Відео

Do you remember the casting director’s name? Was it Ruth Levine or Whitney Burnett Voss?

Love your great stories, Jill! I applied to work at a private college in San Francisco in the 90's. Some weeks later, I received a phone call from a faculty member who liked my resume and wanted to talk to me about a possible job opportunity she thought would be a good match! I was excited, but a little perplexed when she wanted to meet me at my house, rather than talking about the job on the phone. But, I said fine and we met. When I asked about the job opportunity she talked around it but never specifically told me what the actual job was. I kept interrupting, but she blithely talked on. Finally, after some time, I became so frustrated, I asked her if she was trying to recruit me to be in Amway sales. It was as if I had cursed or passed gas. She didn't speak until I asked her again and after a bit of mumbling, she admitted it! I was really upset! She was using her position at the college to present herself as someone trustworthy and I told her that I was offended that she would do such a thing! Not an acting story, but somewhat relatable....

LOLOL!!! Yes, Alice took one of those 'Soap Opera' workshops---with her actor friend, Richard--but no she was not a soap type--nor was her friend. But she told me some hysterical stories about the classes and the people---and those wild and crazy auditions! High drama!! LOL! ❤

One of your videos popped up on my UA-cam feed and I clicked on it. Now I am hooked. I hope you're happy - another addiction for me. I so much enjoy the stories, the humor, and the behind the scenes insights. Thanks for sharing! (It's not really an addiction, more like a mild dependency.)

Jill you brought back a flood of memories. I was right there with you in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I called the casting director of As The World Turns everyday at promptly 430pm for eight months trying to be seen. My persistence paid off and they finally agreed to see me. I got there thinking “this could be the one”. We had a brief conversation and then the guy tried to sell me a workshop for an exorbitant amount of money. Those were the days (not)

My twin sister Alice was an actress--and she 'auditioned' twice for Woody Allen---right around the time you did. (We live in NYC). She had a very 'New York" look and once time, he selected her to sit in the front row of an audience (where he's telling jokes)--I forget the movie. That was her entire 'role'. LOL! THEN---a few years later, she again 'auditioned' for him--and was told to 'come back for a big role in the movie'' (Mia Farrow was the star--and his little girl, an infant, was on set in his arms all the time, Alice, said!) What was her 'big' role? She got to sit at a nightclub table at some set in the Bronx!! THAT was her big role!! An actress friend of ours was so excited because she, too, auditioned for him--and got to be one of the dancers---except she had to wear a mask over her face for the entire scene. LOLOL! Life is funny. Alice passed away suddenly from Sepsis two years ago, when we were 76--I still haven't really recovered. We had the most wonderful life together. I enjoyed your 'vignette' so much!Lynn in NYC❤

Tonight I’m going to a casting directors mixer hosted by AEA hopefully this could lead to something. Love your video and channel❤

Another great story, Jill. Though I'm sad about the ending. It's really odd too. Casting director calls YOU ( not the other way around) with seemingly the obvious and specific intention of telling you that the director likes you and that they want to put you in a specific new role they have to cast. There's a bit of a pause in the conversation and in the middle of the phone call the casting director suddenly changes their mind? Only things I can think of ( outside of the possibility that the casting director has a personality disorder) is that they realized they actually had some other actress in mind for the part and made a mistake calling you, or someone in their office put a note in front of them while they were talking. Maybe a call came in that some "name" was suddenly available and interested in that part, or reminded them that they owed a favor to the rep of some other actress and they called in that favor. Apart from that, there's no logical reason for their behaviour.

You NEED to be on EVERY DAY, Jill!!!!!

Love your stories and how you tell them. But wait did I not hear you say you were in a play with Steve Buscemi. Surely there is a story there? He's one of my favourite actors.

Hi Jill...dreams are like Halloween candy in a bowl, make sure you have enough you never know who will knock on the door. Better yet, make that two bowls.

You videos are really funny, informative, and engaging. For someone who loves stories, especially stories of the past and fame, they're really interesting. You're a great storyteller too, which enhances them greatly. I have a question: during your years living in New York City, did you ever meet or encounter musician Lou Reed, dubbed "The King of New York"? If so, I would love to hear that story

These stories should come with a two drink minimum.

