Meet Jill Demby, Guest, Anglophile, U.S. citizen and LA resident who spent a lot of time in the UK and felt it was her true home from the time she stepped off the plane at Heathrow some 30 years ago. She worked and lived in London during part of her college years and after and then married into a family where her father-in-law was a true Brit who then became Lord Haden Guest. She then became the Honorable Jill Demby Guest. Though now divorced, her name rests kindly in the pages of Burke’s Peerage.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I born and raised on the East Coast in a beautiful New Jersey suburb, not far from Manhattan, but the city called and I began my career in the film business there. After being accepted to London Film School, my path took a detour into the NY film scene. I then worked in public television for years until Hollywood called and I made the transition to La La Land. Who could resist LA? Total paradise, right?
What do you miss most from home?
Even though England is not my true home, I miss the rich greenery of the landscape, the history and the architecture, the slower rhythm of life, the gardens, the shock of white roses in the gray mist; the poetry of the place. Also, the teatime ritual, the scones, clotted cream, the eggs, bread, all dairy products, back bacon and tartan wools in the winter.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
It was an architectural hodge podge with dark, windowless restaurants and no true food scene to speak of. The hodge podge still exists but now the buildings are taller and more city like and the food scene is amazing!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus New York City
New York to LA is a transition but they’re completely different places. It’s whether or not you want a city life or a nature life. Lots of people vs lots of cars.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
My hidden gem is a Scottish breakfast/lunch place called John O’Groats. A Mom and Pop place with the best biscuits, pancakes, waffles and egg dishes ever. And the Scottish oatmeal is to die for! Everything is yummy! The place if family to me.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Be sure you like warm weather and constantly sunny skies. There’s only one mood here and it’s sunny. Bring sunscreen. And lots of money.
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?
Two things. Follow your own voice. Nobody knows anything.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you?
I just finished a documentary, “And Now, Love,” about the life and work of Dr. Bernard Bail, a Jewish WWII vet who was captured by the Nazis and fell in love with his German nurse. He went on to become a doctor and psychoanalyst who broke with Freud and developed a radical theory that strikes at the root of all mental anguish. And he’s still alive to tell his tale! It’s making the film festival and screening rounds now. We just won Best Documentary at the Sunscreen Film Festival. If you’re interested and know any community who might host a screening, contact me. We’ve had sold out screenings and have very lively Q&A’s.
Check out our links: andnowlovethemovie.com
