Jenna Dewan Reveals Secrets of Playing Abusive Ex with Fiancé Steve Kazee on ‘The Rookie’

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⚠️ Caution: This discussion includes plot details from “The Mickey,” episode 7 of season 7 on ABC’s “The Rookie.”

In this rephrased version, I aim to maintain the original meaning while making it more readable and natural.

Initially, Jenna Dewan didn’t anticipate staying on “The Rookie,” but after joining the ABC police show in 2021 for a multiple-episode role, her character Bailey Nune quickly stood out. On John Nolan’s (Nathan Fillion) doorstep, Bailey, the spirited firefighter, left an unforgettable mark by showing up in just a bath towel. It turned out she had accidentally locked herself out of the house she was looking after.

For Dewan, the chance to portray Fillion’s possible new romantic interest in the Season 3 finale seemed, at best, like a refreshing break amidst the ongoing pandemic turmoil. However, when showrunner Alexi Hawley detected an instant chemistry between Nolan and Bailey, he chose to upgrade Dewan to a regular cast member for Season 4. Since then, Bailey’s narrative has progressed into a character discovering that she cannot escape her haunting past.

In the middle of Season 4, Bailey’s abusive husband, Jason (portrayed by Steve Kazee, who is Dewan’s real-life partner), having served time for embezzlement, was released from prison. He located Bailey in Los Angeles, causing turmoil in her relationship with Nolan, who was unaware of their marriage at the time. When Jason confessed to planting cocaine in Bailey’s car as a form of revenge, he struck a deal with the District Attorney to work as an informant within the criminal organization where he was laundering money. However, his inability to keep this agreement resulted in his return to prison.

In the final episode of Season 6, as Nolan and Bailey were enjoying their new married life, Jason, along with his partner Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave), managed to escape from prison. To trick Nolan and Bailey into thinking he’d left the city, in Episode 5, Jason traced Bailey to her workplace, rammed her with a stolen car, and abducted her. Remarkably, Bailey was able to retaliate, breaking Jason’s arm and causing him to crash the vehicle. Eventually, Jason met his end at the hands of Malvado (Jimmy Gonzales), a hitman Bailey had contacted using a disposable phone. This week’s episode shows Nolan grappling with whether he can forgive Bailey for seemingly collaborating with Malvado to kill Jason. In a surprising turn, Bailey confesses her ordeal of abuse to a stranger.

In the following discussion, Dewan shares insights into her portrayal of a distressing abuse narrative alongside co-star Kazee, explains why revealing Jason’s truth can help Bailey heal, and discusses what she gained professionally while working with Janet Jackson in the early 2000s – a friendship that remains close to this day.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that you’re not the first actor I’ve conversed with who’s cast their real-life partner as an abusive ex in a television series. Just like Jennifer Love Hewitt shared with EbMaster, working alongside her husband on “9-1-1” provided a sense of safety that enabled them to delve deeper into their characters’ narrative. I wonder if this was similarly true for you and Steve?

I’ve long admired his skill, so when Alexi proposed an intriguing concept, my enthusiasm sparked instantly. Given his exceptional acting abilities, I believed we could challenge each other and explore realms that seem more accessible when you’re working with someone trustworthy and familiar. It’s as if we’re unveiling hidden facets of our bond. Moreover, it’s invigorating to experiment with something unconventional in our relationship. There’s nothing quite like breaking free from the routine of parenting at home and instead diving into intense, uncharted scenes together.

In our opening scene, there was an unexpected moment of, ‘It’s so great we mesh well!’ It wasn’t until ‘The Rookie’ that we discovered this. I found it entertaining for him to portray a truly wicked character, and equally enjoyable for me to give him a hard time. Whenever they called ‘cut!’, we would look at each other and burst out laughing, wondering, ‘What on earth are we doing?’

The fifth episode saw our final fight, where Jason’s character met his end. That episode felt particularly dreamlike because we had just welcomed our daughter Rhiannon into the world. So there we were, engaged in a wild car chase – physically fighting, throwing each other around, and shouting at one another – all while our newborn was in the trailer, and I was constantly going back and forth to breastfeed. We experienced every emotion imaginable during that time.

Could we discuss the final fight scene in Episode 5? Initially, Bailey was tossed about haphazardly, similar to a limp doll. However, her swift intelligence enabled her to turn the tables against Jason who seemed to be losing control.
What narrative were you trying to convey through that particular sequence?

