Massively talented as a story teller. Your introductions are very precise and captivating. You are very talented. You tube is your forum and you will have a massive impact here Jill. This is your playhouse and stage. You have amazing wisdom and gifts
JilI, I adore you and your wonderfully descriptive stories that make me feel as if I’m really there like no other I’ve ever listened to, but I could have NEVER been an actor. The casting call you so brilliantly described sounds positively humiliating. I can’t do humiliating.
Great story. I moved to NYC just before 9/11 and stayed for 12 years. I thought it would be an adventure. I worked at a high-end retail store where Robert DiNero was considered my customer. Other notable shoppers were Richard Thomas, Rue McClanahan, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Stiles, Anita Gillette and director, actor, producer--- I was thrilled to encounter--- and is no longer with us Sydney Pollack. Regail us with some more of your adventures in NYC Jill.
I love Sydney Pollack ! 2 of my favourite scenes in Tootsie, he plays Dustin Hoffmann’s agent. Rewatching them never fails to crack me up. The writing is brilliant. Sydney’s frustrated + confused responses to Dustin’s 2 situations are genius. The timing,pitch + delivery: perfection
Your headshot is gorgeous -- you still are! 😍Fun story --- thanks for giving us a glimpse of what that kind of life was like. I was 22 in 1978. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie. 😂
I really wish you got to have that scene in Hannah and her Sisters, that’s my favourite Allen film! This is a great channel Jill keep it up! I look forward to more of your stories.
So true! Not an easy road to travel. No guarantees. So many time I was worried about eating and paying my rent. But I was also driven. Thanks for watching.
Very cool story well told. I wrote Woody a birthday letter in 1974 when I was 8 years old. I got an 8x10 glossy signed "To davidly : Best Wishes : Woody Allen" from his agency. I was so moved I sent a reply, roughly, "Thank you very much for the picture. Here's one of me" with my wallet-sized class photo from that year included. I still have his framed on my wall and have wondered over the years whether he ever saw mine, or per the more fantastical, maybe even carries it around in his wallet.
I watch "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" once a year. And sometimes "Stardust Memories". Favorite bits of mine: - The title of Meryl Streep's book: "Marriage, Divorce, and Selfhood." - At the beginning of the scene at Paul Simon's party in "Annie Hall" the camera pans across the room and captures an exchange between two stereotypical Hollywood guys who want to make it, but, like, EVERYBODY wants to make it and very few take action: "What I have right now is a notion. But I know if I can get some money, I can develop into a concept, and then, later on, an idea." - When the two Columbia University graduate film students in "Stardust Memories" pressure Woody Allen's character to have a beer, he reluctantly agrees, in part because he dislikes intellectuals, and they say to him (paraphrasing): "We have this idea that comedy is just sublimated aggression. Think of the language comedians use to discuss the audience: 'I murdered them", and 'I killed them'".
Great story! I lived on W74th between Columbus and CPW. I saw John and Yoko too, late one night. Just the three of us. John and I locked eyes as we passed. What a moment for me. You're a beautiful woman.
What a fantastic retelling of a great, personal NYC story. Thanks for sharing it with us! Also, I'm a SC resident myself so that made it all the more interesting.
Enjoyed this glimpse into the NYC professional world. I was keeping an eye on the room in your apartment and trying to imagine what it might be like to live there. At the beginning there was ambient light on the books on the shelves. At the end the light was fading as it became early evening.
Thanks for watching. The light in that part of my apartment really changes a lot. Maybe because there's a window in. front of me and one behind me. I'm glad you enjoyed my story.
Love it!!! What a great story. And we can feel the excitement in your telling. Thanks. I'm not an actor, so I don't have a Woody audition story. But I did see him once. It was quite a while back, so I had to look up the year: Looks like it was 2003. I was lucky enough to see his play Writer's Block. As I was walking toward the theater, about 20 yards ahead of me at the theater's entrance a cab pulls up, stops, and out pops Woody and Soon-Yi! They both quickly exit the cab, 'round to the side of the theater building, and outta sight. It was like I'd seen a ghost. Just there, then gone. Since I was such a fan, it was pretty exciting to have seen them; even for just those few seconds. I recall enjoying the play; particularly Paul Reiser's performance. Cheers...
Good story I love Woody Allen movies My favorite Hannah and her sisters Annie hall Manhattan Husband and wives was great also Putting yourself out there to compete with that many other people, is very courageous I don’t know that I could take that stress You would have to be resilient Woody Allen is so old now I know if he were not on the planet anymore, I would be sad. Shelly Duvall was so memorable in Annie Hall
I just stumbled on this page and wow, I love this! You really create the ambience of an actor's life in the 70's with your words. I remember the hustle, only for me it was the crew side of things. Never got to meet Woody, but who didn't love those films of his. And despite all the rejections, a career in the arts can be so exciting! I'm subscribing to hear more of your tales!
I enjoyed this video so much. I agree, fabulous storyteller. Love that you met “the wood man.” I love his movies. Truly, anything is possible in NYC. Thank you Cheers!
I always wanted to be an actor, but I’m not a risk taker, and the idea of moving to New York would have intimidated the h&ll out of me. It takes an immense love of the craft, and a very special personality type.
Captivating storytelling! Thanks for sharing your life and times. I felt like I was two people behind you in line with absolutely no idea what I would do when it was my turn.
