Today we’d like to introduce you to Olive McGowen.
Olive, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in East Texas just outside of Houston, where I lived until I was 13. Then, in eighth grade, my incredible grandparents became my legal guardians, and I moved to a small town called Fredericksburg, Texas. It was there that I got really into the theatre. I loved both acting and writing, but I learned much more about acting because, ironically enough, it felt like people took me more seriously as an actor. I went to college at the University of Northern Colorado for my BA in acting on a full ride. I feel extremely lucky to have gotten my college education for free. Not being tied to student loan debt has made my artistic endeavors (and life!) that much easier. After that, I moved here to LA! For the money, I did catering jobs for a while, but now I work as an assistant and as a freelance copywriter. For myself, I write, star, and edit scripts and sketches, which I post on the internet!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events in my life has been one of the biggest struggles. There have been a lot of things I have had to unlearn about myself and the world around me in order to trust myself enough to do what I love. I owe a great deal to my grandmother, who always emphasized how important it is to lean into what excites you and challenges you and brings you joy. She also instilled a great deal of independence, determination, and resilience in me that makes present-day struggles feel manageable. Being a writer/actor is often so entrenched with the desire to be liked by everyone. We shape our art around what we feel like people will love. But the truth is, we don’t know people any more than they know us. So one thing I am constantly trying to overcome is to stop giving a hoot and a half about what others think of me.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I truly wish I was savvier, but I’d much rather play with some kinetic sand than go to the networking mixer. BUT! Here’s what I think I’m good at I write dense comedy and casual drama. I act when I can or when nice people let me. On social media, I think I’m known for making comedy videos that focus on mental health and relationships. As an artist, I’m most proud of my active effort to remain honest. I try to only make things that I would want to see or read, not what I think everyone else wants to see or read. Maybe that makes me a fool! Or maybe it helps me sleep at night! Or maybe none of it matters!
I don’t like to think about what sets me apart from others, but rather what makes me like everyone else. Like, I am sad sometimes, I eat sour gummy worms to the point of wearing down the roof of my mouth, I’ve raised my voice at my perfect dog, I don’t call my Mimi enough. And I’m trying my best.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was probably a project I did in college called Lorraine. It was a movement/dance piece about the life of my hero – my grandmother. It was a big endeavor, I learned so much, and it was the first time I really felt valued as a creator. To have other really talented artists be willing to see my idea through with me and exceed all the hopes I had for the project was euphoric. Anything felt possible. And to later show it to my grandmother, who has given so so much to me – It felt like a moment that you long for, for someone to fully understand how much you love and admire them. I love you, Mimi!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivemcgowen/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/olivemcgowen
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/olivemcgowen
Image Credit:
All non-screenshots are taken by my boyfriend Tobias Hirano.
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