Julie Mango visits for the first time since becoming TikTok celeb
Published:Monday | December 6, 2021 | 12:06 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
‘Nuh weh nuh better dan yard’ was always the energy behind Julie Mango’s TikTok videos, filled with Jamaican proverbs, personalities and popular pastimes. But when she shared the infamous garden photo on her Instagram account, we knew that she was finally back on home soil. This was her first time returning home after becoming a viral sensation, so The Gleaner caught up with the newly acclaimed celebrity to find out more about this rejuvenating visit.
When asked if she was recognised upon her arrival in Jamaica, Julie Mango, whose real name is Juliet Bodley, said that she was identified from she was at the airport in Miami.
“When I checked into customs, the lady asked if I’m Julie Mango. When I went to collect my luggage, people were saying, ‘Hi, Julie Mango’, even with my mask on. The Red Caps even asked me if I wanted them to help me with my luggage,” she shared.
GREAT RECEPTION
The experience appeared to be so daunting, Bodley confessed that the added attention made her start praying a little bit more. She is, however, glad that fans are seeing and appreciating her work. “The reception has been crazy, but I like when people say ‘hi’, because I love people and I’m outgoing sometimes.”
Busy shooting a pilot for her upcoming Julie Mango shows, the actress revealed that despite the stardom, she doesn’t feel like a celebrity. She is just happy to be helping others, whether via comedy or mental health advocacy.
“As long as God allows me to do this, I will continue to do this. I still see myself as a little girl trying to live life and trying to figure things out,” she pointed out.
What has changed is her view of the island.
Since being exposed to another culture, there has been a greater appreciation for the little nuances only experienced in the land of wood and water – the vibrant fruit stalls, Ti-gaz, the brazen catcalling and compliments from men, and warm hugs from complete strangers. The craziest comments she has received include A suh yuh did shawt?’, But you actually pretty, man’ and Yuh look better in real life, man.’
Bodley has been visiting family and friends, hanging out with acting geniuses like the great Oliver Samuels, Glen Titus and Deon Silvera, among others, and doing the rounds of media interviews. “Yendi was my ‘fave’, because we are girls. She made me feel comfortable, and not like she was trying to get any suss. I also loved ‘Onstage’, because I always had a crush on Winford Williams; he is even sexier in real life.”