Jessica Collins is best known for her soap opera career, including winning a Daytime Emmy for The Young and the Restless. She’s also appeared in films like Catch Me If You Can and shows like American Dreams, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Two and a Half Men and currently, Acapulco on Apple TV.
Ten years ago, she added “Mom” to that credit list, welcoming a daughter with husband Michael Cooney. And in March, she’ll become a published author, when her debut children’s book, Where’s Big Dog?, cowritten with producer Lisa Melamed, hits shelves.
Written as a way for kids to cope with the loss of a pet, the story is about the journey to find a pet again after saying goodbye. We spoke to Jessica about her new book, becoming a mom in her 40s, and more.
What inspired you to write Where’s Big Dog?
Where’s Big Dog? was inspired entirely by real events in our family after the loss of our sweet dog Lucy. Losing a pet is incredibly painful, and when you have children, you’re navigating their grief alongside your own. We were all deeply sad, but Lucy had given us nothing but unconditional love and joy, and I knew she wouldn’t want us to stay in pain when we remembered her.
So we started letting the good memories back in-telling stories about her stealing cheese, how much she loved camping, and how she never seemed to realize she was a big dog. At the same time, we began noticing her everywhere—first in the shape of a cloud, then in the knots of our wood floor, then in the trunk of the tree in our yard. It felt like she was reminding us she was still there, just in a different way. My hope is that this book brings comfort to anyone who picks it up.
You have a 10-year-old daughter. How did she inspire you to write this book?
Like so many children, this was my daughter Jemma’s first experience with death. When Lucy died, I was shattered, but I didn’t realize the hardest moment would come later that day, when I had to break the heart of my then seven-year-old. The inspiration for the book really came from wanting to create something that could help her.
Why are pets such a wonderful thing for a child—despite the truly sad moments?
Pets are such a gift, especially for children. As hard as it is, loss is part of life, and it’s part of the quiet agreement we make when a pet joins our family. I didn’t have a dog until I was in my thirties, and that dog was Lucy. She changed me for good. I know I’m a better mother, a better friend, a better human because of her. I can’t imagine a home without pets now. Today we have two rescue Schnauzers, and they bring so much love and joy to our family—and they’re both characters in the book.
You’ve had a very long acting career; what do you consider the highlights?
I started working at a young age, so I’ve been in this business most of my life, and I feel incredibly lucky for the opportunities and the friendships it’s brought me. One real highlight was Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Getting to spend time with Dolly was unforgettable, and it’s especially meaningful because it was written by one of my closest friends, Lisa, who co-wrote this book with me. I also have to include The Young & the Restless because that job changed my life in a very real way. If I hadn’t done that show, I wouldn’t have been set up by my fellow cast members, I wouldn’t have met my husband Michael, and we wouldn’t have our daughter Jemma. I’m also incredibly proud to have earned an Emmy for that role. And Acapulco will always be especially dear to me. It was such a gift to live in Mexico and be immersed in Latino culture. I learned Spanish because of that show, and it directly inspired me to make Where’s Big Dog? available in Spanish. We were working on the book while I was living there, and it felt important to be able to share it with my Spanish-speaking family. I actually did the translation myself, which is titled ¿Dónde está Perro Grande?
You became a mom later in life—like more and more moms. How does that impact your motherhood?
I love being a mom. And I don’t really think of it as being “older”. I think of it as being right on time and deeply present. I came into motherhood feeling strong, healthy, and grounded in who I am. I had already lived a very full life, building a career I love, traveling, and nurturing deep friendships. So when my daughter was born, I didn’t feel like anything was missing. Having lived some life first gives you perspective. I know myself better now, which brings more calm and presence and far less concern about what anyone else thinks. It all goes so quickly, and I want to enjoy every moment I can. There’s a real sense of gratitude, and I’m very aware of how intentional and meaningful this chapter is for me. Honestly, it feels less like a challenge and more like a privilege.
If there are moms reading it who do feel “older”, and thinking about having another, or feeling unsure of being the oldest mom in kindergarten, what would you tell them about the journey?
I’d say don’t let the idea of being the “oldest mom” take up space in your head. It really doesn’t matter to your child. What they notice is your love, your presence, and the way you show up for them. Trust your instincts and trust the timing that works best for you. Your child won’t remember your age—they’ll remember how it felt to be loved by you.
Tell us about Acapulco – what do you love about this show and what can your fans from The Young & The Restlessexpect from it?
“Acapulco” is one of those lightning-in-a-bottle shows, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it. I loved playing Diane, I loved living and working in Mexico, and I loved stepping into the joy and glamour of the 1980’s. We had such a wonderful cast, directors, and crew, along with our incredible writing team. Our creator and show runners—Austin Winsberg and Sam Laybourne—always wrote such fun, layered stories for my character. For fans of The Young and the Restless, I think they’ll recognize my love for a strong character- but in a completely different, lighter, and more playful world. If you haven’t seen Acapulco, now is the perfect time. The world feels very heavy right now, and the show is a wonderful escape, transporting you to a luxury beachfront resort filled with ’80’s music, warmth, and lots of laughs.
