Sarah Jeffery Discusses Collaborating with Kerry Washington in Six Triple Eight

Sarah Jeffery expresses her desire to mirror her Six Triple Eight co-star Kerry Washington both in her performances and off-screen demeanor.

“Kerry is such a compassionate and talented actor as well as a wonderful person. It’s not just about her remarkable talent and work ethic; it’s also about how deeply she prioritizes her family and the genuine care she has for them,” Jeffery, 28, told Us Weekly exclusively while discussing the historical film. “Her generosity with her time and her ability to support us while delivering monumental monologues amidst her workload is truly commendable.”

“I find it incredibly motivating,” she added. “As I pursue more film opportunities and aim to lead in a project someday, I aspire to embody that same spirit. I simply admire her.”

In the war drama, Washington, 47, and Jeffery are joined by Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Shanice Shantay, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and more. Directed by Tyler Perry, the Netflix film tells the story of an all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II.

This battalion was the first and only unit of Women’s Army Corps of color stationed in Europe and was responsible for delivering correspondence from families to soldiers on the front lines. Jeffery portrays Dolores, a biracial soldier who joins the 6888 Central Postal Directory in the Women’s Army Corps.

For Jeffery, collaborating with Washington was an unforgettable milestone.

“It felt almost surreal. As an actor, at least for me, the goal is to remain present in the scene,” she reflected. “But during some scenes where my dialogue was limited, it was easy to feel like an observer, watching everything unfold from a distance.”

She admitted there were several moments when she was awestruck by Washington’s live performance.

“I experienced several instances where I thought, ‘Wow, I’m witnessing Kerry Washington deliver the most intense and impactful monologue ever, and I’m relishing every moment of this.’ It was extraordinarily special,” she shared with Us. “She truly brought her A-game and delivered.”

Besides her admiration for Washington’s skill, Jeffery praised the Scandal star’s leadership abilities behind the scenes.

“Kerry is undeniably the film’s leader, but she is also an outstanding leader as the top-billed actor,” she noted. “Her generosity with her time and resources made her the essential binding force of our team.”

Jeffery also highlighted that Washington’s capacity to lead “with kindness” is a quality she aspires to emulate. This trait proved invaluable when working on a historical film like The Six Triple Eight, which tackles serious subjects. Jeffery mentioned to Us that she and her co-stars consistently check in with each other after performing challenging scenes.

“We certainly find moments of light-heartedness—like dancing and such—but we also cater to each other’s needs. Some people required hugs, while others sought words of encouragement,” she shared. “For me, I aimed to offer assistance wherever possible. I genuinely feel that we all supported one another in meaningful ways. Whenever we had questions or concerns, we were surrounded by so much expertise; Tyler, Kerry—everyone ensured we felt cared for.”

While maintaining their support for one another during filming, the cast also nurtured their bond even when the cameras stopped rolling.

“We struck a wonderful balance between in-person meet-ups and constant communication through our group chat,” she recalled, adding that filming occurred amidst the coronavirus pandemic. “Since we wrapped, the chat has remained incredibly active.”

In addition to gaining insights from veterans like Washington, Jeffery discovered much about herself through her character.

“This role is significant because it’s the first time I’m portraying who I genuinely am and my authentic experiences… in some contexts, I’m perceived as white passing, while in others, I’m not,” shared the Charmed alum, who identifies as biracial. “It’s been a transformative journey, exploring and reclaiming my Black heritage, and it’s been a profoundly beautiful process of embracing it and feeling pride.”

Jeffery emphasized that channeling Dolores’ resilience was a “healing journey” for her, particularly as she has grappled with her identity over time.

“That’s what Dolores represents in the film. She radiates pride in who she is, and it isn’t something she ever questions,” she contemplated. “For someone like me, who has often asked, ‘Who am I and where do I belong?’ I took inspiration from her and firmly stated, ‘This is who I am, and I won’t diminish my truth.’”

The Six Triple Eight isn’t the only project that has imparted understanding to Jeffery. She also starred in the Charmed reboot, which stirred strong opinions among passionate fans and alumni of the original series. Despite the backlash, Jeffery maintained a strong stance and has gained perspective in hindsight.

“People were understandably protective, and it’s clear to me now that such feelings are natural. People will always have their views, and it’s impossible to please everyone,” she remarked to Us. “That has been my key takeaway, and moving forward, if I encounter similar circumstances, I feel more at ease, recognizing that I can step back and evaluate them with more objectivity.”

Jeffery acknowledged that the Charmed reboot began with some challenges. Even though the reboot didn’t receive much affection from the original cast, the new cast and crew expressed heartfelt admiration for the show that starred Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan.

“I would have loved to see everyone come together at the end and say, ‘Let’s let bygones be bygones, extend an olive branch, and just enjoy ourselves,’” Jeffery reminisced. “Unfortunately, that did not happen, but the thought was certainly there, which was exciting regarding the potential.”

The Charmed reboot concluded after four seasons in 2022, ending on a significant cliffhanger that could have paved the way for a potential crossover. In the finale, Jeffery’s character, alongside Melonie Diaz and Lucy Barrett, made their way to Halliwell Manor, the iconic home featured in the original series. If the reboot had received another season, Jeffery would have been eager to see how both iterations could merge together.

“I was really hoping for a fifth season because I felt we had hit our stride and I was curious about where the story would go—especially given how the last episode ended,” she explained. “I was wondering, ‘What will happen next?’ However, I also appreciated the lovely conclusion it offered, allowing the audience and fans of both the original and the reboot to decide where the story continues and what possibilities lie ahead.”

The Six Triple Eight is currently in theaters for a limited release before premiering on Netflix on Friday, December 20.

With reporting by Kat Pettibone