Ruby Jay’s Dynamic Dual Life: Juggling Stardom in ‘Holly Hobbie,’ ‘The Unicorn,’ and an Explosive Music Career

At just 14 years old, Ruby Jay has already carved out a significant space for herself in the competitive world of Hollywood. A truly multifaceted talent, she isn’t just the star of one acclaimed television series, but two, while also nurturing a rapidly blossoming music career. Jay captivates audiences as Grace in CBS’s heartwarming dramedy The Unicorn and holds the titular role in Hulu’s beloved series Holly Hobbie. Beyond her impressive acting resume, Ruby is a gifted singer-songwriter, having recently released her vibrant new single “Royalty” on November 8th. The second season of Holly Hobbie also made its highly anticipated debut on November 22nd, further cementing her status as a rising star. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Ruby Jay, where she offered insightful details into her journey, character development, and exciting future projects.

Stepping Back into Holly’s Shoes: Character Evolution in Holly Hobbie Season 2

Returning to the character of Holly Hobbie for its second season proved to be a profoundly “interesting but different” experience for Ruby. She revealed that Holly undergoes significant transformations, mirroring the growth of the entire cast and the show itself. “Holly actually changes a lot in season 2,” Ruby explained. “I mean, the entire cast and show do in itself. They all mature and the way that they respond to things is a lot different.” This evolution allowed Ruby to infuse her own personal growth into the character. “It was almost as if I took that year [between season 1 and season 2] and incorporated everything that I had learned in my personal life and incorporated it into Holly’s life.” This unique approach to method acting, where real-life experiences enrich fictional portrayals, speaks volumes about Ruby’s dedication and depth as a young actress.

A Shared Passion: Songwriting as an Outlet

A striking parallel exists between Ruby Jay and her character, Holly Hobbie: both are passionate singer-songwriters who utilize music as a powerful form of expression. Ruby shared with HollywoodLife that this shared creative outlet makes their connection particularly strong. Both Holly and Ruby serve as inspiring figures for young girls globally, and Ruby finds it “interesting to see how these young girls take Holly’s experiences and how they incorporate them into their own lives.” For Ruby, the responsibility of being a role model is not something she takes lightly; it’s a profound commitment. “I just want to influence my fans in the best way that I possibly can so that they can take all of the positive energy that I try and disperse and incorporate that into how they also can disperse positive energy,” she articulated, highlighting her dedication to fostering a positive impact.

Future Aspirations: Delving Deeper into Songwriting with Holly

With fingers crossed for a potential third season, Ruby Jay shared her eagerness to explore even more intricate aspects of Holly’s character, particularly her songwriting journey. “I really want to explore a little bit more behind the songwriting,” Ruby expressed. “We really get to see a lot more of it in season 2. They explain a lot more of the reasoning behind songs but I want to know more about exactly what instances in her life caused the exact lyrics.” This desire to delve into the precise inspirations behind Holly’s musical creations underscores Ruby’s thoughtful approach to character development, seeking to understand the psychological and emotional underpinnings of her role’s artistic endeavors.

Navigating the World of The Unicorn: Balancing Drama and Comedy

Beyond the charming world of *Holly Hobbie*, Ruby Jay demonstrates her versatility as Grace in the CBS dramedy The Unicorn. This series features an impressive ensemble cast, including acclaimed actors like Walton Goggins, Omar Miller, Michaela Watkins, Rob Corddry, and Maya Lynne Robinson. The show gracefully navigates the complexities of grief and recovery, following a tight-knit group of friends and family who rally together to support a father as he adjusts to life after the tragic loss of his wife. For Ruby, immersing herself in both the dramatic and comedic elements of the show has been an “interesting” and invaluable learning experience.

“For me, I feel like I’m always more drawn to the more realistic parts of characters so I pull from that aspect,” Ruby told HollywoodLife, shedding light on her artistic process. Her approach to acting often gravitates towards authenticity, seeking to ground her performances in genuine human emotion. However, working alongside veteran comedic talents like Michaela Watkins and Rob Corddry has expanded her repertoire. “Being able to learn from Michaela and Rob and see how they incorporate the comedy into this really heartfelt show is definitely interesting and I’m learning a lot,” she elaborated. This environment of seasoned performers provides a rich training ground for Ruby, allowing her to observe and integrate diverse acting styles, particularly in a show that expertly weaves levity into profound emotional narratives.

What to Expect: Unveiling More in The Unicorn‘s Return

As The Unicorn prepares to return for the second half of its season in 2020, Ruby offered an exciting preview for fans. She teased that the upcoming episodes will “actually explore a lot more of the friends’ home lives, so that’s really interesting, getting to see all the different sides of the adult characters.” This expansion into the personal lives of the supporting cast promises to add further depth and nuance to the show’s already rich tapestry of relationships, giving viewers a more complete picture of the community surrounding Wade, the titular “unicorn.” This deeper exploration of character dynamics is sure to resonate with audiences who appreciate the show’s blend of emotional honesty and witty humor.

Ruby Jay’s Vibrant Music Career: Beyond the Screen

While her television projects demand a significant amount of her time and talent, Ruby Jay remains profoundly dedicated to her music career, viewing it as an equally vital facet of her artistic identity. Her recently released song, “Royalty,” is a testament to her musical prowess—a truly catchy and energetic track that was astonishingly recorded in less than 24 hours. The rapid production turnaround for such a polished track speaks volumes about her efficiency and talent in the studio.

For those eagerly anticipating more music from Ruby, the wait won’t be long. She excitingly revealed, “I have two new songs, one that’s already recorded and we’re just waiting to release it. It’s a ballad.” This forthcoming ballad promises a different side of Ruby’s musical expression, likely delving into more personal and emotional themes. “That’ll be interesting. I wrote that one. That one took me a really long time to write, like, 2 months,” she shared, emphasizing the meticulous effort and emotional investment she poured into crafting its lyrics and melody. Her dedication to getting the song “exactly right” highlights her commitment to artistic integrity and genuine self-expression. Furthermore, Ruby teased the existence of yet “another one that we haven’t recorded yet,” ensuring that her fans have a steady stream of new music to look forward to in the coming months. This continuous flow of creative output, from energetic pop anthems to heartfelt ballads, solidifies Ruby Jay’s position as a dynamic and evolving artist in the music industry.

A Young Star Inspiring the Next Generation

Ruby Jay’s journey, marked by an incredible balance of demanding acting roles and a blossoming music career, serves as a powerful source of inspiration. Her ability to transition seamlessly between the dramatic nuances of *The Unicorn* and the uplifting narratives of *Holly Hobbie*, all while crafting her own authentic music, showcases an exceptional range for someone her age. She embodies the spirit of a modern young artist who is not afraid to explore all avenues of her creativity. Her commitment to being a positive role model, actively working to “disperse positive energy,” resonates deeply with her audience and sets a commendable example for young aspiring artists and fans alike.

As Ruby Jay continues to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally, her trajectory promises even more exciting ventures. Whether she’s exploring the depths of Holly Hobbie’s songwriting, bringing Grace’s story to life on *The Unicorn*, or captivating listeners with her poignant lyrics and powerful vocals, Ruby Jay remains a compelling force in entertainment. Her story is a vibrant testament to talent, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of creative passions, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars to watch.