Lyndsi LaRose
Interviewed by: Alyssa Weisberg, CSA
1) Has there been a Casting Director that has encouraged and/or supported you in your career?
Yes! I interned for Alyssa Weisberg my sophomore year at UCLA while she was working on a feature for Paramount. As an actor, I learned so much being on the other side of the camera in an audition room— I was able to read with the auditioning actors, watch the choices they made as the character, see what worked (and what didn’t), and observe how important it is to be prepared and playful in an audition. It was beautiful to watch Alyssa lead such a warm and friendly audition room, fight for actors, and become a true fan of their work. As a casting intern, I was also able to work with Alyssa’s incredible associates who are now doing big things on their own (and who I am honored to call dear friends as well)— Jessica Sherman and Rachel Dill. In 2014, Alyssa cast me in my first TV show, Workaholics, which enabled me to join SAG. She also helped connect me with my first agent. Alyssa has been a gracious mentor and good friend for ten years now. I am forever grateful for her, Rachel, and Jessica for believing in me and always looking out for me. It is truly an honor to be supported by such powerful (and empowering) women in this industry.
2) What work are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the work I have the most fun doing. I love what I do. Days and nights spent laughing with cast and crew on set are my most cherished memories in this business. I once played a hot-mess, barely-functioning-alcoholic, single mom named Tara in a comedy pilot starring Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky called Couple of the Year. Most of the script was improvised, so we let loose and had a blast. As a Groundlings and UCB alum, improv is my sweet spot and having room to play in character is my happy place.
3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
Growing up, I religiously watched The Carol Burnett Show, All That (on Nickelodeon), and SNL and thought, “I can do that.” As a kid, I would put on my own sketch shows for friends and family— with wigs and all. When I was 10 years old, I signed up for an acting class and realized there was nothing I loved more than to perform and entertain. I am so lucky to say my parents have always passionately supported my career as an actor. I also had several teachers in high school who encouraged me to follow this dream early on. So— thank you Carol Burnett, Mom, Dad, and Mrs. Wilks!
4) What was your first IMDBPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?
My first credit on IMDBPro was Workaholics in 2014. I remember seeing it and thinking, “My career has officially started! I’m a working actor!” I felt validated!
5) How has IMDBPro helped you market yourself to filmmakers?
It’s the first link I send to anyone asking about my work or materials. I appreciate the ease and accessibility of having my photos, resume, and reel all in one official place. I also love using it to check up on filmmakers and creatives I’ve worked with in the past. It helps us stay connected.
6) Any funny casting room stories?
Once, I went to an audition in mid-city in the middle of summer. It was probably close to 100 degrees out and I was sweating through my shirt so I put paper towels in my armpits. As I was walking out, thanking casting for their time, I looked down and saw that one fell out of my shirt and was laying on the floor. They probably thought I stuffed my bra or something. And did it happen during my scene…?! While they were recording?! I was mortified. And so, so sweaty.
7) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting:
I lived in Maui, HI for two years during the Covid shutdown and explored my passion for environmentalism and taking care of our oceans. I participated in several reef cleanups and have organized a few beach cleanups here in Los Angeles. I invite you to join me in participating in #PlasticFreeFridays where we do our best to refuse single-use plastic, just one day a week. I believe that mindfulness and awareness are the first steps to bettering this glorious planet.
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