Jennifer Wigmore, celebrated for her role as Chief Anderson in Amazon Prime Video’s Cross, joined Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss the success of the show, her approach to portraying complex characters, and her multifaceted career as an actor, writer, and visual artist. Here are the highlights from our insightful conversation:
On the Success of Cross
Jennifer shared her excitement about the show’s remarkable reception, with over 92 million viewers in its first week:
“I’m so grateful to the fans for seeing what we felt when we made it. It’s the dream. Whenever you start a show, you want people to love it, and we feel the love.”
Embracing a Multifaceted Career
Jennifer opened up about her journey in the arts, highlighting her diverse career as an actor, writer, and visual artist:
“I learned in my forties that you need to diversify. Acting can be unstable, especially for women. Branching into writing and visual art has allowed me to sustain my creative life, not just financially but psychologically. It’s important to find other avenues to keep your artistry alive when you’re not booking roles.”
Bringing Chief Anderson to Life
Playing Chief Anderson, a driven, no-nonsense leader, required Jennifer to dig deep into the realities of female police chiefs:
“I spent a lot of time researching women who broke through the glass ceiling in this male-dominated profession. They all had grit, determination, and ambition—qualities Anderson embodies. It’s what drives her and complicates her interactions with Alex Cross.”
Anderson and Alex Cross: A Tense Dynamic
Jennifer described the complex relationship between Chief Anderson and Alex Cross:
“There’s a deep respect under an acrimonious relationship. They both like to be right, which causes friction. Anderson admires Cross’s brilliance but worries about how his rule-breaking might derail her ambitions—especially as she eyes a run for mayor.”
Reacting to Anderson’s Run for Mayor
Jennifer reflected on discovering Anderson’s political ambitions mid-season:
“I didn’t see that coming, but it gave me a clearer insight into her character. She’s not just the chief of police; she has a bigger ladder she’s climbing. Cross’s actions could jeopardize her goals, which adds layers to her motivations.”
Fantasy and Sci-Fi Aspirations
Jennifer revealed her dream of taking on a fantastical role:
“I’d love to play a badass in a major fantasy or sci-fi project. I’m a big fan of the Dune prophecy and characters that require incredible imagination. Bring on the Viking braids, weird creatures, and epic battles!”
What’s Next for Jennifer Wigmore?
Jennifer is currently working on multiple projects:
Season six of the British kids’ show Malory Towers, set to air next year.
Representing her union in industry negotiations.
Developing a feature screenplay through an intensive writer’s lab focused on women over 40.
A Message to Fans
Jennifer expressed her gratitude to Cross fans:
“Thank you for your support and love for the show. Keep watching, theorizing, and engaging because we’re just getting started.”
With her dynamic performance as Chief Anderson and her dedication to creating meaningful art across multiple disciplines, Jennifer Wigmore is a talent to watch. Stay tuned for updates on Cross Season 2 and her upcoming projects.
Follow Jennifer Wigmore on Instagram:
@jenniferwigmore for updates and insights into her acting career.
@jenniferwigmoreart for a glimpse into her visual artistry.