Jennifer Wigmore, a multi-talented actor, writer, and visual artist, has captivated audiences in her role as Police Chief April Anderson in Prime Video’s new hit series Cross. During a recent interview, Wigmore opened up about her artistic inspirations, the complexities of her character, and what sets Cross apart from other crime dramas.
The Intersection of Art and ActingJennifer Wigmore’s career is as multifaceted as the roles she takes on. When asked if her visual art influences her acting, Wigmore was enthusiastic, “I’m not a different person when I’m painting, acting, or writing. I just use different tools,” she explained. “It’s important for artists to explore multiple mediums—it feeds our artistic soul.”
This philosophy has carried into her acting, where her layered portrayals of strong, complex women resonate deeply. Wigmore encourages aspiring artists to broaden their creative horizons and never stop learning—a principle she applies by continuing to attend acting classes to refine her craft.
Police Chief April Anderson, a tough yet multifaceted leader, is a character Wigmore relishes playing. She credits Cross showrunner Ben Watkins and director Zynga Stewart for crafting a character with depth and nuance, “I play a lot of powerful women who’ve broken through the glass ceiling,” Wigmore said. “With Anderson, you’ll see that she’s not just a no-nonsense cop—she’s ambitious, vulnerable, and human.”
She highlighted how Anderson’s relationship with Alex Cross, played by Aldis Hodge, creates compelling tension. Anderson admires Cross’s brilliance but often clashes with his rule-breaking tendencies, which can jeopardize both their careers. “There’s a great scene in Episode 6 where Anderson and Cross really butt heads,” Wigmore shared. “Aldis and I were both locked into being right—it was such a powerful moment.”
Research and PreparationWigmore didn’t just rely on her acting chops to play Anderson; she did extensive research on real-life female police chiefs. “There aren’t many female police chiefs, but the ones I studied are incredibly ambitious and dedicated,” Wigmore said. “I also worked closely with Ben Watkins to understand Anderson’s backstory since she doesn’t appear in the original books.” By drawing from these real-life inspirations and collaborating with the show’s creators, Wigmore infused Anderson with authenticity and relatability.
She praised the decision to depart from the books’ storylines, allowing the series to surprise even longtime fans of the novels. Updating the narrative to include more complex female characters also adds a modern, compelling layer to the show.
A Standout PerformanceWhen asked about her favorite scenes, Wigmore pointed to Episode 8, where viewers see a softer, more human side of Anderson. “She’s out of her uniform, in civilian clothes, having a vulnerable conversation with Cross,” Wigmore teased. “It’s a turning point—it makes you see her in a whole new light.” Wigmore believes this scene, placed strategically at the end of the season, sets the stage for fans to demand more of Chief Anderson in future episodes.
Final ThoughtsJennifer Wigmore’s portrayal of Police Chief April Anderson is a standout performance in a show packed with rich, multidimensional characters. With its intricate storytelling and fresh perspective, Cross is not just another crime drama—it’s a compelling exploration of ambition, justice, and humanity. As Wigmore concluded, “This series is for fans of Alex Cross and anyone who loves a smart, character-driven drama. I’m a fan myself, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.”
Fans can catch Wigmore in Cross streaming now on Prime Video—and with performances like hers, it’s no wonder viewers are hooked.
Watch the full interview with Jennifer Wigmore at the link below:
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