Moves Like Mason

Take a Walk on the Wilde Side

Jeanine Mason, the passionate dancer who stole America’s hearts and won television’s So You Think You Can Dance, is now proving her acting chops as Dr. Sam Bello on Grey’s Anatomy.

Singer and actress Jeanine Marie Mason, , who began ballet and flamenco dance training ng at three, became the youngest winner of the Fox television competition, So You Think You Can Dance. Now 27, the Miamiborn Cuban American beauty has also appeared in numerous TV series such as ABC Family’s Bunheads, NCIS: Los Angeles, CSI, and Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush. Currently, Jeanine, who graduated cum laude from UCLA, has a recurring role as Dr. Sam Bello on ABC’s popular medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. She answers our GENLUX Two-Word Questionnaire.

Q: Your background?

A: Cuban-American.

Q: You’re wearing?

A: A hotel robe and comfy knit socks.

Q: Personal style?

A: Lately, cotton dresses that are ever so slightly figure-hugging with chunky boots and a rad jacket. I like to be comfy, but I always want to feel sexy.

Q: Describe yourself:

A: Perseverant, intelligent, impassioned, hardworking, loving.

Q: Favorite charity?

A: Recently I was introduced to Camp Kesem by my brother. It’s an organization that provides a summer camp experience for kids who have lost a loved one to cancer. I love that it gives them a space to process their emotions amongst each other and just be kids. A space to feel seen and allowed to be messy. It touched my heart. I’m passionate about supporting women—particularly in entertainment—and am a member of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Representation is incredibly important to me, and I’m committed to making sure I take every opportunity not to perpetuate negative stereotypes or behavioral patterns for women that don’t serve us and our ascent. It’s also important to me to support women behind the camera, and I’m so excited to be meeting with Latinas in my community to brainstorm ways in which we can champion each other. The group is called Latina’s Who Lunch and we #FiercelyLatina all our interactions. As one should.

Q: Favorite getaway?

A: Probably the Florida Keys … or any little movie theatre anywhere … or ballet class but I’ll most likely skip center floor.

Q: Security blanket?

A: My Dad.

Q: Happiest moment?

A: Oh damn. Let’s say when my younger sister decided to join me in dance classes and quit horseback riding. I’m selfish.

Your heroes? My grandparents, they are that beautiful immigrant story.

Q: #MeToo movement?

A: I’m committed to taking care of myself and the people I’m working with. I’m stepping into my first lead role of a TV series right now, and I’m so grateful for the confidence all this bravery and awareness has translated into for me.

Q: DNA change?

A: Maybe to be a little bit better at relaxing…maybe.

Q: Life analysis?

A: It all comes out in the wash.

Q: Past fear?

A: Being enough. It’s a process always, but I am more than enough.

Q: Latest awareness?

A: More than anything, this job on Grey’s Anatomy has given me an immense amount of gratitude for our medical professionals and proven, definitively, that I could not hack it in real life. I’ll stick to pretending.