I wholeheartedly concur with your perspective. The character indeed seemed trapped and helpless, mirroring Bailey’s struggle with domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband. Over time, she had been a victim, enduring his abuse without resistance. However, in this instance, she decided to assert herself, standing up against him in a way that many would find intimidating due to his history of physical, emotional, and verbal aggression. Her actions were symbolic; she was essentially saying, “I no longer fear you like I used to, and I’m done with this.” This climactic moment represented her reaching her breaking point, discovering her power, and attempting to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Throughout the development of this narrative alongside Alexi over the course of years, I engaged in discussions with other survivors of domestic violence. The aim was to authentically portray Bailey’s personal journey through abuse.

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Over the span of several years while collaborating on this screenplay with Alexi, I conversed with numerous individuals who had endured domestic violence. I aimed to accurately depict Bailey’s unique experience with abuse.

By conversing with individuals from my past who have experienced domestic violence in various ways, I’ve noticed a common theme: even when the danger is suppressed or reduced, the trauma lingers and can affect your life. This persistent feeling requires significant effort to overcome, as you’re still conditioned to respond in that pattern. Over the course of the show, Bailey demonstrates this struggle: ‘Am I safe here? Oh, I am safe here. OK, that’s gone.’ Yet, the remnants of those emotions remain. The predicament she faced – and continues to face – is likely relatable in the sense that if you’ve lived with a threat for such a long time, it’s hard to ever feel truly free from it; it’s challenging to ignore. I found compassion for Bailey in her desire to move past this ordeal and achieve freedom and safety, but recognizing how difficult that must be for her.

This week, I found myself forming an alliance with Diana, a survivor of domestic abuse like me, who runs a local women’s shelter. Sharing my long-suppressed pain about Jason was a cathartic experience that brought me closer to understanding and healing.

It seems to me that Diana entered Bailey’s life purposefully, reflecting both her strengths and areas for growth. In terms of your recovery, I believe there are numerous instances where you might think, ‘I’ve moved on, that’s in the past, I’m fine now.’ However, Diana served as an illustration of how one can carry on living with their pain while also acknowledging its impact. By lowering her defenses, Bailey initiates the healing journey. This process, I believe, is ongoing; it’s not something that happens just once.

During the episode, Bailey admits to Diana that she struggled to identify what Jason subjected her to as abuse, since she wasn’t a typical victim in appearance. She didn’t have visible injuries such as black eyes or broken bones, so she didn’t feel like, nor did she want others to perceive her as, a victim.

In that instance, I found the writing truly remarkable, as it resonated deeply with me. It made me realize that each person perceives and defines certain situations differently, and this includes understanding what constitutes domestic abuse. The common image of physical violence or obvious injuries isn’t always present; domestic abuse can manifest in various forms for different individuals, and it doesn’t necessarily need to escalate to visible harm for it to be recognized as such.

It was quite intriguing for the spectators as they witnessed a reflection of how someone behaves toward me and what it conveys. This can range from manipulative to covert actions, something I’ve encountered myself. I felt that Bailey needed this understanding, and it seemed liberating for her. There was a sense of relief from shame experienced by abuse victims, who often feel they are at fault, when Diana echoed that sentiment. It made Bailey feel less isolated in her situation.

It seems to me, you’ve hit the nail on the head. She’s not keen on being perceived as a victim. However, the truth is, she was – and still is – a victim. Acknowledging that was a massive stride for her. It’s almost like fighting against something only makes it stronger. Eventually, she admitted, ‘Alright, I get it. You’re right. I was a victim.’ And with that acceptance, she was able to move forward.

Due to his lack of knowledge about the exact details of what Jason did to Bailey, Nolan has been unable to assist her in her healing process. However, it appears that Bailey is planning to reveal the truth to him as a step towards reestablishing trust and working on their relationship. What draws Nolan and Bailey together and motivates them to make their relationship successful?

Because Nolan remains unaware of the full impact Jason had on Bailey, he has been unable to aid her in her recovery. Nonetheless, it seems that Bailey is prepared to disclose the truth to him as a means of rebuilding trust and strengthening their bond. What qualities do Nolan and Bailey possess that encourage them to strive for relationship success?

For Bailey, Nolan serves as a secure haven where she can freely reveal her vulnerabilities and authentic self. Simultaneously, Nolan seems to constantly introduce Bailey to fresh experiences. They manage to keep each other intrigued while maintaining an unspoken understanding. When both of them share high-risk professions, it’s challenging for others to comprehend or relate unless they are directly involved. As a result, there is a strong sense of camaraderie between them, and Nolan appears to find her appealing. Bailey is a self-assured, powerful woman in her own right, which I believe is quite alluring, and their chemistry is undeniably potent. Moreover, the fact that Nolan provides a safe space for Bailey’s emotions and intense feelings motivates her to express herself more openly, allowing them to share humorous and playful moments together. In essence, Nolan acts as a significant source of healing for Bailey in multiple aspects.