Hilarious! I liked the background special effects! 😆👍

Hi Jill. I'm not an actor, but I always look forward to my Sunday's with Jill. You're a great storyteller and those graphics are a nice touch. I love how only doctors, actors and drug dealers had pagers!🤣I used to watch all the soaps back in the day. I never could get into 'Edge of Night'. The way it was filmed was so different from the others. No soap is anything like real life, but that show just looked so phony. Oh, listen to me, the none actor critiquing acting!!! I'll go now. Have a fabulous week Jill.🤗

Wow, that was another wonderful one and a surprise Sunday night treat! Thank you Jill!❤

What cruelty to give you the opportunity of a lifetime, and then snatch it away so heartlessly!

It's basically a paid audition and a huge scam here in LA in my opinion. I've never seen anyone get booked from these 'workshops'.

Yes, I was called by a contractor/director, near the end of my days in NYC, to join in the Bronx Arts Ensemble. I told him I would do whatever he needed me for, whenever, and make it great. A few days later, he called and canceled. I asked why, there was a heavy silence that rang a bell. "Did someone in the group say they would refuse to play if I was there." Again, silence. And I dared say, "And is that person so important that you have to acquiesce to their pressure, YOU, the director?? He apologized, and I knew who it was, someone who was blackballing me whenever she had the chance.

Love your stories!!! Wow you got my total attention. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your life’s lessons. Blessings

The sound doesn't seem garbled to me.

I thought workshops are illegal?

I was so Happy for you!!! Then Damnit! Hahahaha! You are a great story teller!!

Keep putting these out! Love your wacky sense of humour!

Tell us about Law and Order

Have mercy!

I've been enjoying your videos. We seem to have arrived in NYC around the same time with the same dream and have had similar experiences. My ears perked up when I heard you mention the Actor's Information Project. I was a member for about a year in the mid-80's. A little later I took a "workshop" at the office of a commercial casting director. She said to us that commercials were the way to make money while we pursued our artistic careers. To my delight, by the end of the course I signed with a commercial agent and was being sent around everywhere. Casting directors were delighted to meet me they said. "Where have you been?" one of them said to me with a straight face. I quickly booked a few national and regional spots. I thought I was set. Then all of a sudden the phone stopped ringing. Suddenly all the interest and buzz from my agent and the casting directors died down. I wasn't new anymore and thus less interesting to them I suppose. I booked a couple more spots over the next year or so but the casting directors didn't seem so delighted to see me now. Then my agent suddenly dropped me. I couldn't figure out what I had done or not done. I got jobs, I made a decent amount of money, but I just wasn't useful to them anymore. And that promise of making money from commercials to pursue my artistic dreams never really came true for me. I spent all my time pursuing commercials and less time auditioning for theatre and film. Once I stopped looking to be the next Mr. Whipple or Josephine the Plumber, I began getting parts in regional theatre, Off Broadway and eventually Broadway. It was an interesting time though and I have lots of stories to tell from the experience. That's why I love watching your videos. Keep 'em comin'!

Your channel is a blessing, an awesome gift, so helpful (and appreciated!), to those like me seeking connection and community, a rare commodity I feel these days ... in these times.

This was a sad story. I was really rooting for you! Yes, I did have a 'this is my moment' moment. I am a visual artist and after years of showing in small galleries and doing art fairs I sent images to a gallery that was hosting a themed show and had sent out a notification. I had answered calls like this many times so I knew the ropes. AND this was LA and not a small gallery! They contacted me. I was in. I was so excited...until another artist already at the gallery threatened to sue me because my work looked similar to theirs. Long story much abbreviated I lost the opportunity to send/exhibit work.

Thanks Jill. You are a character. Hope all is well with Magpie. 🍀

Oh, Jill-- How I remember!! Tried for Guiding Light-- Oh, well. The same day I went to a job for a wait person on Lex, I think, and the line was LONGER for the waitron position than I had seen at Guiding Light that morning!!! I didn't get either!!!

I love your storytelling. I used to work film crews, so most of my friends are actors. I've been passing the links to your stories to them, and they're loving them! They find them relatable!

Thank you;

Jill. I know nothing of the acting world but you make it so interesting and fun! I also have this vicarious curiosity with the fashion world. Thank you for your stories!👌

Love your videos.. As someone who went to tons of auditions in the 70's early 80's and some in the early 90's, i certainty understand where you are coming from.

You are so funny! I certainly had those experiences of YES! I'VE MADE IT! Oops, no I didn't. It has to be consistently "making it". That's success. Love these videos, Jill. Keep them coming!