The Algorithm sent me your latest post (about working with William Hurt). I subscribed for the pleasure of remembering what New York was like at that time. I left 40 years ago. I remember how often one crossed paths with celebrities ... having lunch out with friends on the upper west side, and looking up to see Woody Allen across the restaurant, walking past Ben Gazzara, and then Dudley Moore in the same neighborhood, running in the same foot race as Clarence Williams III. Made the world seem smaller and surprising. Thanks!
I saw him twice in NYC. Once in an elevator and then at a ballet at the Joyce Theater with Soon Yi. He was taller than I thought he would be. BTW, I went to your IMDb page and watched ur reel. I remember you! I am in my 50s and you were in so much! Wow. So impressed. You have a lot of hutzpah. NYC has never been easy for actors. You are one of the ones that made it. Very cool.
You are so kind. I was so determined or hard-headed as my dad liked to call me. So many ups and downs. So many times I quit. I think perseverance is key. Most people give up. Any sane person would. I kept going. Thanks so much for watching.
ACTRA is Canadian, as you know and covers all media. And I'm sure you know that in the US, at the time in the '70's that Jill is talking about, we had sister unions. AFTRA, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (for radio and TV), SAG, the Screen Actors Guild (film), SEG Screen Extras Guild (film, TV extras and bit parts) and Equity (stage and theatre). All professional unions. Back in the '70's, you could join AFTRA by paying a large fee. I think it was over $1000 at the time plus yearly dues. With that "golden ticket", after a waiting period (if I remember correctly), you could join SAG and Equity at a much reduced rate plus dues. The most difficult affiliation of all was SEG which was almost impossible to join in L.A. (nepotism or who you knew). I got my SEG card through the backdoor while living in Las Vegas. At that time, in Vegas, you could obtain an SEG card by being a member of one or more of the sister unions BUT you were allowed to transfer your SEG card only once in a lifetime to another US city with an SEG affiliation. That's what I did and made the transfer from L.V. to L.A. in 1979. There was a lot of non-union work in L.A. which I did prior to moving to L.V. but the pay was rubbish and had zero benefits. SEG members usually took home at least a hundred a day with O.T. and meal break penalties but if you were a stand-in or a regular extra on a series you could at least double that... AT LEAST. You'd get more if you had evening wear or a basic police uniform etc or special attributes like dealing blackjack or could horse ride... Plus the benefits like dental and medical were excellent! The UK where, i eventually settled for over 40 years, has only one union, B.A.E, British Actors' Equity and covers all forms of the entertainment industry. I was a member of all of the US and UK unions. Today in the US, AFTRA and SAG are one union. I'm not sure about SEG.
Manhattan is my very favourite Woody Allen movie. I saw it shortly after my first and only visit to NYC, in December 1977. It was magic! Congratulations! You just got a new subscriber! 👍🏻👍🏻
what a lovely and charming video!! i love your enthusiasm and your way with words. i was in nyc and auditioning at the same time. still am in nyc! i was probably at this one too. ended up doing more cabaret shows singing than anything else. a great post , thanks .
Thanks for that interesting story with Woody. Gives a nice taste of New York we don't have here in southern California. (I know Woody's not crazy about this part of the country). Speaking of his movie "Manhattan", I've always loved that film (along with countless others around the world). Woody has been quite outspoken about how much he doesn't care for it. But I've never found out why. Anyway, glad it worked out for you getting the part in a later film of his. And glad you've settled into your life in NYC. It must've been meant to be that way.
Woody is such an iconic New Yorker but. he also loves Paris and a few other foreign places. He only shoots exteriors when it's overcast so CA doesn't work for him plus it's not. his vibe.
Jill! I was an undergraduate at USC when you were in grad school. So wonderful to hear of your success. I am sure you don’t remember me. It’s been a while. Congratulations!
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 you look very different from our youth. So do I. You have held up much better. I had to send the video to Drucilla Brookshire for confirmation. “Julia B. Dalton!
Jill, what a wonderful story. I enjoyed this so much. Woody's autobiography was an amazing read. My husband was location managing for a soap opera that was shooting in downtown Charleston, SC. He suggested i try out as an extra. While i was in a room at the hotel, i talked to a man who had flown into Charleston from NY (of course arranged by his agent) I wish i could remember his name. He actually reminds me of Mr Allen and years later starred in a sitcom with Nancy Travis. I was called into a room and given a line to memorize. WHAT!! I did not know how to get out of the situation so did what i was told. Later i got a call from casting saying i just did not fit the part of " maid answering door!" Whew. I was paired up with another extra to be in the church crowd( this was a famous wedding) and the reception. 17 hours of hanging out was an experience!!! So happy to have found your channel. You are lovely and delightful. ❤
unfortunately nyc in 1978 was a dump. I did have a shining moment at michael's pub one Monday night. Woody played clarinet there every Monday night and I had just become a fan and a high school graduate. when his set was over he was about to pass our table and head for the bar area. I stood up and called Oh Woody! and gave a small wave. He headed my way and I babbled on about god knows what finishing my story with the fact that my paper on him came back with an A on it. He .........laughed at my telling. I thought "oh great, I can die now, no problem". Have followed him ever since because he is one of the greatest artists/writers of the 20th century and beyond. For me, it was like meeting Van Gogh.
