Valerie Azlynn stars in the summer TBS comedy, Sullivan & Son, which premieres on Thursday, July 19th at 10:00 p.m. If she looks familiar it is probably because she’s had roles in popular movies like Tropic Thunder, Hancock and Bewitched and TV shows like Castle, Two and a Half Men and Hot in Cleveland. Recently she took a few minutes out to chat with All Things Girl.
Our readers may recognize you as Melanie on the new TBS comedy, Sullivan & Son or from your roles on shows like How I Met Your Mother ands Rules of Engagement or The Big Bang Theory. Tell our readers three things they don’t know about you.
Three thing’s they don’t know about me are:
- I LOVE to shop. But I do it very budget-friendly. I love Goodwill, and second-hand stores.
- I sometimes dance in my bathroom with headphones on and my i pod. I also lock the door so my husband doesn’t walk in.
- I collect vintage movie magazines from the 20′s and 30′s.
Where are you from originally?
An awesome town in Connecticut called New London.
Did you always plan to have a career in the performing arts or did you have another career interest initially?
I knew for certain at age 13 that this would be my profession. I had open heart surgery and when I woke up from the surgery I felt crystal clear about what I wanted to do.
How did you get your start as an actress?
I did high school theater, community theater, and auditioned for some movies that shot in my hometown. I took classes outside school as well. Before I got my license I thought my poor mom was gonna go crazy driving me all over the place for this class or that.
Tell us about your show, Sullivan & Son and your character, Melanie.
Melanie is a amazing character and I am so lucky to get to play her. She is basically a strong, opinionated woman. She is totally self made. It was not an easy road for her but in the bar she hangs out and she finds the family she never had growing up. (She’s basically as cool as Angelina Jolie. LOL)
What other projects are on the horizon for you?
We have been shooting the show for a while now. I just starting to line up work for after the show. I am always doing some indie project with my friends, tOo. Hey life’s short. Do what you love. And don’t wait for someone to give it to you. Make it yourself.
What are some of your hobbies outside of acting?
I love to cook and sew. I am looking forward to hopefully sewing some new skirts or dresses post show.
Is there a role model or mentor who helped you along the road to success?
I am a very lucky person. I have been privileged enough to have several. Most of them teachers. My high school theater teacher Jane Martineau stands out in my mind.
What are some of the lessons you’ve learned in your career that you wish you’d known earlier?
Wait till the movie’s out to tell your family you’re in it. You run the risk of being on the editing room floor, so believe it when you see it. Part of this job is business but remember do this because you love it. At the end of the day all you have is your work.
What advice would you give to other women trying to break into this industry?
Train. Go to school. Take classes and create your own projects. Sitting waiting for someone to write the perfect role for you might take a very long time.
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Troop Beverly Hills. Growing up it made me smile from ear to ear to watch that movie. I was so in love with the idea of Hollywood and that Shelly Long started over and did it with style. I quote the movie to this day.
Tell readers how they can connect with you on Twitter, Facebook and the web.
Please feel free to connect online on Twitter @ValerieAzlynn and on Facebook at facebook.com/ValerieAzlynn.
Photos by Marc Cartwright
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