Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JESSICA SHERR

Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies is a powerhouse one-woman show that brings the legendary Bette Davis to life in a sweeping journey through her remarkable career. Directed by Drama Desk Award–winner Karen Carpenter (Love, Loss, and what I Wore) the production captures the unyielding voice of a woman who refused to be silenced - and in doing so, redefined Hollywood.

From her headline-making relationships with William Wyler and Howard Hughes, to four failed marriages, her shocking upset at the 1939 Academy Awards, and her relentless fight against the male-dominated studio system, Davis' extraordinary story of resilience remains as relevant today as ever.

On screen, Davis was an iconic actress known for portraying strong, unapologetic, and complex women. Off screen, she was a fearless advocate who fought for equal pay, challenged ageism and sexism in Hollywood, and refused to accept the limitations placed on women of her era. Her courage was unparalleled, and she remains an enduring symbol of determination, independence, and resilience.

Fasten your seat belts and come along for this bumpy ride as Bette Davis relives the triumphs, heartbreaks, scandals, and battles that defined her extraordinary life and career.

Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies has been performed nearly 500 times across 35 states and 3 countries. Jessica Sherr made her international debut with the production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where its success led to an invitation for a run at St. James Theatre in London. The show has since enjoyed successful engagements in Chicago and continues to captivate audiences across the United States and beyond.

In a remarkable tribute, Kathryn Sermak, Bette Davis' longtime assistant, gifted Jessica a scarf, gloves, and earrings that belonged to Miss Davis herself.  Jessica wears these treasured items during her portrayal of the legendary star.

Jessica Sherr (Bette Davis / Playwright) is a SAG-AFTRA actress, writer, and producer best known for her roles on Claws (TNT), Blue Bloods (CBS), Flight of the Conchords (HBO), and Cloak & Dagger (Freeform) and Annie (Columbia Pictures). She is the writer and performer of the acclaimed one-woman play Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies, a powerhouse solo performance celebrating the ambition, artistry, and unapologetic spirit of Hollywood trailblazer Bette Davis. Sherr has performed the show to international acclaim, with nearly 500 performances across 35 states and 3 countries, including celebrated runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s St. James Theatre. The production has earned a devoted following among Bette Davis fans and classic film enthusiasts worldwide. She is thrilled to bring Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies to the Laurie Beechman Theatre this summer and fall as the production continues its remarkable run.

As a producer and actress, Jessica produced the award-winning dark comedy Wicked Image, which screened at the Beaufort International Film Festival, Coney Island Film Festival, and Lighthouse International Film Festival, and won Best Comedy honors at Austin Under the Stars, Broad Humor Film Festival, and the Borrego Springs Film Festival. Her producing work also includes the web series Scratch This, winner of Best Web Series at the Garden State Film Festival.

Most recently, Jessica appeared in the short films Off-Center, which premiered at the Inwood Film Festival, and A Nice Place to Visit, which premiered in New York City. She also voiced the role of Mother in the animated short film A New Sky. She is currently developing All About Bette, a short film inspired by her long-running stage play.
A versatile performer, Jessica moves seamlessly between comedy and drama. She studied improv at UCB as a recipient of a Diversity Scholarship and trained with master teachers Wynn Handman and Glenn Morshower. Originally from San Diego, she now calls New York City home.  Jessica thanks her family, friends, and audiences everywhere for helping keep Bette's legacy alive.

Karen Carpenter (Director) is an award-winning director whose credits include Delia and Nora Ephron's Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Drama Desk Award, BroadwayWorld Audience Favorite, New York Times Critics' Pick), Handle With Care (New York Times Critics' Pick), Witnessed by the World, Admit One, Harry Townsend's Last Stand, L.O.V.E.R., and Bulldozer. Her regional directing credits include the Old Globe Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, the Contemporary American Theater Festival, and Surflight Theatre.
Karen served as Artistic Director of the William Inge Center for the Arts and the Inge Festival, honoring Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies for Distinguished Achievement in Theater. Formerly Associate Artistic Director of the Old Globe and a faculty member at the Yale School of Drama, she has directed and produced numerous acclaimed productions and new play development programs.

Karen is also the Producing Director of The Figment Factory, creating large-scale events and experiences for clients including the Clinton Global Initiative, Glamour's Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and Tag Heuer.