Sheinelle Jones Shares How Her First Manager Suggested She Change Her Look to Resemble Halle Berry
Sheinelle Jones and Halle Berry.
Credit: Gary Gershoff/Getty; Kate Green/Getty
Sheinelle Jones Reflects on Early Career Challenges
Sheinelle Jones, co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, recently shared her experiences navigating the early stages of her career, revealing that she faced pressure to conform to industry expectations regarding her appearance and name.
Jones recounted her first job in television journalism, highlighting a moment when a manager suggested she change the spelling of her name. "I remember my first job in the business — I’m trying to make sure I’m not gonna get them in trouble — one of my managers called me in their office and they said, two things, one your name is Sheinelle, can you please change your spelling? And I was like… no,” she said during a recent conversation. The manager had proposed altering her name to resemble the luxury brand Chanel.
Moreover, Jones faced another significant suggestion: to style her hair like acclaimed actress Halle Berry. "Then the other one was like — full disclosure — ‘We just want you to look more like Halle Berry,’” Jones explained. She recalled that the manager presented a picture of Berry’s signature short haircut, which did not resonate with her. "I was like, no!" she remarked, emphasizing her refusal to concede to such demands.
Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Jones began her journalism career in high school at a local CBS affiliate. She pursued a degree in journalism at Northwestern University, eventually securing her first position after graduation in Springfield, Illinois.
Recently, Jones has solidified her role on Today, partnering with Jenna Bush Hager. “Jenna and I look at each other and we’re safe. If I fall, she’s going to pick me up and vice versa,” she observed, expressing gratitude for their supportive relationship.
In a personal note, Jones faced a significant loss when her husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away from glioblastoma in May 2025. After taking time away from her duties, she returned to Today in September of the same year, declaring her intention to “fight for my joy.” Reflecting on her late husband’s support, she added, “He was rooting for me all along. I owe it to him to keep going.”
