Jessica Frances Dukes knows how to play women who command a room. Whether navigating the criminal world of Ozark, the grandeur of The Gilded Age or the dangerous power struggles of The Westies, she brings an intelligence and quiet authority that makes her impossible to overlook.
In The Westies, now streaming on MGM+, Dukes stars opposite J.K. Simmons as Birdie Polk, the fearless FBI agent leading the Gambino Task Force in 1980s Hell’s Kitchen. Strategic, tactical and always two moves ahead, Birdie is a master manipulator who understands how to turn other people’s doubts into fuel. It is exactly the kind of layered, formidable character Dukes plays so well.
With The Gilded Age returning for its fourth season on HBO Max on November 1 and a role in the second season of Presumed Innocent also ahead, Dukes is moving between radically different worlds at full speed. In these eight questions, she discusses Birdie’s fearlessness, learning from J.K. Simmons, the lessons she carried from Ozark and why the spectacle of The Gilded Age feels so close to theatre.
1. When you first read Birdie, what was the thing about her that made you think, “I know exactly who this woman is”?
The writing was so clear, bold and sharp. Chris Brancato and Michael Panes painted such a clear picture, so I felt I knew exactly who she was. She’s running that task force with precision, and she’s strategic and tactical. Birdie has been through hell and back to get to where she is in life, and I felt those events led to a daring fearlessness that I love playing with her.
2. You’ve described Birdie as a master manipulator. Do you think she sees herself as a manipulator, or does she believe she’s simply doing whatever is necessary to get the job done?
She absolutely sees herself as a master manipulator. She knows how to get what she wants out of people. I believe she works as if she holds the high hand every time, and she’ll push you out, even if it’s a bluff, just to see how you shift. She loves the game and is always two moves ahead.
3. How much of Birdie’s toughness comes from being a woman in a position of authority in the FBI in the early 1980s? Was she constantly aware that people were perhaps waiting for her to fail?
Other people’s doubts are a beautiful source of fuel for Birdie. I believe she is constantly aware of the forces against her at work and in the world. She knows these guys inside and out, and absolutely knows how this world works, which makes her the perfect person to lead this task force. This is also why she feels Keenan is the perfect person to help her. As she says, “You gotta use a criminal to catch a criminal.”
4. What did J.K. Simmons teach you simply by watching him work?
Ease. The ease that J.K. works with as Eamon Sweeney is absolutely wonderful to watch. I love watching legends up close and personal. I walk away with something special after every project. J.K.’s Eamon Sweeney is effortless and captivating, and I am honoured to tell this story with him and the rest of this outstanding cast.
5. If Birdie Polk could sit across from Jessica Frances Dukes for five minutes, what do you think she’d want to know about you?
If I was sitting across from Birdie, she would probably know everything about me already. I think she’d respect me for how hard I work and my work ethic on set, in my business, in the gym and within my family unit. Real recognises real. I think we’d have a great time over a few whiskeys too.
6. Was there anything you learned on Ozark that you suddenly found yourself using on this show without even realising it?
I learn something on every show. Every single production, on stage or on screen, is an opportunity to grow. The Ozarkset was a masterclass every day. I soaked it all in and take that experience with me everywhere I go.
7. You came from a major theatre background. Did working on The Gilded Age, a period piece this elaborate, feel closer to theatre or completely different?
The Gilded Age absolutely feels like theatre. It’s so grand. The sweeping group scenes feel like a big dance number, with the costumes and the spectacle of it all. I believe the language is my favourite part. It’s definitely so much fun to fall into and watch that world.
8. What is next for you?
It’s been a wonderful artistic season. I wrapped The Westies and started shooting Presumed Innocent Season 2 on Apple for four months, then went straight into filming Season 4 of The Gilded Age. From 1980s Hell’s Kitchen to a beautifully intense present-day drama, then straight into 1800s Newport, it’s been a busy time. I am beyond thankful and honoured to create art alongside such amazing artists.
Photographer Gerson Lopes
Makeup Starlynn Burden
Styling Trenez J Scott
