Meet Clare Margaret Donovan of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Margaret Donovan.

Hi Clare Margaret, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a person who was lucky enough to find what I wanted to do very early on, so at 9 years old, I began working as an actor and model. A few years later, in Aspen, CO, I worked on productions at Theatre Aspen and got advice from a few wonderful Industry folx to try my luck out in Los Angeles. My parents are icons and made it happen! My little brother Max and I both began acting and eventually both ended up at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA)! That’s where I was really able to grow as an artist and hone my skill as an actor and writer. From there, I ended up at DePaul University / Second City’s BFA in Comedy Filmmaking program wherein I got to perform at Zanies, The Annoyance, and Second City and from which I just graduated, making my way back to LA full time!

This summer, I was able to put all of my dreams into action, writing and starring in a short-form comedic series entitled “Road to Healing” along with my family (Max directed and starred!) through our production company: MAD in Hollywood Productions. We hope to release in January 2026 (look for updates at our Instagram: @roadtohealingseries)!

I’d also like to emphasize how the entire production was green and sustainable in keeping with our environmentally focused non-profit: Nature’s Negotiators!! naturesnegotiators.org

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t say that my career has been a super smooth road, but I also can’t complain too much as I’ve been incredibly lucky to build my craft alongside incredible artists/professors and work on projects I’m extremely passionate about. I do think it’s an important topic to discuss though, that the Film/TV Industry seems to really fear “risks”. The studios are naturally very focused on a bottom line and I think that ultimately takes away from the artistry of the medium…though no one loves a Blockbuster sequel full of A-List celebrities more than me (truly, I am a huge fan and lover of all things I see in this realm and otherwise)…I just think there should be room for new blood as well! We shouldn’t be scared to give opportunities to actors without huge credits or writers with brand new ideas. The paradox of having to be successful already to find success is a killer and I think we need to be brave as a community of artists to overcome that. Perhaps true independent filmmaking will have a huge surge? Can we all get behind that? I’m in!!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a writer and actor and in all my work, I love to focus on character above all else. I’m extremely inspired by works like “Juno”, “Derry Girls”, and “What We Do in the Shadows” because they have real heart and real laughs all grounded in the characters and the actors that portray them. Whether they be crazy, off-the-rails, or moody and dark, characters can always be grounded in an emotional reality and I think that’s the key to impactful work across genre and medium. I love to see these bold perspectives at odds with the status quo, so whenever I’m writing I try to channel each unique voice through myself as an actor. I’ll shamelessly admit I usually write a character with myself in mind, but even when it’s not my role, the Second City style of improv-ing in character to find comedy and plot is one of my favorite techniques.

As an actor, my most proud moment was acting in the West Coast Premiere of “Hooded or Being Black for Dummies” at the Echo Theatre, directed by Ahmed Best. The show earned praise from the NAACP and LA Times and I really felt strongly that we as a creative team made a difference through that dark, intense, hilarious, satirical piece (written by genius Terrence Chisholm).

As a writer, I’m very excited for “Road to Healing” to release as it was the most fulfilling production process with wonderful friends filling many roles on and off camera. I’m also beyond grateful to hopefully start production on my passion project: “Bridget Bishop’s Spell Book”: the satirical/ absurdist script I’m most proud of to date and which has gotten finalist recognition of late from ISA Fast Track and the Humanitas Awards.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Since you’ve given me this wonderful platform, I just want to remind any fellow artists out there (myself included) to take care of themselves! The Industry and culture at large has a way of making us think we have to put work first and the harder we push ourselves the more we “deserve” things, but at the end of the day, love and health are most important…it’s a privilege to strive for that. That way you’ll be charged up to create the incredible work of your dreams and make the world a better place!! As far as me, please check out @roadtohealingseries and @naturesnegotiators on Instagram!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ClareDonovan
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyinhollywood/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-margaret-donovan-56324523a
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUcp4wE3NgH1XdNcbo2TRRXA6UeqlPWMn
• Other: https://naturesnegotiators.org/

Image Credits
Headshots: Jonny Marlow

“Hooded” Promotional Photo: Larchmont Buzz

Lifestyle Shoot: Jon McKee

“Road to Healing” Image: Mitzi McKinnon, Ananda Friedman

Other: Personal Images