If you spent any time watching Nickelodeon in the early 2010s, you remember the scissors. You remember the combat boots. And you definitely remember the sarcasm. But for those scrolling through Netflix or catching old clips on TikTok, the question remains: who played Jade West?
It was Elizabeth Gillies.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. Liz Gillies didn't just play Jade; she basically built a blueprint for the "mean girl with a heart of gold" trope that we still see everywhere today. While Victorious was technically a vehicle for Victoria Justice, Gillies often stole the show with a single eye-roll. She brought a level of Broadway-trained vocal talent and genuine comedic timing to a kid's sitcom that, looking back, was actually pretty high-level.
Most people know her now from the Dynasty reboot, where she channeled that same "don't mess with me" energy into Fallon Carrington. But Jade was where it all started.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Liz Gillies wasn't some random kid off the street. She was already a Broadway veteran by the time she stepped onto the Hollywood Arts set. She had starred in the musical 13 alongside her future co-star and best friend, Ariana Grande. That’s actually a huge reason why their chemistry on screen felt so real—they had been working together since they were literal children.
When Dan Schneider and the casting team were looking for someone to play the "antagonist" of the show, they needed more than just a bully. They needed someone who could be terrifying but also somehow likable. Gillies walked in with this natural, smoky voice and a presence that was way beyond her years. She was only about 15 or 16 when the pilot was filmed, but she carried herself like she owned the building.
📖 Related: Gwendoline Butler Dead in a Row: Why This 1957 Mystery Still Packs a Punch
Jade West wasn't written to be nice. She was written to be the foil to Tori Vega’s optimistic, "shiny" personality. But because of who played Jade West, the character became a fan favorite. People related to her cynicism. They liked that she didn't feel the need to fake a smile.
Why the Character Still Resonates
It’s interesting. Usually, the "mean girl" in a teen show is eventually humbled or turned into a complete villain. Jade stayed Jade. She was obsessed with her boyfriend Beck (played by Avan Jogia), she hated most people, and she loved horror movies.
Elizabeth Gillies played her with a specific kind of nuance. If you watch closely, Jade’s aggression usually stems from insecurity or a massive need for creative control. She wasn't just mean for the sake of it; she was an artist who took things too seriously.
Breaking Down the Jade West Aesthetic
You can't talk about who played Jade West without talking about the look. The streaks in the hair—blue, green, pink—and the piercings. It was "alt" before alt was a mainstream TikTok aesthetic.
- The Hair: Those clip-in extensions became a staple for every middle schooler in 2011.
- The Clothes: Lots of black, lots of lace, and those signature combat boots.
- The Attitude: Deadpan delivery. Gillies has stated in interviews that she drew inspiration from various sources, but a lot of it was just her own dry sense of humor turned up to eleven.
Life After Hollywood Arts
After Victorious ended in 2013, many fans wondered if Elizabeth Gillies would go the pop-star route like Ariana Grande or Victoria Justice. She has an incredible voice—darker and more soulful than the typical bubblegum pop sound. Instead, she leaned heavily into acting.
👉 See also: Why ASAP Rocky F kin Problems Still Runs the Club Over a Decade Later
She did a show called Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll with Denis Leary, which really let her show off her rock vocals. It was a huge departure from Nickelodeon. It was gritty, loud, and very adult. But the real "second act" for her was Dynasty.
Playing Fallon Carrington was basically Jade West all grown up and given a billion dollars. It ran for five seasons, and Gillies even directed several episodes. It’s rare to see a child star transition into a lead role on a major network drama and sustain it for that long without the "Disney/Nick" stigma holding them back.
The Liz and Ariana Connection
We have to mention the friendship. Even years after the show ended, the person who played Jade West remained incredibly close with the person who played Cat Valentine. Gillies appeared in the "Thank U, Next" music video, playing the Lindsay Lohan role from Mean Girls.
It’s one of those rare Hollywood friendships that feels authentic. They weren't just "coworkers." They were kids who grew up in the industry together. Whenever they reunite for a "Give It Up" duet, the internet basically breaks. It reminds everyone of why Victorious worked in the first place—the talent was actually there.
Common Misconceptions About Elizabeth Gillies
Sometimes people get her confused with other actresses from that era, or they assume she’s exactly like the characters she plays.
✨ Don't miss: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
- She isn't actually "mean." By all accounts from costars, she’s one of the most professional and kind people on set. She just has a "Resting Jade Face" that makes her perfect for certain roles.
- She didn't stop singing. Even though she doesn't have a massive solo pop career, she releases music constantly. She did a jazz album with Seth MacFarlane (yes, the Family Guy guy) called We Got to Be Together. It’s very old-school Hollywood.
- She’s a director now. This is the big one. She’s transitioned behind the camera, which is where her "Jade West" perfectionism really shines.
The Cultural Impact of the Character
Jade West was an icon for the "weird kids." In a world of bright colors and "The Sun Is Shining" songs, she was the one who wanted to perform a play about a desert wasteland or a girl with a bloody nose. She made it okay to be a little bit dark and a lot bit sarcastic.
When you look at who played Jade West, you’re looking at an actress who understood the assignment. She knew she wasn't the lead, so she made her character the most interesting person in the room. That’s why, over a decade later, we’re still talking about her.
What to Watch If You Miss Jade West
If you're looking to see more of Elizabeth Gillies, you have plenty of options. You don't have to just stick to Nickelodeon reruns.
- Dynasty (The CW/Netflix): This is essential viewing. It’s campy, dramatic, and features amazing fashion.
- Vacation (2015): She has a small but hilarious role in this movie that shows off her comedy chops.
- Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll: If you want to hear her sing rock music, this is the one.
- Robot Chicken: She’s done voice work here, proving she doesn't take herself too seriously.
Moving Forward with the Legacy
Jade West remains a cornerstone of 2010s pop culture. If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Victorious or Elizabeth Gillies' career, the best place to start is her recent musical collaborations. She often performs live sets that bridge the gap between her Broadway roots and her modern persona.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the Victorious soundtracks on Spotify to hear her lead vocals on tracks like "Take a Hint" and "You Don't Know Me."
- Follow her on Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks at her directing projects; she’s very transparent about the process.
- Look for her guest appearances on podcasts where she talks about the "Nickelodeon machine"—she offers a very grounded, mature perspective on what it was like to grow up on a hit show.
The person who played Jade West didn't just move on from the role; she used it as a springboard to become one of the most versatile actresses in the business. Whether she's directing, singing jazz, or playing a corporate mogul, that Jade West fire is still very much alive.