New Star of âThe Promâ Sees a Chance to Make L.G.B.T.Q. Characters Visible Like her character, Jo Ellen Pellman identifies as queer, and she is making her film debut in the Netflix musical alongside A-listers like Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman. âItâs the best feeling in the world knowing I can bring my authentic self to the role,â Jo Ellen Pellman said of âThe Prom.âCredit...Da'Shaunae Marisa for The New York Times Published Dec. 11, 2020Updated Dec. 12, 2020 During her second day ever on a film set, Jo Ellen Pellman came face to face with an irate Meryl Streep.