She’s been celebrated as “the high priestess of New York theater” and has taken home two Emmys for her work on the small screen. But deep down, Cherry Jones remains the same small-town girl who grew up in Paris, Tennessee. “It’s a warm, loving place,” Cherry, now 63, reveals to Closer. “It’s where people come together to volunteer, do everything they can to improve the community, and they simply respect one another without diving into politics. They just focus on what truly matters.”
Though she no longer calls Paris home, Cherry and her wife of nearly five years, filmmaker Sophie Huber, 48, cherish their visits to the actress’ charming hometown. “People may have differences, but at the end of the day, we all want the same things: safe places for our children to grow up and enough to eat. If we concentrate on those common goals, we can rebuild friendships,” says the star of the Apple TV+ miniseries Defending Jacob.
On Playing a Lawyer in Defending Jacob
In Defending Jacob, you play a lawyer defending a teenager accused of murder. What drew you to this challenging role?
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“Growing up, my mother always told my sister and me that our parents would love us no matter what. As a child, I’d joke, ‘What if I murdered someone?’ And my mom would always respond, ‘Unconditionally.’ That’s the heart of this story. It’s about love that doesn’t falter, even in the face of something as devastating as murder.”
A Presidential Legacy on 24
You’ve appeared in countless films, but most fans know you best as the U.S. president on 24. What was that experience like?
“The first day on set, I was shaking like a leaf, thinking, ‘How am I going to pull this off?’ But the entire crew treated me with such respect because I was the president! When everyone around you acts like you’re the real deal, it gives you a confidence boost. Even now, whenever I see the Oval Office, I can’t help but think, ‘Wow, I miss my office!’”
Is there any chance for a 24 sequel or another movie?
“If they ever made a film, I doubt I’d be involved. The show would likely move on to a new era with Jack Bauer. I imagine Allison Taylor is somewhere out in Colorado, living quietly on a ranch. Who knows what happened to that president?”
The Thrill of Thrillers
You’ve starred in several thrillers over the years. What draws you to these types of roles?
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“Oh, I’ve been in some real doozies—Signs, The Perfect Storm. Thrillers are just so gripping! They keep audiences on the edge of their seats, and as an actor, that’s exactly where you want to be. Even in theater, I’ve had the privilege of being in plays like Doubt, where the audience leans forward within the first five minutes. It’s like your work is halfway done when you’ve got them hooked from the get-go.”
What did you think when Meryl Streep took on the role of Sister Aloysius in the film adaptation of Doubt?
“The film was very different from the play. The play felt like a powder keg, with just four characters and no children. I loved so much about what they did in the movie, and of course, Meryl was absolutely stunning as Sister Aloysius. But deep down, I believe the play was more dynamic. Maybe I’m just biased as a theater girl.”
From Tonys to Emmys: A Career in the Spotlight
You’ve won two Tonys (The Heiress and Doubt) and two Emmys (24 and The Handmaid’s Tale). What was it like to win those awards?
“Winning awards is such an out-of-body experience. You don’t expect your name to be called. When I won for The Handmaid’s Tale, I hadn’t prepared anything to say, which is why I accidentally thanked Elizabeth Olsen instead of Elisabeth Moss. The whole audience roared with laughter!”
How does working in theater compare to working in film and TV?
“Theater is my true home. It’s where I grew up and where I feel most comfortable. I’m still learning the ins and outs of television and film, even after two decades. But lately, I’ve started to get the hang of it. It’s been a long journey, but one I’m grateful for every step of the way.”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Putting aside all the craziness in the world today, how are you enjoying this phase of your life?
“This is actually one of my favorite periods. I’ve had so many incredible chapters, but now I’m savoring this part because most of my life is behind me. My focus now is figuring out how I can help the younger generations. We’re facing some serious challenges, and it’s going to take all hands on deck—especially those with experience—to make a difference.”
How did you meet your wife, Sophie Huber?
“I moved into a house in L.A. that had several apartments. Sophie lived in one of them, and we quickly became dear friends. A few years later, our friendship blossomed into something more, and we tied the knot in 2015. It’s been an incredible journey ever since.”
Have you grown closer during this time?
“Absolutely. We’re living with my sister and her husband, and we’ve all blended together beautifully. We enjoy each other’s company while also respecting our personal space. Sophie’s working on a script, my sister’s writing for her organization, and my brother-in-law is busy crafting outdoors. Meanwhile, I’m usually on the back porch reading or listening to podcasts—and yes, I’ve even taken up making pot holders!”
Do you plan to collaborate with Sophie on any projects?
“Not yet, but she often sends me pages to read, and we discuss them. It feels like she’s including me in her creative process, and that’s been a lot of fun.”
Coming Out and Personal Growth
Not many people came out as openly gay back when you did. Why did you choose to?
“I’d always been open with my colleagues and family, but it wasn’t until I became a public figure that it mattered. During an interview, the
