AN ACTOR’S LIFE FOR ME

Perhaps it all started at 11:31PM on August 17th when I made my dazzling debut in front of an eager Connecticut audience anxiously awaiting my arrival.  Not on a stage, TV or film screen near you, which you may have suspected, but at a place where many get to momentarily shine in the spotlight.  Be it a harsh, somewhat blinding, florescent light, but a light nonetheless, at Norwalk Hospital, where I was born.

Whether we are born actors or not is arguable.  However, we all acquire the full attention, all eyes on you moment, many entertainers thrive on when we enter this world, whether we welcome it or not.  Recognition most like to receive from time to time displayed before those they know, but attention few wish to maintain throughout the future in front of, what could be considered, the brightly opinionated eyes of the world.

Regardless, I was attracted to the bright lights and forever turned on by them and all they had to offer.  Maybe my parents, who are supportive beyond belief, had an innate sense that I would end up in entertainment when naming me after Liesl from “The Sound of Music.”  Undeniably setting up my 17th Birthday to be a “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” singing extravaganza before I’d even turned one. That said, I love my name and embrace any extravaganza, especially when it’s happy, upbeat and, above all, genuine.

Shortly after landing amongst the bright lights here on earth, my family moved to London, England before heading to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, in the Middle East.  There I spent some of the most memorable years of my childhood sliding down sand dunes, watching “Sesame Street” in Arabic, learning the basics of that language, and most important to me gaining an appreciation of diverse cultures, with an open-minded view of the world and those in it, and forming valuable friendships.  Each was unique and important in my life while I made my way down the unmarked, yet exciting, road to one day, hopefully, becoming a successful actor.

After life whisked me overseas to live and around the world on fascinating vacations to movie-worthy locations, I ended up back in the one of a kind country where my life began, the United States.  Specifically, New Jersey, whose state slogan recently became “Come see for yourself.”  Exactly what I, unintentionally, did years ago and is where, I believe, my true interest and love for the arts was realized…at Exit 33.

I welcome you to follow my journey as I continue to take steps, no matter how tiny, towards achieving a career in the industry.  In hopes of ultimately having the means and platform on which to open and have an active part in my own children’s charity foundation, to give back and continue to help others while staying positive, grateful and true to my morals, with my feet firmly planted on, what is often in this business, unstable ground.

For those of you trying to accomplish what I am, here is something my mother always says that I think is important to remember, “It’s all about baby steps.  She would rather work really hard for something and have it pay off in the end than be handed it overnight.”  When you think about it, she’s right and not because mothers always are, but because hard work, with disappointments along the way, allow the make in “making it” that much sweeter.

So, what can you expect in my upcoming blogs?

I plan to include stories about my connection to a notable 1930’s actor, earning my SAG card, why I call myself an actor not actress, the ins and outs of auditions, working with Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, John Ritter, Eve and more.  I promise to be open and honest about the highs and lows encompassing trying to “make it” in this business known as show and the uncertainty surrounding it while encouraging you to let me know your interests or questions pertaining to acting.

I’m thrilled to be joining FIB and am excited to be challenging myself to learn more about the industry, those in it and most important, myself.  I hope you will meet me here weekly and hop on board my blogging excursions to places I promise will be filled with ups, downs, twists, turns and maybe even a few surprises.

Let the adventure begin!

“Acting is a question of absorbing other people’s personalities and adding some of your own experience.” – Jean-Paul Sartre