Prior to the return of Jason, I had been contemplating the idea of growing our family through adoption with my partner. This season, will we revisit these discussions and what shape will our relationship take as we navigate this new development in our lives?

Currently, the state of their family situation revolves around acknowledging, particularly after the events involving Jason and Malvado, that their lives as they stand aren’t suitable for welcoming a child at this moment. Both of them are engaged in demanding careers, and there seems to be an agreement that it might not be the optimal time for them to consider such a change until they can establish more security in their individual lives. I think that shows a level of maturity between Nolan and Bailey. Therefore, while having a child is still a possibility, it’s more about finding the right moment rather than ruling it out altogether. They both desire it, but timing is crucial.

Will Bailey have to deal with any legal consequences for her actions later in the season?

In that circumstance, there’s no denying the intricacies involved, given the spouse is a police officer. It’s hardly simple. However, upon closer examination, additional aspects emerge that provide insights into certain actions, making them seem one way initially but revealing a deeper narrative over time.

In recent times, the popularity of the TV show “The Rookie” has skyrocketed on TikTok, which has resulted in a shift towards a younger fanbase. Given this, I’m curious about your 11-year-old daughter Everly’s opinion on your work on the show. Is she captivated by acting like her parents or does she prefer dancing? [Dewan shares Everly with her former partner, Channing Tatum, whom she met while working together in the film “Step Up.”]

She has a stronger inclination towards dancing compared to us. Instead of following my path, she specializes in competitive Irish dance, showcasing her talent across various Marriott ballrooms worldwide as she competes. Her passion for this art form is evident, as she’s deeply invested in it.

Previously, she had only watched a few episodes of ‘The Rookie’, but it always gave her a bit of a scare. However, lately she’s been asking, “Mom, I really want to watch ‘The Rookie.'” It seems her sixth-grade classmates are the ones to blame for this sudden interest, as they keep praising the show. Now, she’s hooked and asks every night, “Can we watch a new ‘Rookie’?” We’ve reached a point where I can let her watch some shows that I enjoy too. Recently, she watched an episode with me and my partner, and she was amazed, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, that was so intense! I can’t believe that’s you guys!” It’s great to be able to enjoy this show together.

The “Smooth Criminal” dance you performed alongside your co-star Mekia Cox last season was seen over 39.2 million times and received more than 3.8 million likes on TikTok. The performance was amazing, but the bond you two share is equally impressive: Both of you were once backup dancers for a Jackson – Mekia danced with Michael, while you danced with Janet. Can you tell us how that dance came about?

Initially, isn’t it ironic that we both performed for a Jackson? It took us aback when we first collaborated and discovered this commonality. When we reminisced about our past, I was struck by the memory on TikTok, one of the suggested videos. ‘Smooth Criminal’ is one of my all-time favorite music videos, so I shared it with her, suggesting, “Should we give it a try? I might be six months pregnant, but I’ll do my best to keep up.” She agreed enthusiastically, and though I strained four uterus muscles in the process, we had a fantastic time.

Let’s discuss when we can work together again on screen. Specifically, I’m curious about the scheduling for filming our shared scenes and being on set simultaneously. Learning the ropes might take a bit of time, but the fun and laughter we shared were unforgettable! We thought, “This is the perfect moment to capture it on camera!

Reflecting on my past, I worked under Janet’s guidance 25 years ago when she played a crucial role in launching my career. Our paths crossed again on stage at the Hollywood Bowl in 2017. When I look back on that time with her as my mentor, what strikes me most? What lessons did I take away from her?

I’m grateful to Janet, as she turned my dream into reality – a vision board moment that became a stunning reality. All I yearned for was the opportunity to dance for her. Not only did I get selected for her ‘Doesn’t Really Matter’ video, but she approached me personally and asked if I wanted to join her on tour. I still recall feeling lightheaded, yet responding with an eager yes. Janet taught me how to be a leader, demonstrating this through grace and love, as well as the art of collaboration and unity among team members. She truly embodies the spirit of a team player, maintaining close relationships with her dancers. She’s not only good at what she does but also treats everyone around her with kindness. It’s no surprise that she is so cherished – all due to her exceptional treatment of others.

Above all, what struck me most was the extent of her influence and the emotions she evoked when I was around her. Later, as I worked with other artists, I came to understand that this wasn’t typical. This realization led me to comprehend the importance of being a good leader. Reflecting on my past, I was between 19 and 21 years old when I collaborated with her, an experience that significantly shaped my life. Touring the world alongside my idol, who is not only incredibly kind but also a powerhouse performer, instilled in me the courage to pursue all my aspirations wholeheartedly.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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2025-02-19 06:18