What a delight! I've had my share of brushes with VIPs. The last one was spending some time chatting with Kevin Smith at a mixer. I don't know if anything else might develop from that but that's okay. It was just fun meeting him. You never know where life will take you but it sure helps if you do your best to guide yourself along. Just subscribed and Liked!
It's jarring seeing a celebrity especially one that you admire. I saw one actor and he obviously was bald but had hair and some type of coloring that was put on his head to give the appearance of hair. There is no way he had done that but had t o have professional stylists put that hair look together. I'd never seen that look before. Anyway, I loved your story and Woody always made me laugh and think at the same time. Humor that appealed to me. Great story. Thank you!
Thanks, I'm. so glad you liked my video. Yes, celebrities can be disappointing in person. Others are amazing. Keanu Reeves and Sir Anthony Hopkins were both kind and beautiful human beings.
That was riveting. You are a gifted storyteller. I too am a big fan of Woody Allen. Hannah and Her Sisters is a movie I watch every year around Thanksgiving. Another Woman gets less attention but i think it's his best. I also think this video should be used to audition for the next Woody Allen movie. He may have one more classic in him and you should be the lead! You have tons of appeal. I can only assume your agent in the 80s was inept!
I'm not an actor but that story was riveting. Tell us more about your experiences! I lived in NYC for several years and wholeheartedly agree that anything is possible there. I look back in wonder at some of the opportunities that came my way. Even as a pedestrian, things will happen.
I'm relatively new to YT and wasn't sure if my stories would resonate but since they do I'm going to tell many more. Thanks so much for watching. Small world.
Ah yes , one more thing, Judy Davis , who had the lead roll in My Brilliant Career, went on to become a bit of a Woody Allen darling, and was in quite a few of his movies!
Hi Jill, great story omg! Small story: I have been in several videos and in theatre etc and thought I should finally get headshots and talk to someone who I knew casted...I knew the shots were good but thought I'd write really obvious things about myself (large lips lol, can play a 35 year old - 70 year old (which I did do in an independent) well in one week i got an audition for Faces in the Crowd - I was excited and rehearsed with a stack of papers and a mannequin head for a month or so, consulted an actor friend to reduce nerves etc...to make a long story short as this is your channel...went to the audition and it was more pro than anything I'd been on (a boom mic 10 ft long...bright lights, five producers I could barely see because LED lighting for auditions wasn't just there yet) my knees knocked (that was a first) and I forgot my lines I had rehearsed...I goofed up from fear...I could have done a cold read but insisted I'd make more of an impression by rehearsing...even though I've performed already for a few years in front of many people for festivals even...you can just mess up...lol...you are a pro and I should stick to singing but I will not forget that audition!
What a crazy experience. It takes years of doing the work and being around all that equipment not to cave. I've seen guest artists on Law & Order cave. under the pressure. No be able to remember their lines. It's not a easy task. And you put so much pressure on. yourself. Glad you survived.
You’re a delight! I love old New York showbiz stories. It reminds me how many talented, struggling actors there are out there that never get the acclaim they deserve. But the wonderful thing is, now you’re getting your face out there worldwide on UA-cam! Could you post any of your dramatic monologues? Cheers
That's a great story, and you made it very entertaining. I want to hear more stories, especially because I also lived in NYC in the '80s. I have my own "meeting Woody Allen" story that amuses people.
He did and he resented me for it. I felt guilty and eventually stopped acting to put him through law school. BIG MISTAKE. We got divorced after 14 years of marriage. Should have divorced him before putting him through law school. Not after. LOL
I saw Woody once in London. I was coming out of Warren Street tube station very early one morning. The streets were empty so anyone else was noticeable. I walked past a man in a beige raincoat. A few steps later I realised, 'that was Woody Allen!'. I turned and looked back only to see him turning to look at me. I felt embarrassed that he'd caught me gawping, so I turned and went on my way. Later, I read confirmation that he was in London and he'd gone to see Chekov's The Three Sister at the Barbican/National Theatre.
You are hysterical!! Thank you . . . I told my first "open call" audition story in our Cinderellas of West 53rd Street book (published 2023). I do remember standing in the rain outside the Equity building in the wee hours of the morning (still dark out) - everyone had coffee & little chairs & books to read and, I think it was Backstage at that time -- for the "union" call for The Producers (no, never got to do that show). Equity changed the rules at one point so you could call in for a "reservation." But that only worked for those out of town (the call line was impossible to get thru to most of the time). Easier to just show up early (not THAT early, but still . . . to get seen, BEFORE the 9am start).
This was great! Very interesting. Hannah has become an around Thanksgiving tradition for me because of those dinner scenes filmed in Mia's apartment. Subbed!
Discovered your channel today and watched six episodes in a row. You are a delightful person with a gift for storytelling. If my body switching machine works I'm taking over David Zaslav's body and giving you an HBO MAX series to star in. You remind me of Jean Smart and deserve to be as famous.
Ok, you’re the coolest! Lovin your stories of your experiences. We are probably around the same age so so cool to hear how “how the other half lived!” 🎉
In the 1970s i went w a friend to nyc. We went to Michael's pub and Woody was playing clarinet w a band. At intermission all the musicians left the stage but he remained. It was after Annie Hall had been released and I was a gusty kid. I walked over to him and told him how much I enjoyed the movie. Like a scene from one of his movies he cleared his throat and said, thank you. 🙄 What a rube i was.
