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What does it take to walk away from a successful career in medicine to chase a dream in Hollywood?
In this episode of My Fame, Explained, host Larry Gilbert sits down with actress Jackie Dallas, known for her roles in Netflix’s The Hunting Wives and Stranger Things, to explore her unconventional journey from the operating room to the television screen.
Raised in a family of doctors, Jackie followed a traditional path into medicine, studying microbiology at the University of Florida before pursuing medical training in surgery and pathology. But her childhood passion for performing never disappeared. In 2014, she made the life-changing decision to leave medicine behind, pack up her car, and drive Route 66 to California to pursue acting.
That leap of faith eventually led to her television debut in Netflix’s Stranger Things and appearances in popular series including Criminal Minds, Magnum P.I., The Resident, and 13 Reasons Why.
Now, Jackie is returning as political strategist Jia-Yi in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, premiering November 26, 2026.
Jackie shares her perspective on taking risks, navigating rejection, finding success in Hollywood, and how her medical background continues to influence her work as an actress. She also discusses her passion for women’s health advocacy and the importance of trusting yourself when pursuing a different path in life.
It’s a conversation about reinvention, determination, and having the courage to follow your dreams, even when it means starting over.
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