Jenny Siddall: 'Just Keep Running'
- Cloey Kinney
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Jenny Siddall pronounces her name with some inspiration from Forest Gump. When a 1994 film remains popular and influential 32 years later, you can be sure of one thing: there’s a message deeper than the script. “I’ve wanted to be an actress since I was three years old,” Siddall explains. “I watched this Elvis Presley movie– ‘It Happened At The World’s Fair’… This was the first time I’d seen a little girl in a movie. Cause I used to watch cowboy movies with my (grandfather); I didn’t see no kids! So when I saw her I was like, ‘kids can (act) too??’ I was floored.
“Years went on and I never really got the chance to go for it. Life happens and then I had kids, and I didn’t know that was the magic thing that I needed. Those kids push me.”
Although Siddall admits roles are sparse, if no doors open for her, she’s committed to making them herself. As an expressive, creative, and driven individual, she’s always on the go. “I did start late doing art and expressing myself... When I was younger, I kinda didn’t have the time or the opportunity to do any of that.” Siddall is current represented with Anchor Talent Group.
Although she didn’t pursue her aspirations until later in life, Siddall hasn’t been happier. All those around her can see the light shines brighter in her eyes. She offered to get a 9-5; a request to which her husband promptly denied. “He hasn’t seen me this happy in a long time.” Supported by her husband and children, Siddall says their house is a reflection of her mind. Paintings hung on the wall, instruments decorate empty space; there is no shortage of art.
“I started doing art for therapy, and then all of this other stuff just popped up.” The entire Siddall family is involved with recent projects. “There’s the Esther Fest here in Amherst, that was like the third year it’s been going on.” Hosted by Charlie Rhindress, the festival is largely inspired by Esther Cox. In 1878, paranormal events such as flying objects, strange noises in the night, and mysterious fires tormented Amherst. Siddall approached Rhindress, and it wasn’t long before she and her son were performing their ghost play in October 2025.
Playwriting and acting is something Siddall says she’s largely pushed to pursue by her children. Her son would encourage her not to let her projects sit in binders, and even co-wrote their play. “My daughter helps me with my auditions. She reads the parts for me and makes sure the light’s in the right spot… (The play) was a lot of work I didn’t know I was prepared to do.”
With no theatre in her hometown of Weymouth, Siddall didn’t begin officially reaching out to local theatres until 2012. “When I moved, there was a little play company called the Tantramar Theatre and I did a play there. I’ve been with Two Fools Production for over a decade.” To expand her reach, Siddall balanced roles with other companies such as Live Bait Theatre and Marshlight Theatre Company.
Much like Forest Gump, Jenny keeps going. A year ago, she couldn’t have imagined putting art into galleries or actively chasing roles. “Everyone says they wish they would’ve tried. I’m not gonna say that. I’m gonna say I just went for it and just shared… Everything that I do, I’m trying to share that I healed through art. There’s a way to turn what you’ve been through into something you can learn from. When I first started doing art it was for therapy. I don’t really see what’s on it until a day later. I just let my feelings go and make it. And when it’s on there, you can see the feeling… I’ve learned so much about myself through art.”
Painting is a release that Siddall hopes to one day share through her newly produced radio show. For now, she’s featured for a daily quick song on 107.9 CFTA. However, her aspirations are clear; Jenny Siddall wants to help people heal. Specifically, she hopes to share radio space that people can clear their heads and create art to, just as she does. “Radio Gaga by Queen is a big thing for me. I love radio. We’re so stuck on the video that it would be nice to just escape the visual. Calm your senses down a bit. That’s what I want.”
Pronounced ‘Jen-nay’, it’s more than a name. It’s a theme that has followed Siddall all her life. “When I saw (Forest Gump), no matter what happens, that guy just kept going. He just kept running. And no matter what happens I just keep going; I just keep running. You have a choice… You can either sit with everything and let it weigh you down, or you can be like ‘wow I’m still here, I’m still going. I can do stuff to help people.’”
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