Hi Jill. You have wonderful story telling skills. Very enjoyable. Your site just showed up randomly on my UA-cam. Looked interesting. Why not give a view? Well, several shows later, you have a fan!!! Maybe I haven't gotten to it yet, but have you ever been on L&O SVU? That show has been on for a hundred years and I notice they use a lot of familiar faces. I would think every NYC actor has been on it. Look forward to your next video.
What a fabulous storyteller. Thanks for sharing this
Thank you so much. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm new to UA-cam and finding my way. Thanks for joining me.
I could listen to you talk about a dentist appointment and it would be the best story I’ve ever heard
LOL. Let's hope I don't run out of material and need to resort to dental stories.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 You do great podcasts! Well deserved, Best Wishes!!
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 Dental stories are good, right?
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 😆
Massively talented as a story teller. Your introductions are very precise and captivating. You are very talented. You tube is your forum and you will have a massive impact here Jill. This is your playhouse and stage. You have amazing wisdom and gifts
Thank you! 😊 I wasn't sure if this was the right place for me but I think it is. I'm very grateful.
JilI, I adore you and your wonderfully descriptive stories that make me feel as if I’m really there like no other I’ve ever listened to, but I could have NEVER been an actor. The casting call you so brilliantly described sounds positively humiliating. I can’t do humiliating.
Humiliating is hard. I had to flip that and see these "things" as opportunities. So glad. to have you here.
Great story. I moved to NYC just before 9/11 and stayed for 12 years. I thought it would be an adventure. I worked at a high-end retail store where Robert DiNero was considered my customer. Other notable shoppers were Richard Thomas, Rue McClanahan, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Stiles, Anita Gillette and director, actor, producer--- I was thrilled to encounter--- and is no longer with us Sydney Pollack. Regail us with some more of your adventures in NYC Jill.
I will. Thanks so much for the encouragement. Just curious what store was that? Sounds like quite the place.
Hammacher Schlemmer Landmark store. The oldest running catalogue. Not quite the same now a days. They reduced the shopping area to one floor. 👋
I love Sydney Pollack !
2 of my favourite scenes in Tootsie, he plays Dustin Hoffmann’s agent.
Rewatching them never fails to crack me up. The writing is brilliant.
Sydney’s frustrated + confused responses to Dustin’s 2 situations are genius.
The timing,pitch + delivery: perfection
I think you are giving young people a more realistic idea of what a life in acting is like. That is commendable.
Thank you. That is part of what I want to do. I was so starry-eyed when I came to NYC. I was clueless.
Your headshot is gorgeous -- you still are! 😍Fun story --- thanks for giving us a glimpse of what that kind of life was like. I was 22 in 1978. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie. 😂
Glad you enjoyed it! It's fun to look back at my life during this time. seems like a lifetime ago. It kind of was.
I really wish you got to have that scene in Hannah and her Sisters, that’s my favourite Allen film!
This is a great channel Jill keep it up! I look forward to more of your stories.
I wish I. had too. I will have another chance in Celebrity. Thanks for watching.
Thank you the positive story. Making Art and a living can be more than a challenge.
So true! Not an easy road to travel. No guarantees. So many time I was worried about eating and paying my rent. But I was also driven. Thanks for watching.
Very cool story well told. I wrote Woody a birthday letter in 1974 when I was 8 years old. I got an 8x10 glossy signed "To davidly : Best Wishes : Woody Allen" from his agency. I was so moved I sent a reply, roughly, "Thank you very much for the picture. Here's one of me" with my wallet-sized class photo from that year included. I still have his framed on my wall and have wondered over the years whether he ever saw mine, or per the more fantastical, maybe even carries it around in his wallet.
I’m sure he put your picture up. He’s such a caring human being! NOT!
Ew
Fantastic story… only a person that is truly creative and real can smell New York and want to succeed!!! I’m fascinated by you ❤
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
That was great! What a presentation. I have a big Woody Allen fan and that was really fun. Thank you.
Thank you for watching.
I watch "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" once a year. And sometimes "Stardust Memories". Favorite bits of mine:
- The title of Meryl Streep's book:
"Marriage, Divorce, and Selfhood."
- At the beginning of the scene at Paul Simon's party in "Annie Hall" the camera pans across the room and captures an exchange between two stereotypical Hollywood guys who want to make it, but, like, EVERYBODY wants to make it and very few take action:
"What I have right now is a notion. But I know if I can get some money, I can develop into a concept, and then, later on, an idea."
- When the two Columbia University graduate film students in "Stardust Memories" pressure Woody Allen's character to have a beer, he reluctantly agrees, in part because he dislikes intellectuals, and they say to him (paraphrasing):
"We have this idea that comedy is just sublimated aggression. Think of the language comedians use to discuss the audience: 'I murdered them", and 'I killed them'".
Thanks for sharing those. I need to watch Annie Hall again.
Oh, you had us captivated! Glad you're still living your dream!!
Thanks so much for watching. So many of the people I started out with left but I'm still here.
Thrilling! Still love Woody Allen. Thanks, Jill Dalton!
Me too.
Your stories are such a nice break from this noisy, chaotic world we live in.
Thanks so much for watching.
Great story! I lived on W74th between Columbus and CPW. I saw John and Yoko too, late one night. Just the three of us. John and I locked eyes as we passed. What a moment for me. You're a beautiful woman.
