We are starting off the New Year with love. Mollee Gray has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She starred as “Giggles” in Disney’s production of Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach Movie 2, landed the lead role of “Sophie” in the 2019 action film The Reliant, and was even a top 8 finalist in the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance.

Even with her busy acting and dancing schedule, Mollee Gray finds time to work with organizations which are dear to her heart, be a role model to those struggling with body dysphoria, and embraces the challenges and beauty of her marriage with Jeka Jane. Read our exclusive interview to learn more about Mollee Gray.

Where are you based?
Burbank, California

How did you get interested in acting?
I’ve always loved the arts, ever since I can remember, and when I got my first taste of “set life” when I was nine, I fell in love with being in front of a camera.

In what ways has acting shaped your life?
Acting has given me a career and platform to positively influence the younger generation. Having the success of an acting career has taught me that dreams can come true if you don’t give up on yourself.

Congratulations on your lead role in “The Reliant”. What was it like playing the role of Sophie? Do you guys share any similarities?
Thank you! Yes, Sophie and I do have some similarities! Family is the first thing that comes to mind. I have younger siblings, the exact same as Sophie, and I know there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect them. Sophie is also very strong willed, not only in her faith, but in her choices in life. I share the same qualities, especially relating to trusting myself within my choices and decisions.

Please tell us about your dance career as well! Do you find it hard being an established dancer and an actor? How often do you get to mix the two?
I’ve been dancing since I was three years old and booked my first television job when I was nine years old! I started coming across the problem that I was booking a lot of tv shows as a dancer, and then getting an audition to be a guest star on that same show and couldn’t do it because I had already been seen on the show. So I had to make a decision and I chose to give up dance “commercially” so that I could give myself those acting opportunities. I travel and teach on the weekends so I still get to dance! I get to mix the two when I book musical projects!

Can you tell our readers about Breaking the Chains foundation and why you personally became an ambassador for this organization?
Breaking the Chains Foundation is a non profit that uses art as the process to unmask the stigma of individuals affected by eating disorders. I personally wanted to get involved because of having gone through the body dysphoria and being overly controlling of what I would eat. Standing in front of a mirror every day for dance can really cause you to start judging yourself, and I wanted to be a positive role model and someone that people could relate to, to encourage them to break that chain they are putting on themselves.

Do you think the entertainment industry has created this image of what dancers should look like or does it come from self pressure?
I think growing up was a lot different then compared to what it is now. Thankfully, today, diversity is being celebrated and not putting a “one look” standard on our craft.

Why do you think humans create these images of what we should look like rather than loving who we are?
I truly believe social media has created a potentially toxic door for every person around the world to compare themselves to the “popular influencer.” On the opposite side of that, we get to see body positive influencers as well, such as Lizzo. I believe the more we validate “fakeness”, the more things will only get worse. That’s why I personally choose to promote self love and positivity on my platform. Hopefully it will resonate or at least help just one person looking at my page.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with their body image?
Anyone can tell you that you’re beautiful or ugly. It shouldn’t matter what they say. Don’t put validity and weight in their words. As long as you truly love yourself and are proud of the body you’re in, that is all that matters when you live YOUR life.

Let’s switch the topic to love. You and Jeka are super cute. Can you tell us how you met, and started dating?
We started becoming friends in 2009 at a dance convention. Actually, Jeka asked his student to give me his number. He was too shy to give it to me! Haha. I texted him and we built a strong friendship, then started dating in 2013!

Your wedding was a fairytale. The ceremony was touching and pictures were absolutely beautiful. What was it like marrying the love of your life, Jeka Jane? Do you have a favorite moment from the wedding?
Awe! Thank you! It was literally that, a fairytale. I still to this day feel so lucky I get to call him my husband. He’s my favorite part of doing life. I think coming down the aisle seeing him for the first time in 24 hours was a favorite memory, because it wasn’t a normal look, it was the start of our life and we locked eyes the entire time I walked down.

Have you guys faced adversity from the public eye because Jeka is a transgender male? If so, how do you and Jeka handle it?
Oh, everyday! We try to respond with positivity and educational responses, rather than demeaning them. We believe we need to teach love instead of reciprocating hate.

Do you feel society has become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community? How would you like it to improve?
Most definitely! I would like to see people who don’t support our community to at least respect us as humans, and remember we have a beating heart and emotions, just like them. So to be more conscious of what they are saying and how they are treating our community, especially since we aren’t causing them any conflict or harm in their everyday life.

What is in the future for Mollee Gray?
Excited for the holidays and to be with my family and celebrating with each other! Then after holidays, work and projects start up again, and of course still producing videos on our YouTube channel!

What is your motto in life?
“Stop letting other people be better than you. You deserve to be great!”