Meet Andy Newton Lee from Hull who moved to LA 9 years ago to pursue acting (but ended up doing something very different…)
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I never came here to ‘make it’ as such as an actor. I wanted a change. I wanted to live in the sunshine and have a healthy lifestyle, it was one of my dreams as a child to live in America. I used to watch Beverly Hills 90210 and thought I want to live there! Here we are 9 years later.
What one thing do you miss from home?
My flat in sunny Kilburn, I miss walking by the beauty of high-rise council flats on my way to the Tube. Kebabs, I also miss kebabs! A great kebab with garlic sauce and salad after a night out is always a treat! You just can’t get it here.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus the UK?
I find the sense of humor here is very different from the UK. Sometimes West Coast Americans don’t appreciate the sharp, blunt wit of us Brits. I couldn’t possibly count the amount of times I’ve offended Americans through my dry and inappropriate banter…and Brits for that matter, it’s all fun and games hey?!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
There’s a great massage place on Sunset/Highland, ask for my friend ‘Mucky Vicky’ that’s all I’m saying!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
If you’re an actor….don’t! Obviously I’m joking, the main thing I advise would be to do your research and get some structure. When I came here I did the opposite; I had no money, couch surfed and it drove me insane. Not a good combination when trying to achieve things in LA. If I was to wrote a book it would be ‘how not to make it in LA’ I think I made every mistake possible, you can’t focus here without structure. It frustrates me when I see young, talented people coming through my relocation business making the same mistakes I did, but I’ve come to realize people need to make their own journey here.
Lastly, how can we find you on the Internet?
Company: www.nextstoplax.com
I’m running my eleventh marathon for Marie Curie, I’d love your support. Here’s the link http://www.justgiving.com/Andy-Newton-Lee1
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