As crazy as NYC was at that time--it was magic. John was such an iconic figure. I adored him. Great NY moment, David.
I saw them too. But what was even better was catching a young handsome Jeremy Iron checking me out and wink at me as we passed each other. Sigh....
What a fantastic retelling of a great, personal NYC story. Thanks for sharing it with us! Also, I'm a SC resident myself so that made it all the more interesting.
Cool. Glad you connected with it.
Excellent! You share your wisdom with great storytelling. Thanks, Jill!
Thanks, Sally. I appreciate your input.
Enjoyed this glimpse into the NYC professional world. I was keeping an eye on the room in your apartment and trying to imagine what it might be like to live there. At the beginning there was ambient light on the books on the shelves. At the end the light was fading as it became early evening.
Thanks for watching. The light in that part of my apartment really changes a lot. Maybe because there's a window in. front of me and one behind me. I'm glad you enjoyed my story.
Love it!!! What a great story. And we can feel the excitement in your telling. Thanks. I'm not an actor, so I don't have a Woody audition story. But I did see him once. It was quite a while back, so I had to look up the year: Looks like it was 2003. I was lucky enough to see his play Writer's Block. As I was walking toward the theater, about 20 yards ahead of me at the theater's entrance a cab pulls up, stops, and out pops Woody and Soon-Yi! They both quickly exit the cab, 'round to the side of the theater building, and outta sight. It was like I'd seen a ghost. Just there, then gone. Since I was such a fan, it was pretty exciting to have seen them; even for just those few seconds. I recall enjoying the play; particularly Paul Reiser's performance. Cheers...
That sounds like Woody. Illusive. A ghost.
Good story
I love Woody Allen movies
My favorite Hannah and her sisters
Annie hall
Manhattan
Husband and wives was great also
Putting yourself out there to compete with that many other people, is very courageous
I don’t know that I could take that stress
You would have to be resilient
Woody Allen is so old now
I know if he were not on the planet anymore, I would be sad.
Shelly Duvall was so memorable in Annie Hall
I know. Woody is such an iconic New York filmmaker. I too will be very sad when he goes. I too have always love him and felt a kinship with him.
I just stumbled on this page and wow, I love this! You really create the ambience of an actor's life in the 70's with your words. I remember the hustle, only for me it was the crew side of things. Never got to meet Woody, but who didn't love those films of his. And despite all the rejections, a career in the arts can be so exciting! I'm subscribing to hear more of your tales!
Thanks so much for subscribing. I'm glad you're here.
I enjoyed this video so much. I agree, fabulous storyteller.
Love that you met “the wood man.”
I love his movies.
Truly, anything is possible in NYC. Thank you Cheers!
Thank you so much for watching.
Jill, love the way you tell the story as a monologue. Your acting chops are palpable. Woody Allen's lose is NYC"s gain!
Thank you!
I always wanted to be an actor, but I’m not a risk taker, and the idea of moving to New York would have intimidated the h&ll out of me. It takes an immense love of the craft, and a very special personality type.
Agree. I was obsessed and driven to a fault. Nothing was going to stop me. LOL
Having the right personality type is a talent in and of itself-the talent for living..
I don’t know why the YT algorithm sent this to me but… Wow! I was riveted from the jump.
Thanks so much. The algorithm has decided to push my videos and I'm grateful.
I love having a cup of coffee and listening to your stories.
That makes me so happy.
Captivating storytelling! Thanks for sharing your life and times. I felt like I was two people behind you in line with absolutely no idea what I would do when it was my turn.
I love that. Thanks.
I left NYC to Aiken SC. I love it.
Years ago my sister lived in Aiken and had a thoroughbred horse farm.
Another wonderful story. Thankyou.
Thanks so much for watching.
I remember that newsstand well as Hurrah! Great club in 1976 Manhattan in my top 5 favorite films.
I call that Old New York. I miss so many. parts of it. But nothing stays forever.
Many dreams, SO many actors! Things slipped away that should have been mine! Those dreams are still there....
I know that feeling. I had to let the old dreams go and dream new dreams.
You are a beautiful lady, glad you came up on my feed. Your channel is an inspiration. Love your tenacity…. Mike
Thanks, Mike. I appreciate that.
Fantastic story teller. Beautifully done!
Thanks for watching.
Great story telling. 4am here in Mexico. A lovely way to wake up. Gracias
Welcome. I've only been to Mexico once. Need to go again.
The Algorithm sent me your latest post (about working with William Hurt). I subscribed for the pleasure of remembering what New York was like at that time. I left 40 years ago. I remember how often one crossed paths with celebrities ... having lunch out with friends on the upper west side, and looking up to see Woody Allen across the restaurant, walking past Ben Gazzara, and then Dudley Moore in the same neighborhood, running in the same foot race as Clarence Williams III. Made the world seem smaller and surprising. Thanks!
NYC is so different now. Glad you found my channel.
Having moved to California 15 years ago, I really miss NYC when I see stuff like this. Transports me right back. Thank you.
I still live in NYC but something about that time gets me too.
You are so gifted and you made me laugh!! Brought back so many memories!! I too was an actress in New York💖 Thanks for the memories!!
Thanks for watching. Small world.
