Jo Berry is a game-changing force in Philippine media.
Her presence in the industry stands testament to the broadening inclusivity forwarded in Kapuso entertainment. And as she treads an uphill journey in her career, more people grow inspired by her standout talent and versatility in acting.
Aside from fulfilling her personal dreams, Jo also stressed that her decision to pursue her well-deserved space in the world of showbiz was also born out of her mission to inspire and represent little people like her.
From her humble beginnings in Magpakailanman to her well-loved main character moments in Onanay and Little Princess, trace the acting history of this inspiring Kapuso actress in this gallery.
Jo Berry launched her acting career in the 2016 episode of 'Magpakailanman' titled “My Little Wife” where she was paired with Hiro Peralta and Jay Manalo.
Without prior experience in acting, she earned praise for her remarkable portrayal of Lorna's character.
In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, the Kapuso actress revealed that the project was actually her first audition experience ever.
She later scored her well-deserved main role debut in the Kapuso hit series 'Onanay,' starring alongside seasoned actors Nora Aunor and Cherie Gil.
However, Jo previously admitted that what truly sealed the deal for her was when she found out that 'Encantadia 2016' stars Mikee Quintos and Kate Valdez were also part of the star-studded cast.
Helmed by Gina Alajar and Joel Lamangan, 'Onanay' follows the story of a mother named Onay who has achondroplasia. Her children, Maila and Natalie, grew up with polar attitudes towards their mom - while one was nice and respectful, the other was unkind and disobedient.
Jo tried and thrived in the genre of comedy as well. She became a mainstay in GMA Network's comedy anthology 'Dear Uge.'
As part of the show's recurring cast, she was better known as Madam So Very.
For Jo, the episode she did with 'Onanay' co-star Cherie Gil was a “highlight” in her showbiz career, stressing how honored she was to utter the famous line - “You're nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat.” - in the presence of the veteran actress who first popularized it.
Once again joining forces with Mikee Quintos, Jo took on the role of a witch in the Gloria Romero-hosted Sunday show titled 'Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.'
Jo, who played the part of Lily, took to Instagram to thank the Kapuso viewers for supporting their episode.
Compared to their timeslot counterpart, the “Which is Witch” installment amassed an impressive 14.4% in television ratings.
Jo channeled her comedic side again when she guested in Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza's hit sitcom 'Daddy's Gurl.' Her ability to throw hard-hitting humorous lines once again proved her impressive versatility as an actress.
Jo portrayed the role of Tiny, a party organizer who was initially hired and later fired for the upcoming birthday of Stacy's (Maine Mendoza) dad.
In a special episode of 'Wish Ko Lang,' Jo continued in her earnest mission to inspire people through the stories and characters she breathes life into.
TW: Mentions of sexual assault, rape
While flaunting her praiseworthy acting prowess, she took on the character of Michelle - a little person who was raped, impregnated, and left to care for her child on her own.
“Noong nabasa ko pa lang ['yong script] sabi ko, 'Grabe ang hirap noong pinagdaanan niya.' Kinabahan din po ako kung paano ko ba siya ia-acting kasi ang heavy nga po,” she said in an interview with '24 Oras.'
In 2019, Jo joined Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards in the award-winning Kapuso drama 'The Gift.'
She repeatedly lauded her co-star for his humility and professionalism in the project, saying, “Masaya siyang ka-trabaho, super down-to-earth po kasi siya and lagi siyang nag-a-adjust for me.”
In 'The Gift,' Jo played the role of Strawberry, the adoptive mother of Alden's character Joseph.
Following a near-death experience, Joseph lost his eyesight but later gained the ability of clairvoyance - a skill that allows one to obtain information about an object, person, location or event through extrasensory perception.
To welcome the year 2022, Jo reunited with her 'Wish Ko Lang' co-star Rodjun Cruz in GMA Network's afternoon drama 'Little Princess.'
She described this project as her “escape” from a heartbreaking chapter in her life - following the death of her father, grandfather, and brother-turned-manager, Perry Berry Jr.
Jo, who plays the title role in the series, also stars alongside Juancho Triviño, Angelika Dela Cruz, Geneva Cruz, Jestoni Alarcon, and Therese Malvar.
True to her goal of representing little people in Philippine media, she expressed how grateful she was that all the roles entrusted to her by the Kapuso Network - including Princess - were all well-respected and strong characters.
Jo Berry starred in an episode of the anthology series 'Tadhana' alongside Mike Tan and Kris Bernal.
Jo portrayed Clarissa, the wife of Roel, who was an overseas Filipino worker. Being childless, Clarissa and Roel became pregnant with the help of surrogacy and Clarissa's sister Leslie. However, Leslie fell in love with Roel and stole their child.
In 2022, Jo returned to '#MPK' as she starred in the Father's Day special of the show with Dagul. They starred together in the episode "Ang Dakila Kong Ama: The Dagul and Jkhriez Pastrana Story.'
In '#MPK' "Ang Dakila Kong Ama: The Dagul and Jkhriez Pastrana Story,' Jo portrayed Dagul's daughter who has dwarfism.
Jo stars in the GMA Afternoon Prime series, 'Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law ,' the first legal series in the Philippines.
In 'Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,' Jo portrays the titular character Lilet Matias, a little person with a big dream of becoming a lawyer.
In an interview with GMANetwork.com, Jo says that portraying the character of Lilet Matias is a dream come true, not just for her but also for her late father.