If you’ve been keeping an eye on the credits of some of the grittiest dramas or most soulful biopics lately, you’ve definitely noticed the name Hailey Kilgore. She isn't just another "up-and-coming" actress; she’s basically a force of nature who made the jump from a Tony-nominated Broadway debut to becoming the heart of the Power universe. Honestly, the way she moves between a 1990s South Jamaica crime scene and a Broadway stage is kinda wild.
Most people recognize her as Jukebox from Power Book III: Raising Kanan, but her filmography is actually a lot deeper than just playing a teenage gangster-in-the-making. From singing alongside Jennifer Hudson to starring in her own neo-noir thrillers, Hailey Kilgore movies and tv shows represent a very specific kind of career—one built on intense dramatic chops and a voice that literally stops people in their tracks.
The Power of Jukebox: Breaking Down Her TV Roles
Let’s be real: Power Book III: Raising Kanan is where most of us fell in love with her acting. Taking on a role previously played by the legendary Anika Noni Rose is a massive flex, and Kilgore didn't just imitate her; she built the foundation. She plays Laverne "Jukebox" Thomas with this devastating mix of toughness and total vulnerability. You’re watching a girl who wants to be a pop star slowly getting swallowed by the family business. It's tragic. It's beautiful. It's why we keep tuning in.
But that’s not her only small-screen credit. Did you know she was in the 9-1-1 universe? Yeah, she plays Taylor Thompson in 9-1-1: Nashville. It’s a totally different vibe—more high-stakes procedural, less drug-game drama. She also popped up in Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories on Apple TV+ and had a recurring gig in The Village. She’s been working steadily for years, basically building a resume that says "I can do anything."
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Moving to the Big Screen: Respect and Cinnamon
When it comes to Hailey Kilgore movies, she tends to pick projects that have a bit of soul. In 2021, she landed the role of Carolyn Franklin in Respect. Playing Aretha Franklin’s sister is no small feat, especially when you’re sharing scenes with Jennifer Hudson. She held her own, though. She brought this grounded energy to a movie that was otherwise a massive, sweeping biopic.
Then there’s Cinnamon. If you haven't seen this one yet, go find it. It’s a Tubi Original (don't let that fool you, the quality is legit) where she plays Jodi Jackson. It’s a "Bonnie and Clyde" style thriller but with a heavy focus on her character’s dream of becoming a singer. It feels meta because, well, Hailey is a singer. The movie premiered at Tribeca and really proved she could carry a whole film on her back.
A Quick Look at Her Top Credits (So Far)
- Power Book III: Raising Kanan – Jukebox (The role that changed everything)
- 9-1-1: Nashville – Taylor Thompson
- Respect – Carolyn Franklin
- Cinnamon – Jodi Jackson
- Amazing Stories – Taran (Episode: "The Heat")
- The Village – Olivia
From Broadway to the Camera: The Ti Moune Factor
You can't talk about Hailey Kilgore movies and tv shows without acknowledging the theater nerd in the room. Before she was Jukebox, she was Ti Moune in the 2017 Broadway revival of Once on This Island. She was 18. Eighteen! She got a Tony nomination for her first-ever Broadway show. That kind of talent doesn't just happen; it’s rare.
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She recently went back to the stage as Eurydice in Hadestown (early 2025). Fans were losing their minds because seeing her live is a completely different experience than seeing her on a TV screen. There’s a certain "theatricality" she brings to her film roles—not in a "fake" way, but in the way she uses her whole body to tell a story. You see it in the way Jukebox holds herself; that’s theater training at work.
What’s Next for Hailey Kilgore in 2026?
Right now, she’s balancing a music career with her acting. She released an EP called Desire and Devotion and is working on a full-length album titled Heartbreak and Healing. It’s clear she isn’t interested in just being "an actress who sings." She wants to be an artist who does it all.
As we head further into 2026, expect her to move into more "prestige" film roles. There are rumors of her looking at more dramatic leading parts that move away from the crime genre. Honestly, after four seasons of the Power universe, she’s earned a break from the 90s streetwear and the heavy drama of South Jamaica.
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How to Follow Her Career Like an Expert
If you're trying to keep up with everything she's doing, you sort of have to look in three places at once. She isn't just a TV star; she's a musician and a Broadway veteran.
- Watch the Power Prequel: If you haven't finished Raising Kanan, do it. Her character arc is arguably the most complex in the entire franchise.
- Stream Her Music: Check out her single "Drama Queen." It gives you a much better idea of who she is outside of the characters she plays.
- Check Broadway Listings: She tends to return to the stage when we least expect it. If she’s in a show, buy the tickets immediately because she’s a "performer’s performer."
Hailey Kilgore is one of those rare talents who actually deserves the hype. She’s navigating Hollywood with a very old-school "triple threat" mentality, and it’s working. Whether she’s on a screen or a stage, you just can’t look away.
Actionable Insight: If you want to see her best range, watch Cinnamon for her leading-lady energy and then pivot to the first season of Raising Kanan to see her transformation into a tough-as-nails street kid. The contrast is the best proof of her talent.