early Life and Family

Jerly Prescott was born on March 25, 1964, in Washington, D.C. He was adopted and raised in Hartsville, South Carolina. She and her mother worked with the local group Willing Workers, a community organization dedicated to service and supporting families. The Community involvement has always inspired her to give back to her community and collaborate with other creatives to make a difference. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management. She achieved a Ph.D. in American Literature and a Master’s Degree in African American Literature.

She is an advocate for sarcoidosis due to her experience with the disease. She was diagnosed with pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis, and later, cardiac sarcoidosis, which significantly affected her heart function. She encourages early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the need for increased research into diseases that disproportionately affect African American women. Prescott maintains a degree of privacy regarding her personal life, her professional endeavors, and advocacy work reflect a commitment to making a positive impact. Her career and journey continue to inspire other people in the health and entertainment industry.