Life & Work with Allie Doody of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Doody.

Hi Allie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“For Frodo…”, the silence in our house was deafening as Aragorn charged forward to buy Frodo time to get the Ring to Mount Doom. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to be a part of telling stories like these.

Daydreaming about fantasy realms landed me in the Bay Area, where I got my BA in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University. There I learned so much about the ins and outs of putting on a production.

University allowed me the chance to be a part of some amazing experiences, like my study abroad. I was one of 13 in the United States chosen to be a part of a summer acting intensive at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. It cemented my foundation as an actor and showed me that I was in the right field.

From there I had been in tons of different projects ranging from live theater to film to stage to voice acting and singing. However, it was not until the pandemic that I decided to buy my first DSLR camera and try making all of those stories I had stuck in my head. This proved to be such a source of joy for me as I still have my Youtube channel to this day.

I was recently in a western film called, The Attack on Willow Ranch. This role was incredible because, it gave me the chance to be sweet at the beginning and fierce in my fight scene towards the end. Boss Lady roles are what I specialize in, it’s wonderful that I have gotten to show my skills on camera.

This is a crazy adventure I’ve been on and I would not change it for the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everyone has trials on their journey through life. I came to LA with no family, friends or connections to the industry. Every job I have gotten, I booked on my own. In order to get higher tier jobs, you have to have the right connections. This can be frustrating because, you need connections to work and work to get connections. This networking is something I’m striving towards this coming year.

I was proud to participate in the 2023 strike. This was a challenging time because, I supplement my income by doing background work. I could not cross the picket line. I had difficulties financially, but believed that better treatment on set and rules for generative AI had to be put into affect. This gap time in my career started me down a path I had not expected. It gave me the chance to do community theater and meet wonderful friends who I still talk to this day.

They say light shines in the darkest times. After the strike, I was offered a nine month contract to work at Old Tucson as a stunt women. So, I found myself moving to Arizona on a new adventure.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” My eyes glistened under my cowboy hat as I tried not to tear up. The sweetest little girl held my hand while we posed for photos. I had just performed in a drama and stunt show at Old Tucson and this was one of my most proud moments.

I played the benevolent, yet fierce Molly Willow in The Attack on Willow Ranch (Not to be confused with the film I mentioned earlier, this was a live show). I had little girls coming up to me saying they wanted to be strong like Molly. It touched my heart and reminded me how important it is to empower the next generation. I have to thank Greg DeBenedetti and Caden Gamblin for writing this show and casting me in this role. Their stunt choreography was superb. People love to see girl power in action.

I was nominated for a leading Actress Hunter Award for my performance in Whittier Community Theater’s production of Ghost Train. This was an incredible show to do. The cast clicked instantly, no drama, just good times. We were fortunate to have a wonderful director, Susan Fredrickson. She had a solid vision for the show, but still gave us the breathing room to play. I appreciate her for letting me take risks with my character. This show helped me build a strong community. Julia Price was a role I will not soon forget!

Aside from stage work, I recently got a grant through Southern Arizona Film Society for my next short film The Road From River. I run an indie production company called Allie Finale Studios where we make short films with a twist. My next film is a road trip drama full of love, life and grief. I am filming it this week and am so excited to see how it feels to have the support of a bigger team behind me. Getting this grant meant I did not have to shoulder as many jobs on set by myself.

I love to do a variety of acting work. This year I will be putting my focus on film, with my next project being a supernatural drama. Like always I am playing a lady in charge.

I was in Arizona for a year, now I’m back in LA and ready to work! Who knows what will be in store for me next?

What were you like growing up?
I was the weird kid in the corner who read Poe, always day dreaming of escaping to a fantasy world. Now, I get to make those worlds I imagined.

My mother always called me 5 kids in one, because I wanted to try everything. From Marine Science to painting to music to fencing and the list goes on. I made my way through life never forcing myself into one mold. I enjoy a variety of interests and I think that’s what keeps life fascinating. Because, of this I am a director, singer, writer, stunt woman, painter, surfer and more. I have found that the more skills you have the more opportunities arise in the entertainment industry.

Though I may not be a household name, I have worked on such a variety of projects. I am proud of my body of work. With that said, keep an eye out. You won’t want to miss what I have coming up next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alliedoody.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actoralliedoody/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Allieactress
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-doody-19503bb2/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YiutHA26kZTnOLD5nZN1w
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11728526/

Image Credits
Theatrical Headshot by Jonny Marlow of Marlow Photography

Attack on Willow ranch (Film) by Gael Baup

Athletic Full Body by Jonny Marlow of Marlow Photography

Recording the Cowboy Lullaby Theme Song by Nancy Kelso-Doody

Attack on Willow Ranch (Live stage show) by Claudia Tovar

Souther Arizona Film Society Interview by Francisco J Laudin Jr.

Ghost Train (Stage) by Nancy Kelso-Doody

Cowboy Lullaby (Film) by Nancy Kelso-Doody

Can-Can Show at Old Tucson by Nancy Kelso-Doody