Get ready to see a whole new side of Jelly Roll. The genre-blending country star—known for his gritty lyrics and raw emotion—is stepping into the world of acting with his debut role on CBS’s hit drama Fire Country.
The highly anticipated episode, titled “Fire and Ice” (Season 3, Episode 17), premieres Friday, April 11, and promises both a compelling performance and brand-new music from the chart-topping artist.
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, will portray Noah, a former convict who’s now working in healthcare and trying to turn his life around. In the episode’s dramatic teaser, viewers catch a glimpse of Noah on a prison transport bus, engaging in a tense moment with series regular Vince Leone.
“Memories are complicated, but your boy got a second chance,” he says—hinting at a storyline filled with redemption, struggle, and hope.
The emotional trailer is set to the soundtrack of Jelly Roll’s new unreleased song, “Dreams Don’t Die,” offering fans a preview of both his acting chops and musical depth.
Alongside his acting debut, Jelly Roll will premiere “Dreams Don’t Die”—a powerful, never-before-heard track that’s set to release on all streaming platforms the same day the episode airs. The song captures his signature blend of vulnerability and grit, with haunting lyrics like:
“How many dreams have I seen burn up like ashes… where dreams don’t die.”
The track plays throughout the promo, amplifying the emotional weight of his character’s journey.
The country star’s upcoming role was first announced back in January 2025 in a teaser clip featuring Fire Country lead Max Thieriot (Bode Leone), who introduced Jelly Roll as a special guest star.
“From the stage to the fire line, it’s time to see if I can keep up,” Jelly Roll jokes in the clip, before adding with a grin, “Man, this is tougher than the Grammys.”
Jelly Roll isn’t the first country artist to land a guest role on Fire Country. His collaborator and fellow country hitmaker Kane Brown made his own acting debut on the show as Robin, a mysterious train hopper who aids victims at a crash site.
Brown previously shared his excitement for the opportunity:
“Acting has been a life-long dream of mine, and to make my debut on a hit series like Fire Country is such an honor,” he told People.
Now, it’s Jelly Roll’s turn to step into the spotlight—this time, under the bright lights of Hollywood.