❤

One actor to another , am very glad to have discovered your channel. ❤

The Guy who was so awful and couldn't Improv with you was me! However, I want to let you know about my audition for The Devil Wears Prada. The director told me to walk up to Meryl Streep and Improvise with her as my character. I got the job! We shot the scene about 30 times and each Impro Ms. Streep changed our conversation. I kept up with her each time and I didn't miss a beat. She acknowledged me afterward which I really value to this day. I do remember our Improv and you're right- it was really bad. - Ambassador Franklin.

⭐️💟😄 Ross Reports & PC's😄💟⭐️ Those were the days❣️Wonderful, Jilll🤗💚🐱

You are a great example of emotional intelligence. When you lost the six year gig on the TV show for obvious idiotic and illegal reasons, you didn't become bitter or resentful, you let it go and expressed your gratitude to the producers. Your positivity opened up a better opportunity! I cant act myself out of a wet paper bag, but I learn from your videos. 🌹👍

I really enjoy listening to you your daily life as an actress😮😊❤

I was "on file" with FBI Agency, thanks to a friend, but nothing came of it. When I did finally film a national commercial, they were not interested.

This sharing leaves me speechless of how draining acting can be..... 😿👌

I am catching up with your story...... always a pleasure to listen to you.... 🤩

That was a touching story thank you. I think my favorite is Dr. Strangelove.

Ha! You always make me laugh with these anecdotes. Also you made me remember about the time when I spent one night working as an extra for a Hong-Kong low-budget movie that was shooting in my city. A friend who was doing jobs as an extra at the time summoned me and another friend (none of us actors) to participate; it was easy and well-paid, he said (I live in South America and this was being done guerrilla-style so we didn't need a union card). The night began at 1 AM and I noticed the extras were all men, some twenty people. The guy managing us announced bluntly: "OK, from now on you're all gay, OK?" We knew for our friend this wasn't porn so we nodded, a bit ashamed. They were shooting street scenes of gay hustling (is that the term?) with one of the lead actors, called "Tony". Basically, he walked us by and we had to look at him on passing, "enticingly" (something we did not have a clue how to do, I guess some of the other extras did 😉). The friend who took us there was made to fondle some other guy (more shame for him!). I was worried about bumping into someone I knew right there, as it was a real street and a place well known for its gay-parading at night 😅 Finally, after some hours doing this (mostly waiting, as you explain so well in your clips), they paid us in cash and we left with the sun rising and a sigh of relief. Well, guess what... turned out "Tony the actor" was Tony Leung. The cinematographer was Christopher Doyle. And the movie director was Wong Kar-Wai! This was the mid-Nineties and we didn't have a clue who they were yet. The movie is called Happy Together and is excellent!!! Happily, all that was left of that night's scenes was a half-second shot of my friend fondling the other extra guy, haha. I was relieved I wouldn't be spotted by anyone "cruising" in a gay spot, and at the same time sad that I wasn't in the film, if that makes sense. Hope this wasn't too long to read! Thanks to you Jill (and exec producer) for bringing up that memory.

Great energy and hilarious! Kind of reminds me of the train scene in the first remake of A Star is Born. Judy dares to show her face and all hell breaks lose.

I'm too introverted to even aspire to have a big moment. However, my mother lost the opportunity to be a fill-in hair model on TV in the 1950's. The phone company, where my mother worked, would arrange little outings for the female employees: give them tickets to plays, arrange a visit to a professional skin care/makeup artist etc. As a result, she came in contact with a hair stylist who was on TV. My mother had a gorgeous, thick head of hair (that I , unfortunately, didn't inherit), so she was asked to fill in when the hair model the stylist always used became ill. My mother had ambivalent feelings about this opportunity. On one hand, she was full of excitement over the prospect of being on TV - who knows, perhaps she might be "discovered" - but on the other hand, she was as nervous as could be. Did she really want to do this? Could she do this? Well, when it came down to the wire, the decision was taken out of her hands - at the last minute, the hair model made a sudden recovery. Hmm... I wonder if she was afraid that her temporary replacement (my mother) might be a hit and take over for her permanently? Who knows? At any rate, my mother ended up being one very disappointed lady. :o(.

The way you tell the story is hysterical! I went to see an independent film that I was in - but I wasn't in it. My boyfriend at the time said, "well, the good news and the bad news are the same - You were NOT in that film!"