Meet Nancy Parry from Detroit, who moved to LA 56 years ago to pursue an acting career.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I was brought out here at age 12 because there was no work back east. (There’s a longer, much juicier story about that, but I’ll save it for my memoirs…)
What do you miss most from home?
The change of seasons! I love Autumn, and snow in Winter. Also, we had lots of maple products, and things like apple cider donuts in the Fall. Oh, please, I’m salivating… I also miss being able to go across the river to Canada (Windsor). SO beautiful. I loved it there.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
Crazy! There were no residential sidewalks where we moved to (La Mirada). And people said, “Hi,” on the street. Nothing like that in inner city Detroit. Yes – L.A. is a friendly place! Strangers do say “hi” and people hug a lot. When I come back from traveling, I can’t believe how beautiful it is here.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus _Detroit?
The change of seasons. It’s also way cleaner here. And more laid back than a big, bustling city like NYC or Detroit.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
My friend Amin is soon to be opening Pure Food Organic Kitchen, on Colorado Ave. – the BEST falafel and healthy takeaway restaurant in Santa Monica. No better falafel ANYWHERE! Your mouth will thank you! And he’s the sweetest guy in the world. Say hi for me!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Bring money. Apartments are expensive. If you want an acting career, amass all of the credits AND film on yourself that you can before you come (or scripts, if you’re a writer). Then you can hit the ground running. And bring sun block!
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Re: taking action – “There are two ways to get to the top of an Oak tree. You can climb it, or sit on an acorn.”
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Google will point you in my direction (isn’t EVERYONE up there???). I’m also on FB, Twitter and LinkedIn, and I have a blog site: sexualharassment101.wordpress.com.
Right now, I’m in search of work while I prepare the remaining books that I’ve written to go up on Amazon. I usually work as a technical writer/advertising copywriter/journalist/copy editor/desktop publisher, etc. But I’d be happy to take another acting job – I acted professionally for 14 years! Or sell one of my ten scripts and get started as a screenwriter! (One script was optioned, years ago, and some have placed in competitions, but no sales yet).
Otherwise, I’ve been a photographer, event planner, project coordinator, lecturer, crafter, secretary (oh, those survival jobs!), and DJ, among other things – I like to be diverse! A hard working, ambitious Capricorn. I currently have 8 e-books up on Amazon (fiction and non), with four more to come (I’m editing, formatting, etc.). My author’s page is under Nance Hope Parr on Amazon. Lastly, in November please vote Yes on Proposition 10 (for rent control in California). Thanks!
