Jiji Hise was born and raised in the picturesque state of New Mexico, where she developed a profound passion for the performing arts during her formative years in high school. As a member of the esteemed Mummers Drama Club, she discovered her innate talent for acting and nurtured her skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Upon graduating from high school, Jiji enrolled at New Mexico State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. Her academic journey was marked by a unique triple focus on acting, make-up, and costumes, which provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the theatrical arts.
During her time at NMSU, Jiji honed her skills as a thespian, and her dedication paid off when she received her BA in Theatre Arts in May 2005. Immediately after graduating, she embarked on a summer internship at the esteemed MacHaydn Theatre in Chatham, New York, where she worked as a wig designer and wardrobe assistant.
The experience at MacHaydn Theatre not only refined her technical skills but also exposed her to the burgeoning film industry in her home state of New Mexico. Upon returning to New Mexico, Jiji decided to redirect her focus towards a career as a make-up artist, driven by her innate passion for the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking.
To gain the necessary experience and skills, Jiji worked on numerous low-budget shorts and features, including her first feature film, "Naked Fear". Her dedication and perseverance eventually paid off when she became a member of IATSE Local 480, the film union in New Mexico, in 2007.
Although Jiji's primary focus shifted towards make-up artistry, she never abandoned her aspirations as an actress. In 2006, she signed with an agent, and after a brief hiatus, she landed her first SAG role in the summer of 2008. She played the part of a mother in a car crash in the feature film "Inhale", starring Dermot Mulroney.
Jiji's subsequent SAG role was on the television series "Crash", solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress in the entertainment industry.
