Chasing a dream and perhaps catching it

Lincoln actress gets role on 'Grey's Anatomy'

[August 14, 2008]  Jennifer Sydney, daughter of Lincoln residents Dana and Anne Sydney, will have a role in an upcoming episode of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning "Grey's Anatomy" television show.

The exact date of the episode isn't known at this time, but it is scheduled to be sometime after Sept. 28.

The 28-year-old Lincoln native already has had an active career in stage and film, but landing a role on the highly acclaimed and highly popular television series is a real plus for anyone's resume. There is a possibility that Jennifer's role as a love interest to one of the main characters might lead to further appearances on the series.

The opportunity is special to be sure, but Sydney's chance at television success has been well-earned.

According to Jennifer's father, she became intent on pursuing an acting career during her days at Lincoln Community High School, while on the speech team mentored by Dan McLaughlin.

Jennifer graduated from Lincoln College and then from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in the acting sequence.

She then interned at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago in 2002-2003. In 2003, she was a member of the Steppenwolf Summer Theater Intensive Program.

The Steppenwolf Theater was founded by Lincoln native and actor Terry Kinney along with Gary Sinise and Jeff Perry. The famed theater company now includes noted actors John Malkovich, John Mahoney and Joan Allen.

It was during this time that Sydney became acquainted with Jeff Perry, whose wife, Linda Lowy, is casting director of "Grey's Anatomy." It is obvious that Jennifer's skills were noteworthy enough for Lowy to turn to her for the role on the television series.

Currently residing in Los Angeles, Sydney and four others have formed a theater production group, Rushforth Productions, which is working on staging their fourth play.

In the past several years, Jennifer has added 15 film credits, including television, as well as 27 theatrical endeavors, to her portfolio of acting. Among those is the critically acclaimed "Under the City," which was filmed in freezing temperatures in Chicago. Actors in that movie included John Heard, Richard Portnow and Mike Starr. 

The actress is currently single. Pictures, additional information about Jennifer and a way to keep abreast of her growing career are available at www.jennifersydney.com.

Jennifer has one sister, Kathryn, who also was a stellar member of the Lincoln Community High School speech team. Kathryn is a graduate of Monmouth College and will be returning to school to become a doctor in naturopathic medicine.

[By MIKE FAK]