Hailey Kilgore, an American actress and singer, is famous for her appearance as LaVerne “Jukebox” Thomas in the crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
She attributes her academic success, creativity, and personal life to her parents’ nurturing, healthy, and loving upbringing.
Highlights
- Hailey Kilgore, the daughter of Rebecca and Eric Kilgore, was born on February 16, 1999, in Humble, Texas.
- She is a transracial adoptee, and her parents met as theater students at Western Oregon University.
- Her parents didn’t want to be the stereotypical parents who thrust their children into every spotlight.
Hailey Kilgore competed in different pageants at 9 and was named National American Miss Oregon Pre-Teen in 2012. She also won the National NAM Spokesmodel and Miss Oregon’s Outstanding Teen competitions.
She performed in various productions at Clackamas High School before transferring to the Clackamas Web Academy.
Hailey participated in the Portland August Wilson Monologue Competition and performed in the national monologue competition at the August Wilson Theatre in New York.
She is a regular song leader for the Rose City Riveters supporting the Portland Thorns FC.
Her professional theatrical debut was in Portland Center Stage’s 2015 production of Our Town, where she played Rebecca Gibbs. The same year, she also appeared in the Portland Center Stage production of Ain’t Misbehavin’.
When Kilgore was chosen to play Ti Moune in the Broadway adaptation of Once on This Island, she was a first-year student at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.
Hailey Kilgore’s Parents Adopted Her At Birth
Hailey Kilgore, the adopted daughter of Rebecca and Eric Kilgore, was born on February 16, 1999, in Humble, Texas. Her parents named her Hailey Frances Kilgore and moved to the Portland suburb of Happy Valley.
Her parents are both actors, and she grew up in the theater, which her father owned when she was only 4.
Rebecca, aka Becky, and Eric met as theater students at Western Oregon University. She taught middle school theater, and he helped run a Portland theater company, Bridge City Productions.
Hailey was involved with a local children’s choir at 6, and her parents supported her passion for entertainment.
She is a transracial adoptee who was raised in a white family in Oregon. Growing up, she faced challenges at school as one of the few African American students.
Her parents have always supported her through everything. They made a sincere effort to educate and prepare me for many things. However, she had many odds stacked against her and a challenging space to develop.
This gave her the work ethic and motivation to go off and do bigger and better things.
Later, as she grew older, she learned to educate herself on her culture and where she came from. She began to dive into her history and roots.
Hailey loves her family and being a black woman. She wouldn’t change any of it for anything, and her experiences have made her who she is today.
When I was a little girl my dad and I would make these fresh lemon bars from scratch. I remember when I went to Magnolia Bakery for the first time when I moved to New York for college. When I saw that they had lemon bars I bought a box and cried. I love lemon bars. I actually love them so much that one of my co-stars on Power (Natalee Linez) made me boxes of them for my birthday! (And yes I cried, again.)
Hailey Kilgore
Hailey feels beautiful when she’s deeply connected with other artists on camera. Patina Miller has played her mom and aunt in different shows.
Besides acting, she loves singing and has been working on her first album for several years. She learned to sing before she could talk.
Alicia Keys and Viola Davis have been influential figures in her life because of their relationship with themselves and their journey with self-worth and confidence.
Hailey Kilgore’s Parents Supported Her Journey
Hailey Kilgore always had the full support of her parents and family, even though she was the only African American in sports, church, and school. Her family always had her back, and she grew up in a safe environment.
Although her parents were very protective, she struggled to find her identity and always figured out where she fit in. She had a grandmother who was a big part of her life.
Literally the most magical time of the year ✨ pic.twitter.com/P9rm05zRce
— H K (@HaileyKilgore) November 16, 2024
Hailey’s mother helped her move into her first apartment when she pursued her interest and moved to New York.
Her parents are over the moon, seeing her growth in the acting industry. They let her learn from her mistakes and grow better.
Moreover, her parents always encouraged her to follow her dreams, whether they were acting, cheerleading, or gymnastics. They didn’t want to be stereotypical stage parents who thrust their child into every spotlight.
She grew up in a predominately white community and faced bullying in the ninth grade.
I remember my mom would drive me forty-five minutes to Portland every Saturday and she would let me be a part of the Northwest Community Gospel Choir, and that was my first experience with the black community and with people who looked like me. I met people who were dealing with the same issues that I was dealing with growing up. I remember feeling safe and welcomed, and I learned so many lessons being a part of that experience.
Hailey Kilgore
Hailey grew up on farmland, a suburban neighborhood where trees and dogs run free in the yards. Her parents are proud of her remarkable acting skills.
It’s the stuff that movies and classic Broadway shows are made of. This girl from some small town out of nowhere takes Broadway by storm.
Becky Kilgore
Additional Information
- Hailey Kilgore studied classical, jazz, opera, country, and gospel and has always been musical theatre.
- She loves to write about her spiritual and emotional journey; her most prized possession is her music bible.
- She is likely single and focused on her career goals rather than being in a committed relationship.
- Her ideal shooting location is Atlanta, Georgia, and she loves the food, culture, and southern hospitality.
