Sheinelle Jones Recalls Manager Asking Her to 'Look More Like Halle Berry'

The Today show co-host says she was also asked to change the spelling of her first name early in her career.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Sheinelle Jones, co-host of the Today show's fourth hour, opened up about an experience early in her journalism career where a manager asked her to change the spelling of her first name and to "look more like Halle Berry." Jones said she refused both requests, standing her ground despite the pressure to conform to a certain appearance.

Why it matters

Jones' story highlights the challenges that women, especially women of color, can face in the media industry when it comes to pressure to change their appearance and identity to fit certain expectations. Her willingness to speak up for herself sets an important example for others facing similar situations.

The details

According to Jones, one of her first managers in journalism called her into their office and made two requests: 1) to change the spelling of her first name to be more like the Chanel brand, and 2) to "look more like Halle Berry," showing Jones a photo of Berry's short hairstyle at the time. Jones said she refused both requests, standing her ground despite the pressure.

  • In the early stages of Jones' journalism career

The players

Sheinelle Jones

Co-host of the Today show's fourth hour and a veteran journalist.

Halle Berry

An Oscar-winning actress known for her iconic short hairstyles.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Sheinelle Jones, Today show co-host

“Then the other one was like — full disclosure — 'We just want you to look more like Halle Berry.' So she showed me this picture of Halle Berry's haircut, and that's when she had that short 'do, and my little chunky face, I was like, no!”

— Sheinelle Jones, Today show co-host

The takeaway

Sheinelle Jones' experience early in her career serves as a powerful reminder of the pressure women, especially women of color, can face in the media industry to conform to certain appearance standards. Her willingness to stand her ground and refuse requests to change her name and look sets an important example for others facing similar challenges.