I saw him twice in NYC. Once in an elevator and then at a ballet at the Joyce Theater with Soon Yi. He was taller than I thought he would be. BTW, I went to your IMDb page and watched ur reel. I remember you! I am in my 50s and you were in so much! Wow. So impressed. You have a lot of hutzpah. NYC has never been easy for actors. You are one of the ones that made it. Very cool.
You are so kind. I was so determined or hard-headed as my dad liked to call me. So many ups and downs. So many times I quit. I think perseverance is key. Most people give up. Any sane person would. I kept going. Thanks so much for watching.
I studied theatre arts and we learned Woody Allen is a genius . Getting into ACTRA is next to impossible . 🇨🇦🇺🇸🎬
Thanks for watching my videos.
ACTRA is Canadian, as you know and covers all media.
And I'm sure you know that in the US, at the time in the '70's that Jill is talking about, we had sister unions. AFTRA, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (for radio and TV), SAG, the Screen Actors Guild (film), SEG Screen Extras Guild (film, TV extras and bit parts) and Equity (stage and theatre). All professional unions.
Back in the '70's, you could join AFTRA by paying a large fee. I think it was over $1000 at the time plus yearly dues. With that "golden ticket", after a waiting period (if I remember correctly), you could join SAG and Equity at a much reduced rate plus dues.
The most difficult affiliation of all was SEG which was almost impossible to join in L.A. (nepotism or who you knew).
I got my SEG card through the backdoor while living in Las Vegas. At that time, in Vegas, you could obtain an SEG card by being a member of one or more of the sister unions BUT you were allowed to transfer your SEG card only once in a lifetime to another US city with an SEG affiliation. That's what I did and made the transfer from L.V. to L.A. in 1979.
There was a lot of non-union work in L.A. which I did prior to moving to L.V. but the pay was rubbish and had zero benefits. SEG members usually took home at least a hundred a day with O.T. and meal break penalties but if you were a stand-in or a regular extra on a series you could at least double that... AT LEAST. You'd get more if you had evening wear or a basic police uniform etc or special attributes like dealing blackjack or could horse ride... Plus the benefits like dental and medical were excellent!
The UK where, i eventually settled for over 40 years, has only one union, B.A.E, British Actors' Equity and covers all forms of the entertainment industry.
I was a member of all of the US and UK unions. Today in the US, AFTRA and SAG are one union. I'm not sure about SEG.
Great story! Thanks for this. Keep them coming!
Thanks. As long as people are watching and liking my stories, I'll keep doing them for sure.
Manhattan is my very favourite Woody Allen movie. I saw it shortly after my first and only visit to NYC, in December 1977. It was magic!
Congratulations!
You just got a new subscriber! 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed my story.
what a lovely and charming video!! i love your enthusiasm and your way with words. i was in nyc and auditioning at the same time. still am in nyc! i was probably at this one too. ended up doing more cabaret shows singing than anything else. a great post , thanks .
Thanks, Russel. Glad you're still here. It takes courage and grit to be a New Yorker.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 thanks!
Thanks for that interesting story with Woody. Gives a nice taste of New York we don't have here in southern California. (I know Woody's not crazy about this part of the country).
Speaking of his movie "Manhattan", I've always loved that film (along with countless others around the world). Woody has been quite outspoken about how much he doesn't care for it. But I've never found out why.
Anyway, glad it worked out for you getting the part in a later film of his. And glad you've settled into your life in NYC. It must've been meant to be that way.
Woody is such an iconic New Yorker but. he also loves Paris and a few other foreign places. He only shoots exteriors when it's overcast so CA doesn't work for him plus it's not. his vibe.
Love the story and all of its inherent lessons that also apply to writers.
Thank you so much. Didn't we take a playwriting workshop together?
you are definitely immensely entertaining! thanks for your persistence!
I appreciate that! Thanks.
Jill! I was an undergraduate at USC when you were in grad school. So wonderful to hear of your success. I am sure you don’t remember me. It’s been a while. Congratulations!
Oh, my word. What a small world. So glad you're here.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 you look very different from our youth. So do I. You have held up much better. I had to send the video to Drucilla Brookshire for confirmation. “Julia B. Dalton!
Jill, what a wonderful story. I enjoyed this so much. Woody's autobiography was an amazing read. My husband was location managing for a soap opera that was shooting in downtown Charleston, SC. He suggested i try out as an extra. While i was in a room at the hotel, i talked to a man who had flown into Charleston from NY (of course arranged by his agent) I wish i could remember his name. He actually reminds me of Mr Allen and years later starred in a sitcom with Nancy Travis. I was called into a room and given a line to memorize. WHAT!! I did not know how to get out of the situation so did what i was told. Later i got a call from casting saying i just did not fit the part of " maid answering door!" Whew. I was paired up with another extra to be in the church crowd( this was a famous wedding) and the reception. 17 hours of hanging out was an experience!!! So happy to have found your channel. You are lovely and delightful. ❤
Believe it or not. Sometimes those one liners are the hardest to do.
Natural storyteller! Subscribed.
Thank you so much.
Jill! What a cool story and excellent video 🙂 thank you for sharing that!! What a beautiful spirit, glad you never went back to South Carolina!
Thanks, Steven. I'm glad I never went back too. I had many lean years in the city but just kept going. Glad you enjoyed my video.
Love this! You are a very riveting storyteller. Also, in my opinion, you were/are better-looking than Diane Keaton.
You're very kind.
Deeeeeeelightful!!!!!!
