About
Jari Jones (born 1991) is an American actress, model, producer, and outspoken advocate for trans, Black and plus-size representation. Viewers may recognize her as the billboard-sized face of Calvin Klein’s 2020 Pride push, where she became the first Black, transgender, plus-size model to tower over Manhattan’s Houston Street, and as the soulful new voice of Marshmallow on Bob’s Burgers (2024–present). Away from fashion shoots and recording booths, Jones champions LGBTQ+ rights, body autonomy, and Black Lives Matter, frequently writing and speaking about self-love and community care.
Before Fame
Jones grew up in the New York–New Jersey area and discovered the thrill of performing early on. As a teen she trod the boards of Central Park’s Delacorte Theater in Elizabeth Swados’s musical The Runaways, an experience she credits with showing her that stories outside the mainstream deserve the spotlight. Later, while studying at Borough of Manhattan Community College, she refined her craft and began helping classmates stage productions—an early glimpse of the producer she would become. These formative years also introduced her to grassroots queer activism, setting the stage for the blend of art and advocacy that now defines her work.
Trivia
- History-maker at Cannes. In 2019 Jones served as cast member, acting coach, and producer on Port Authority, making her the first Black trans woman producer of a film competing at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Billboard breakthrough. Her Calvin Klein Pride portrait was not only huge in size; it was also a landmark for both trans and plus-size visibility in luxury fashion advertising.
- Animated acclaim. Stepping into the role of Marshmallow on Bob’s Burgers earned Jones immediate fan love, especially for her show-stopping rendition of “Seabird” during the episode “Hope N Mic Night.”
- Many hats, one goal. Beyond acting and modeling she has penned essays for Nylon, Allure, and The New York Times, each urging the media to broaden beauty standards and center queer voices.
- Chosen-family mentor. Jones often calls herself a “mom to a whole bunch of queer youth,” hosting workshop circles and informal check-ins for younger trans creatives.
Family Life
Romance blossomed on stage for Jones and fellow performer Corey Daniella Kempster. The two first crossed paths during their freshman year at BMCC when Jones watched Kempster steal a student production of Reservoir Dogs. A Facebook friend request, long conversations about identity, and shared rehearsals soon grew into a partnership grounded in laughter and mutual support. Today the pair are known as a “power couple” within queer fashion circles, modeling together for brands like Chromat and speaking openly about nurturing healthy trans relationships. They split their time between New York photo sets and community workshops, crediting strong communication and joint activism for keeping their bond resilient.
Associated With
- Leyna Bloom – Co-star in Port Authority and fellow trailblazer: Bloom was the first trans woman of color to lead a Cannes-screened feature, while Jones produced it.
- Danielle Lessovitz – The director who entrusted Jones with multiple behind-the-camera duties on Port Authority, reinforcing her move from performer to producer.
- Calvin Klein Pride Class of 2020 – A roster that included Chella Man, Pabllo Vittar, Tommy Dorfman, and other LGBTQ+ creatives with whom Jones pushed a message of unapologetic authenticity.
- Loren Bouchard and the Bob’s Burgers team – By casting Jones as Marshmallow, the show’s creators expanded trans visibility in prime-time animation and gave the character new emotional depth.
- Chromat & No Sesso – Inclusive fashion labels that frequently feature Jones on their runways, valuing her commitment to body diversity and joyous queer storytelling.
