Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jolene Blaylock |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | San Diego, California |
| Education & Training | Stella Adler Academy (Acting); Second City Improv (Toronto & Los Angeles) |
| Occupations | Model, Actress, Philanthropist |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | Michael Rapino (m. April 22, 2003) |
| Children | Ryder James Rapino (b. May 25, 2010); River Thunder Rapino (b. 2012); Rexton Rapino (b. December 2014) |
| Notable Role | Sub‑Commander/Commander T’Pol on Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005) |
Early Life & Education
Jolene Blaylock, born March 5, 1975, in San Diego, California, was raised as one of four children near the Pacific Ocean. At five, she could surf and taught herself to sketch, play piano, and strum guitar. She left California at sixteen to model in Europe and Asia, appearing in over twenty magazine layouts and commercial campaigns.
Blaylock attended Stella Adler Academy intense acting courses at eighteen after returning to Los Angeles. Later, she polished her improvisational skills at Second City in Toronto and Los Angeles. She was skilled in dramatic and humorous acting by 1998.
Family & Personal Life
| Relationship | Name & Date Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Michael Rapino (m. April 22, 2003, Negril, Jamaica) |
| Child 1 | Ryder James Rapino (b. May 25, 2010) |
| Child 2 | River Thunder Rapino (b. 2012) |
| Child 3 | Rexton Rapino (b. December 2014) |
| Primary Residence | Los Angeles, California |
Blaylock married music executive Michael Rapino in Negril, Jamaica, on April 22, 2003, after proposing. She had three sons: Ryder James in May 2010, River Thunder in mid-2012, and Rexton in December 2014, while juggling her acting profession. The family lives five miles from the ocean in Los Angeles, where Blaylock enjoys her pastimes.
Blaylock is an action sports enthusiast outside of work. With four weekly surfing sessions and ten winter snowboarding days, she maintains a year-round active lifestyle. She skateboards recreationally and paints at least two canvases a month in her private studio.
Career Journey & Achievements
1. Early Modeling & Magazine Features (1995–2000)
- Between 1997 and 2000, appeared on five worldwide men’s lifestyle magazine covers.
- Two times named to Maxim’s “Girls of Maxim” and 10th on FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World” list in 2003.
2. Television Debut & Guest Appearances (1998–2000)
- First TV appearance on Veronica’s Closet (“Veronica’s Breast Efforts”), 1998.
- 1999–2000: Guest roles on Love Boat: The Next Wave, CSI, and JAG.
- 2000 TV Movie: Portrayed Medea in Jason and the Argonauts.
3. Star Trek: Enterprise Era (2001–2005)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Sub‑Commander/Commander T’Pol |
| Episodes | All 98 episodes |
| Character Progression | From Vulcan observer in pilot to First Officer and commissioned Commander |
| Awards & Nominations | 2002 Saturn Award (Best Supporting Actress); 2002 Cinescape Face of the Future; Saturn nominations in 2003 & 2004 |
Blaylock hosted Star Trek: Enterprise beginning in November 2001 and ending in May 2005. She played T’Pol in scientific, emotional, and leadership arcs, making her one of the franchise’s most decorated female characters.
4. Film & Television Projects Post‑Enterprise (2005–2017)
- 2005–2007: Starred in Slow Burn (2005 Toronto International Film Festival; 2007 theatrical release).
- From 2007-2008, starred in Shadow Puppets and Starship Troopers 3: Marauder.
- • 2003-2009: Stargate SG-1 two-episode arc; guest-starred on House (“Teamwork,” 2009) and Legend of the Seeker.
- 2010–2017: Independent films and TV shows, culminating in A Man for Every Month.
Blaylock averaged three credits per year over twelve years, showcasing variety in genres ranging from psychological thrillers to historical dramas.
Public Image, Influence & Philanthropy
Blaylock has been a prominent figure at fan events since FedCon XIV in May 2005. Ten years later, she attended Star Trek Day on September 8, 2021, walking the red carpet with other Star Trek celebrities. Jolene Blaylock-Rapino’s social media accounts showcase over 150 posts of unique artwork, family photos, and surf photography.
Blaylock co-founded the Rapino Foundation in 2010, funding arts education projects in underprivileged areas. Over $2 million in grants, 120 resident artists, and five community art centers spanning four continents have been funded by the foundation.
Recent Activity & News
- Blaylock guest-voiced an alternate reality T’Pol in the Season 5 finale “Fissure Quest” on January 2, 2025, credited as “Jolene” at her request.
- Confirmed participation at Star Trek Las Vegas in November 2025, her tenth official Trek convention.
- A solo exhibition of ocean-inspired paintings will be held in Santa Monica from September 10-20, 2025, with at least 30 new paintings.
FAQ
What was Jolene Blaylock’s breakthrough acting role? She made her mark as Sub-Commander T’Pol on Star Trek: Enterprise, appearing in all 98 episodes from 2001 to 2005.
How many children does she have and what are their names? Her sons are Ryder James Rapino (born May 25, 2010), River Thunder Rapino (born 2012), and Rexton Rapino (born December 2014).
When did she marry Michael Rapino? She married Michael Rapino on April 22, 2003, in Negril, Jamaica.
Which awards did she win for her work on Enterprise? She earned the 2002 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress and Cinescape Face of the Future.
What athletic pursuits does she maintain? Surfing four times a week, snowboarding ten days a winter, and skateboarding recreationally.
What is the Rapino Foundation’s focus? The Rapino Foundation funds developing-region arts programs, resident artists, and community art centers.
