Daily Inspiration: Meet Taylor Coffman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Coffman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have two hometowns – outside Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains and just outside Washington DC. I consider both areas to be home… one rural and one suburban.

I often joke that I’ve had nine lives already… I’ve had SO many jobs; a paper route, pizza maker, server at a steak-house chain restaurant, receptionist in two different college department offices and a skincare company, teaching kids, managing a database for an aircraft industry member association, even telemarketing before I felt icky about it, tutoring, corralling audiences for TV shows… seriously THE LIST GOES ON.

That’s what happens when you start life wanting to be an actor – you end up playing more roles that you ever thought possible.

I was always drawn to storytelling. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Theater BA from George Mason University. Also, while in college, I landed my first professional acting job playing Hilda in Ibsen’s Lady from the Sea.

After moving to LA and craving some stability, I landed a job in late-night comedy on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. I worked reception, then in the talent department and even in accounting. Ultimately, I ended up pulling comedy content for the opening monologue (including clips for Unnecessary Censorship) and also often appeared on the show in comedy bits, getting my SAG card and learning from the funniest, warm-hearted and somewhat socially awkward people in the business. A daily TV production is all-encompassing – I’d often start my day before dawn and left at night… so after three years, I left the show after booking an indie film to focus on my own career.

I landed a day-gig in public radio at KPCC. Life in public radio allowed for me to be able to work a stable and flexible day gig. I scored some fun TV credits including recurring on season 2 of HBO’s Silicon Valley directed by Mike Judge, appearing on two seasons of Life in Pieces on CBS, and FEUD, directed by Ryan Murphy among others.

Additionally, I am an associate artist and previous member of The Rogue Artist Ensemble. I received an LA Weekly nomination for comedy acting for originating the role of Jane in D is for Dog which was performed throughout Southern California, including Southcoast Repertory. “Taylor Coffman…, manages to steal the show with her well-played, well-timed delusional fits of madness and occasional sensibility. (Someone would be wise to cast her as Cynthia Nixon’s daughter.)” CULTURE SPOT LA. “Coffman steals the show, however, as the guileless Jane, very funny … but most memorable in the scene where she discerns the horror right below the surface” LAIST.

And now in a new chapter of my nine lives, I’m helping launch podcasts with LAist Studios as Operations Manager. I’m happy to be side-kick to some of the best pods of the last two years including California Love (Best of 2020 from Apple, Spotify, and Amazon), Yeah, No, I’m Not OK, plus Norco 80 and California City which hit the top charts.

Clearly my story is not over – when you have as many lives as I have had, you learn a thing or two about the world… Most recently, I’m written three feature screenplays and two pilots, as well as producing, including the series Ruby & Martin (finalist in the NYTVF Comedy Central Pilot competition) and Two Guys, A Mermaid, and a Couch.

I’ve also got a few more things up my sleeve including getting more hands on in podcasting and development.

When you’re a storyteller, the more lives you live the better. How exactly I got to where I am now; playing a lot of roles well onstage AND OFF.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No… nothing has EVER been smooth. But, honestly, that is just life. Struggle, adaptability, and problem-solving allow us to grow.

One constant is challenge, but if you work hard and you’re smart… and you’re not a jerk – people remember. In this town, there are so many helpers. So many people who will champion you and encourage you.

My motto is make it happen, pick your battles, and try to surround yourself with people who make you feel supported.

Everything changed for me when I started being increasingly thankful for the people around me. I feel so grateful for the creative friends and family that surround me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think of myself as a creative general practitioner. I’m a great actor – performed in TV and Theatre… but I’m also a writer and creator. I cross genres, but I do lean toward comedy… pain and laughter have always been bedfellows in my life.

Uniquely, I live at the nexus of storytelling and structure. I am deeply creative, but I also GET THINGS DONE. My days are spent bringing projects to life that aren’t always my own.

I make things happen.

I’m excited about working more in the podcast field because it’s such a great vehicle for storytelling, connection, and curiosity. And the field is only growing!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Know when to lead and when to follow. Also try to bring positivity to any team because challenges arise and positivity helps you focus on the best next steps. Naturally, when you don’t drop the ball and you show up with authenticity – it’s easier to make allies. Don’t be afraid to talk to the superiors around you with warm candor. I’ve learned so much from people and leaders around me. They can help you through hard situations, decision-making, etc. And stay in touch- an occasional check in really helps continue to build those relationships.
Also don’t wait; just start making things with people and friends who share your passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: taylorcoffmanmade
• Twitter: TaylorACoffman
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorCoffman/featured

Image Credits:
Chris Hall, Jon Stoddard, Screenshots from Feud & Silicon Valley