The Lincoln Lawyer star Jazz Raycole’s life from comedy show exit to sad family tragedy

Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer made a comeback last month on the streaming service with actress Jazz Raycole reprising her role as driver Izzy Letts in the third season.

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By
Hayley Anderson

17:34, 10 Nov 2024

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The Lincoln Lawyer has made a triumphant return, with driver Izzy Letts star Jazz Raycole reprising her role in the latest episodes.

The third season debuted on Netflix last month, featuring Mickey Haller (portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) once again striving to establish a defendant’s innocence while grappling with his own complex personal life.

Actress Jazz, 36, is back as his former client-turned-driver Izzy, providing not only transportation but also occasional much-needed advice.

As fans eagerly await news of a potential fourth season, many are keen to learn more about actress Jazz and her character Izzy.

Life as a dancer

Born in February 1988, Jazz is the offspring of water company superintendent Ray and Claudia Dillingham, who owned her own dance studio and homeschooled the actress.

Jazz’s initial passion was dancing, and she became a competitive dancer at the tender age of four, securing state championship titles in tap, jazz and ballet.

Inside Lincoln Lawyer star Jazz Raycoles life from reason for sitcom exit to heartbreaking loss ( 
Image:
Netflix)
In 2001, she began attending the Boston Ballet and the School of American Ballet, eventually earning a full scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

My Wife And Kids exit

In addition to her love for dance, Jazz also had a passion for acting and secured her first significant role as Claire Kyle in the first season of the comedy My Wife And Kids.

However, her stint on the show was short-lived as she was replaced in the second series by actress Jennifer Freeman.

Her mum took umbrage with a storyline that had Claire’s pal facing an unplanned pregnancy, as per The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Show.

Reflecting on her departure from the series, Jazz shared with The Christian Post: “I was 12-years-old when I got that job. The producers wanted a different thing, they wanted someone a little bit older. I wasn’t ready for that.

“I ended up going to New York to dance, which was my first passion. I really thank God for that because I got to grow and travel.”

Yet, this moment proved not to be the conclusion of her stint in front of the cameras, as she later shone in several popular series including Jericho, First Day, A Lesson In Romance, Vanity, The Quad, and Council of Dads.

Lincoln Lawyer book change

Arguably marking Jazz’s most prominent role thus far, she featured in Netflix’s courtroom saga The Lincoln Lawyer, adapted from Michael Connellys renowned book series bearing the same title.

Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer cast at the season three premiere. ( 
Image:
Getty Images for A+E Studios.)
However, there was a time it wasn’t certain if Jazz would get her break in the show, as her character isnt present in the book series.

Speaking to Forbes, she divulged: “In the books, my character is this white surfer dude; clearly, I’m not a white surfer dude.

“They were mulling over the idea of bringing a female driver into the mix, to infuse some feminine energy into the series, which I’m immensely appreciative of.”

Tragic loss

Besides connecting with her Lincoln Lawyer persona Izzy through their shared love of dance, she confides that Izzys mental health battles resonate with her deeply, especially after enduring a profound personal tragedy.

Jazz opened up about the profound effect a personal tragedy had on her, revealing to Forbes: “One instance changed my life forever: my brother’s death. It changes you. Certain things in life happen that change you. That’s where I relate to Izzy.

“Her addiction is similar to my mental health in the sense that it’s something that you’re never going to be able to get rid of.

“Addiction is something that stays with you forever. You’re going to have to fight and battle and struggle with it forever and treat it.

“That’s the same thing with mental health. You have to accept the ugly parts of life and yourself.”

The Lincoln Lawyer is available to watch on Netflix.