Jen Jacob recently opened up about how she actually landed the role of Ashley on the CBS soap Beyond the Gates and the story behind it is a reminder that casting decisions often depend on things actors can’t always control. In a candid video, Jacob shared a conversation she had with one of the show’s producers about the casting process and why she ultimately stood out among other contenders.
The Role Was Originally Written For A Blonde
According to Jacob, the audition breakdown for Ashley originally specified a blonde actress. Casting directors began collecting audition tapes based on that description, but the producers weren’t satisfied with the options they were seeing. After reviewing the initial round of auditions, the production team made a major change.
They went back to the casting director and essentially said: forget the type. Instead of focusing on physical characteristics, they wanted a shortlist of the best actors who could potentially bring the character to life. That decision opened the door for a new round of auditions and Jacob’s tape was part of that second batch.
Beyond the Gates Producers Were Looking For Something “Intangible”
Jacob explained that when the producers watched those tapes, they weren’t just evaluating technical acting ability. What they were really searching for was something harder to define. They wanted someone who could instantly make viewers feel empathy the moment they appeared on screen.
According to what the producers told Jacob later, her audition stood out because they felt audiences would naturally connect with her. They described the quality they were looking for as something intangible; a sense that the character was genuine, kind, and someone people could immediately root for.
One producer reportedly told Jacob that her audition felt like a “breath of fresh air.” The team felt they could see authenticity in her performance and personality. They believed viewers would instantly empathize with Ashley because Jacob came across as real and sincere on screen.
The producer also told her that subtle personality traits often show up even in short audition tapes. Sometimes casting directors can sense when an actor seems overly self-focused or not fully connected to the character. In Jacob’s case, they felt the opposite; her tape conveyed warmth and emotional accessibility.
So, the performers who don’t get the role, she suggested, remember that many factors behind the scenes have nothing to do with ability. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Beyond the Gates spoilers.