Thank you. I appreciate that.
What a fun story.
Now I've got to hear about your role in "Hannah and Her Sisters."
Watch my video. Never take the bus to set and all will be revealed.
unfortunately nyc in 1978 was a dump. I did have a shining moment at michael's pub one Monday night. Woody played clarinet there every Monday night and I had just become a fan and a high school graduate. when his set was over he was about to pass our table and head for the bar area. I stood up and called Oh Woody! and gave a small wave. He headed my way and I babbled on about god knows what finishing my story with the fact that my paper on him came back with an A on it. He .........laughed at my telling. I thought "oh great, I can die now, no problem". Have followed him ever since because he is one of the greatest artists/writers of the 20th century and beyond.
For me, it was like meeting Van Gogh.
What a great story. I'm sure he loved that you were so young and full of joy. Love this.
Though he tried, van Gogh wasn't as funny.
Van Gogh is spinning in his grave. Ugh
Thanks for the fun story, I am going to watch Hannah and see if I can spot you.
You won't spot me. Watch my other video about Woody and all will be revealed. Thanks for watching.
What a delight! I've had my share of brushes with VIPs. The last one was spending some time chatting with Kevin Smith at a mixer. I don't know if anything else might develop from that but that's okay. It was just fun meeting him. You never know where life will take you but it sure helps if you do your best to guide yourself along. Just subscribed and Liked!
Thanks so much.
I was so happy when I heard you were cast in HaHS. That’s the dream come true. And glad you stayed in NY. It suits you.
Well...you need to watch my video, Never Take the Bus to Set, to see how that went.
Love your incredible story ❣️
Thanks so much.
It's jarring seeing a celebrity especially one that you admire. I saw one actor and he obviously was bald but had hair and some type of coloring that was put on his head to give the appearance of hair. There is no way he had done that but had t o have professional stylists put that hair look together. I'd never seen that look before. Anyway, I loved your story and Woody always made me laugh and think at the same time. Humor that appealed to me. Great story. Thank you!
Thanks, I'm. so glad you liked my video. Yes, celebrities can be disappointing in person. Others are amazing. Keanu Reeves and Sir Anthony Hopkins were both kind and beautiful human beings.
That was riveting. You are a gifted storyteller. I too am a big fan of Woody Allen. Hannah and Her Sisters is a movie I watch every year around Thanksgiving. Another Woman gets less attention but i think it's his best. I also think this video should be used to audition for the next Woody Allen movie. He may have one more classic in him and you should be the lead! You have tons of appeal. I can only assume your agent in the 80s was inept!
Thank you so much. My agent was not the best by a long shot. She was an associate not even a full agent. LOL
I'm not an actor but that story was riveting. Tell us more about your experiences!
I lived in NYC for several years and wholeheartedly agree that anything is possible there. I look back in wonder at some of the opportunities that came my way. Even as a pedestrian, things will happen.
I'm relatively new to YT and wasn't sure if my stories would resonate but since they do I'm going to tell many more. Thanks so much for watching. Small world.
Ah yes , one more thing, Judy Davis , who had the lead roll in My Brilliant Career, went on to become a bit of a Woody Allen darling, and was in quite a few of his movies!
I have always loved Judy Davis. What an interesting and complex actor.
Jill, love these anecdotes. Keep up the great work.
Glad you like them!
I can picture everything you described. You make it come alive. I really enjoyed this visual. Had no idea anything like this happened this way.
Glad you enjoyed it!
"A Star is born...." (That's copyright and trade marked, so don't any of you yahoos steal it!)
LOL. Thanks, Steven.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for watching.
Fantastic story! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching.
Absolutely amazing your very talented
Thank you so much.
Great job, Jill! Always good to see something different than the normal schlock here on yt.
Thanks so much. I wasn't sure if YT was a good place for me but decided to try.
Hi Jill, great story omg! Small story: I have been in several videos and in theatre etc and thought I should finally get headshots and talk to someone who I knew casted...I knew the shots were good but thought I'd write really obvious things about myself (large lips lol, can play a 35 year old - 70 year old (which I did do in an independent) well in one week i got an audition for Faces in the Crowd - I was excited and rehearsed with a stack of papers and a mannequin head for a month or so, consulted an actor friend to reduce nerves etc...to make a long story short as this is your channel...went to the audition and it was more pro than anything I'd been on (a boom mic 10 ft long...bright lights, five producers I could barely see because LED lighting for auditions wasn't just there yet) my knees knocked (that was a first) and I forgot my lines I had rehearsed...I goofed up from fear...I could have done a cold read but insisted I'd make more of an impression by rehearsing...even though I've performed already for a few years in front of many people for festivals even...you can just mess up...lol...you are a pro and I should stick to singing but I will not forget that audition!
What a crazy experience. It takes years of doing the work and being around all that equipment not to cave. I've seen guest artists on Law & Order cave. under the pressure. No be able to remember their lines. It's not a easy task. And you put so much pressure on. yourself. Glad you survived.
Lovely story thank you for sharing.
Thank you for listening.
You’re a delight! I love old New York showbiz stories. It reminds me how many talented, struggling actors there are out there that never get the acclaim they deserve. But the wonderful thing is, now you’re getting your face out there worldwide on UA-cam! Could you post any of your dramatic monologues? Cheers
Thanks so much. I'm not allowed to post my film and TV performances due to copyright laws. I do have some of them on my website.
