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Meet Erin Orcutt of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Orcutt.

Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Oh man, where do I even begin? I’ve pretty much always known I wanted to be an actor. When I was eight, we were doing a little class play, and my grandma had just passed away. My teacher asked my parents if she could give me the lead to help take my mind off things. They agreed, and I ended up playing a reporter. I had the time of my life. For a second, I thought I wanted to be a reporter, but really, I just loved pretending to be one. That’s when I knew I wanted to act.

From there, I was all in. Acting, singing, musical theater, whatever I could do. I grew up in LA but had a pretty normal childhood. My parents encouraged that. Even though I always knew I wanted to act, I waited until college to really go for it. At 18, I moved to New York and got my BFA in Acting for Film, TV, Voiceover, and Commercials at Pace. It was intense and exciting, and New York definitely toughened me up.

College was also when my health started acting up. I’d always had health issues growing up, but things escalated. After moving back to LA, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. That was a huge wake-up call. I had to change how I lived, ate, worked, honestly everything. So I stepped back from acting to focus on healing. Between that and the pandemic, it felt like the right time to pause.

During that break, I explored a lot. Got my real estate license (lasted five minutes), freelanced in social media, and eventually worked full-time as a campaign manager at an influencer marketing startup. It was a big pivot, but I learned so much. Honestly, every detour has made me a better actor. I feel more. I understand more. It all feeds the work.

After a few years, my life looked fine on paper, but I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that I was leaving a huge part of myself behind. So last summer, I made the leap. I quit my job and went all in on acting. It was terrifying to give up a stable income and healthcare, but within a week, I booked my first commercial. It felt like the universe had my back.

Then came a four-month dry spell (also terrifying), but right before Christmas, I booked a vertical drama called Unwanted True Mate, and that changed everything. Since then, I’ve been working consistently in verticals – fast-paced, dramatic short-form shows, kind of like mini soap operas. They’re wild and fun, and for the first time, I’m actually supporting myself through acting.

It still feels like the beginning of my career. I’d love to do a Lifetime movie next, and eventually land a series regular role on a hit TV show. My dream would be something that blends acting and music like Nashville or Walk the Line. I trained in musical theater voice for years, so combining storytelling and music would really be a dream come true.

My path definitely hasn’t been straightforward, but I wouldn’t change it. Every detour has shaped me, and I’m excited to see what comes next and grateful for everything I already have.

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?
I wouldn’t say it has been the smoothest road! But there were also so many things along the way to be grateful for. I’d say the biggest struggle for me has been balancing and healing my health. Like I mentioned, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my early 20s, and during my second colonoscopy (always pleasant) they also found a precancerous polyp in my stomach that they had to remove. These things definitely rocked me and added some major anxiety/depression to the mix. I thought I was supposed to be carefree my 20s, but my 20s have been insane so far lol. That being said, finding things that brought me joy and surrounding myself with the most amazing community really helped.

And while everyone’s journey looks different, I’ve realized that mine is actually unfolding in a way that feels really aligned. I’ve definitely had moments of wondering, “Did I miss my moment?” or “Am I behind?” but I’m working on noticing those thoughts, and coming back to the things that make me feel aligned. Whether that’s taking an acting class, writing something fun with a friend, or even just singing in my apartment, those small joys are what keep me inspired. I really believe that when you follow what lights you up and stay open, the path reveals itself and what is meant for you will come. Not always in the way you imagined, but in the way you’re meant to grow.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Lately, a lot of my work has been in vertical dramas, and it’s been an amazing experience working on such fast-paced sets. It’s honestly felt like actor boot camp in the best way. The project that really launched me into this world was Unwanted True Mate, which has close to 90 million views now, which is wild and I’m so grateful.

Besides that, I’ve done commercials, indie shorts, and web series. In 2020, I wrote, produced, and acted in a short film with one of my best friends. Right now, I’m working on releasing my first original song, which has been a really meaningful process. I’ve always loved music, so bringing it into my creative world officially feels special.

As for what sets me apart, I mean, I’m just a person like everyone else, but I really care. I take the work seriously and always try to bring depth, empathy, and intention into what I do. I’ve always looked up to someone like Reese Witherspoon, not just because she acts and produces, but because she’s built a company that really focuses on telling women’s stories. That kind of work really inspires me.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
That’s a great question. For me, one of the most important qualities has been staying true to what I believe in and knowing who I am and what my boundaries are. I try to trust my gut and choose opportunities that feel right and aligned. I also really value showing up as a positive force in this industry, someone who has people’s backs and genuinely enjoys the work. It’s definitely been a learning process, but I think one of the best parts about being a creative is that you’re always evolving and growing!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
The main photo selected as well as the 2 studio portraits included in my additional 8 photos (jeans + white tee & black tank top) are both by Dasha Gladkov (IG: @dashagladd, website: https://www.dashagladkov.com/)

BTS photos from the hospital set and the office set (books in the back) are by Rey Kadem (IG: @refatdm, website: https://reykadem.com/)

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