Jackée Harry, renowned for her dynamic presence in daytime television, has teased her upcoming storylines on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” promising a mixture of high-stakes drama and personal revelations. Known for her versatility—oscillating between comedic brilliance and emotional depth—Harry now portrays Paulina Price, a formidable and compassionate mayor of Salem. During a recent set visit, she described Paulina as a character embodying strength, honesty, and playfulness, qualities that serve her well as she navigates the complexities of balancing her authority, family loyalty, and community responsibilities. Fans can expect the character to face intense situations, balancing moments of joy with inevitable upheaval, as Harry hints that 2026 will bring surprising twists that challenge her portrayal of the mayor and test her resilience.
Introducing Paulina Price: A Character Defined by Strength and Complexity
Harry characterizes Paulina as a multi-dimensional figure who manages to blend political savvy with genuine tenderness and unyielding strength. During her interview with BET Current, she described her character using four words: “Strong, forthright, honest, and playful.” These traits have been particularly evident as Paulina supports her daughter through successful cancer treatment, prepares to welcome a new grandchild, and tries to maintain her family’s outward happiness. However, Harry emphasizes that this calm is often temporary on “Days of Our Lives,” suggesting that turbulent times are on the horizon.
Harry personally enjoys the tension that arises from her role, stating, “I like tension. The actor in me wants tension,” which hints at the soap’s penchant for dramatic upheaval. She also teases that viewers should brace for a major surprise in March, which will threaten to overturn Paulina’s world. “I don’t want to be too happy. That ain’t real!” she jokes, acknowledging that soap operas thrive on unpredictability and emotional rollercoasters.
The Persona of Paulina Price: A Reflection of Real-World Leadership
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As an actress, Harry finds profound resonance in playing a character who exhibits leadership qualities akin to those of a real-world mayor. Paulina’s ability to combine political leadership with a nurturing bedside manner displays her depth, making her relatable and inspiring. Asked whether she could envision herself as a real mayor, Harry was candid: “She’s really close to me, but I could never be mayor with my record of things I’ve done.” Her self-awareness highlights the immense demands of political office while also underscoring the entertainment value in playing such a role on television.
For Harry, Paulina’s character also offers a creative form of expression and personal fulfillment. With decades of acting experience—spanning stage and screen—she describes herself as a dedicated workaholic, saying, “Work, work, work. Oh, the workaholic I still am.” The role of Paulina Price provides a broad emotional canvas, allowing Harry to explore everything from stern authority to maternal softness and playful humor. This range keeps her engaged and thrilled to bring the character to life, positively impacting long-time fans and attracting new viewers alike.
Portraying a Trailblazing Black Woman in Daytime Drama
One of Harry’s proudest aspects of her role is the responsibility to authentically depict a powerful Black woman. She emphasizes that every gesture and look matters when conveying strength and warmth without compromising credibility. “Paulina is someone folks can rely on,” Harry asserts, underscoring her dedication to authenticity. This importance of truthful representation is vital in today’s media landscape, and Harry approaches her character’s development with a serious sense of responsibility.
Having entered the acting profession in 1973, Harry has amassed numerous credits that cement her legacy. Most notably, she broke barriers as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987, for her role as Sandra on “227.” She reflects on her early career, acknowledging that her ego was often inflated during her rise to fame. She candidly recalls how, in the 1980s and 90s, she was viewed as an “It girl,” eager for success and societal validation. “The ego is always there, and you need it as an actress to face the rejection that you get,” she admits.
Her journey in Hollywood also includes a humorous yet humbling story involving Kenya Barris, a prominent TV writer and producer. Barris, who was once Harry’s production assistant, had to remind her that he used to bring her scripts during her “227” years—something she has little memory of. His comment about her being kind during those days left her reflecting on how her pride and ego blocked her from acknowledging her past collaborators. This realization has haunted her, prompting a shift in her perspective over the years.
Reflections on Ego, Kindness, and Future Aspirations
Harry admits that her desire to be a “serious actress” who “happened to be funny” initially led her down a path focused on fame, success, and recognition—particularly in sitcoms. Today, her outlook has shifted. She states, “Now, I don’t even care about that. I do care about being kind…without being a wuss. I’ll still get you!” Her emphasis on kindness over ego demonstrates her growth and maturity as an artist and individual.
Despite decades in the industry and numerous accomplishments, Harry confesses she has yet to land her ideal role—what she describes as a character similar to the late Diahann Carroll’s portrayal in “Claudine” (1974). She aspires to embody a “full, complete, raw, vulnerable woman,” seeking a role that allows her to showcase the depth of her talent and emotional range.
Throughout her illustrious career, Jackée Harry has consistently proven herself as a resilient, talented actor committed to meaningful work. Her transition into “Days of Our Lives” as Paulina Price exemplifies her ongoing evolution—balancing powerful storytelling with authenticity, humor, and heart. Fans and critics alike will eagerly anticipate her next moves, both on screen and in her personal journey, as she continues to redefine what it means to be a pioneering Black actress in daytime television.