That's a great story, and you made it very entertaining. I want to hear more stories, especially because I also lived in NYC in the '80s. I have my own "meeting Woody Allen" story that amuses people.
But did your husband come join you?
He did and he resented me for it. I felt guilty and eventually stopped acting to put him through law school. BIG MISTAKE. We got divorced after 14 years of marriage. Should have divorced him before putting him through law school. Not after. LOL
Way to go, Jill! Well told!!
Thanks so much. I appreciate that.
Loved it. So well told. Can picture the whole thing. A scene like out of one of his movies, including the lighting
So glad you enjoyed it.
Great escape into New York magic!! TY
Glad you enjoyed it.
I think you look more like Annette Benning, than Diane Keaton. Though I do see a little Diane in you..Great story!
I do get Annette Bening.
I saw Woody once in London. I was coming out of Warren Street tube station very early one morning. The streets were empty so anyone else was noticeable. I walked past a man in a beige raincoat. A few steps later I realised, 'that was Woody Allen!'. I turned and looked back only to see him turning to look at me. I felt embarrassed that he'd caught me gawping, so I turned and went on my way. Later, I read confirmation that he was in London and he'd gone to see Chekov's The Three Sister at the Barbican/National Theatre.
Nice Woody story.
You are hysterical!! Thank you . . . I told my first "open call" audition story in our Cinderellas of West 53rd Street book (published 2023). I do remember standing in the rain outside the Equity building in the wee hours of the morning (still dark out) - everyone had coffee & little chairs & books to read and, I think it was Backstage at that time -- for the "union" call for The Producers (no, never got to do that show). Equity changed the rules at one point so you could call in for a "reservation." But that only worked for those out of town (the call line was impossible to get thru to most of the time). Easier to just show up early (not THAT early, but still . . . to get seen, BEFORE the 9am start).
I know, Such a rig-a-marole. What we did for love.
Great story !! I love Woody Allen and his movies. Surely one of the greatest American movie makers ever, thanks !!
Thanks for watching. I agree. Woody is an amazing filmmaker and artist.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545Dylan & Ronan & others don’t agree about his “greatness” as a human being.
@@gandhiangles3213 Take your BS and spout it somewhere else. Woody's son Moses doesn't think Dylan and Ronan and Mia are so great either.
@@haineshisway Relax Woody.😎
if you like stories of incest. really? Hannah and her sisters? come on
Can I please just listen to you tell stories for the rest of my natural-born life? ❤️❤️❤️
LOL. Thanks for that.
I’m going to go back and look for you in Hannah And Her Sisters! Great storyteller you are!
Before you do that please watch my video Never Take the Bus to Set and all will be revealed.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 will do 👍
Great story I love everything about it
Thank you so much.
This was great! Very interesting. Hannah has become an around Thanksgiving tradition for me because of those dinner scenes filmed in Mia's apartment.
Subbed!
Thanks so much.
Discovered your channel today and watched six episodes in a row. You are a delightful person with a gift for storytelling. If my body switching machine works I'm taking over David Zaslav's body and giving you an HBO MAX series to star in. You remind me of Jean Smart and deserve to be as famous.
Thank you! I love Jean Smart. She is so fantastic. Thanks for watching.
Hi Jill! I'm Jill, too! I so enjoyed your story. And I subscribed!
Hi, Jill. Thanks for subscribing. I appreciate it.
Glad your persistence paid off!
Persistence is key to so much in life. Thanks for watching.
You are a great story teller!
Thank you so much.
I enjoyed the story. Fun.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Love your story ! And great energy
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Ok, you’re the coolest! Lovin your stories of your experiences. We are probably around the same age so so cool to hear how “how the other half lived!” 🎉
You're funny. Thanks for watching.
In the 1970s i went w a friend to nyc. We went to Michael's pub and Woody was playing clarinet w a band. At intermission all the musicians left the stage but he remained. It was after Annie Hall had been released and I was a gusty kid. I walked over to him and told him how much I enjoyed the movie. Like a scene from one of his movies he cleared his throat and said, thank you. 🙄 What a rube i was.
Good for you. Woody played every Monday at Michael's Pub for 30 years. He now play at the chic Cafe Carlyle hotel.
You’re so refreshing
Thank you so much.
Reminded me of listening to Spalding Grey's monologues. There's a one-woman show in there somewhere.
I love Spalding Grey so much. I saw many of his monologues. I will take this as a huge compliment. I've also done three solo show.
Hi Jill. You have wonderful story telling skills. Very enjoyable. Your site just showed up randomly on my UA-cam. Looked interesting. Why not give a view? Well, several shows later, you have a fan!!! Maybe I haven't gotten to it yet, but have you ever been on L&O SVU? That show has been on for a hundred years and I notice they use a lot of familiar faces. I would think every NYC actor has been on it. Look forward to your next video.
Absolutely adore your delivery let alone the wonderful journey 🎉
Thank you so much. I appreciate your feedback.
I enjoyed this so much; thank you for making and sharing it. Please, where will I spot you in Hannah?
You need to watch my video Never Take the bus to set. It explains the whole ordeal.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 Then I certainly will. Thank you, friend!
This lady has really, really neat stories.
Thanks so much for watching.
LOVE YOUR VIDEO!!
Thank you so much for watching.