We recently had the chance to connect with Ellen Gerstein and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ellen, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is waking up, walking my dog “Frankie the Tooth” shower and dress, coach actors in person or sometimes on zoom. Nip and tuck a script. Work on an outline for a new projects. Sometimes in the evening I will go see a film or a play.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actor / writer / director / filmmaker / coach
My mission is to connect people, so they do not feel isolated. I do this through film, television and theater, by using diversity and a sense of humanity. I love story telling and was raised in a family that had the incredible gift of humor! That is what got us through. So, with all my passion… I walk, trudge, skip and jump telling heartfelt stories about everyday heroes and people on the fringe of society with grit and humor. I get a lot of joy from being an acting coach and teacher. Through my production company Lulu Productions I have made two international award winning short films Waiting For Ronald and Come Away With Me. My latest projects are feature scripts, CookieFace, a comedy and Big Al Riff G and Me, a dramady.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I live life to the fullest. I have done and been a lot of things. All of which I committed to and loved. I was the youngest ever english and western division horseback riding champion of Florida. I was a social worker in New York City and a stand up comic in Los Angeles. I realized what I really wanted to be was an actor so I studied with Lee Strasberg and honed my craft. It was really my parents who told me what they thought I should be a teacher, get married and have kids. I struggled to find myself and my joy but once I found my passion I dedicated my life to it and am a committed actor and filmmaker.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Ellen you are powerful, just trust your instinct.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Honesty and perseverance .
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, because I have my own passion, excitement and praise. I can give all of that to myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellengerstein.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellengerstein/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-gerstein-la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/egerstein
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/egerstein
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0314910/?ref_=fn_t_1
