Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine

Recording live at BroadwayCon 2018 - Donna Murphy, Lesli Margherita, Emily Skeggs and Andrew Keenan Bolger got together with Ilana to share war stories about auditioning. This conversation is equal parts hilarious and inspirational. Each of these Broadway stars has a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of putting yourself out there when faced with auditioning -- even though their careers have garnered them awards, accolades and fame. Their generosity in sharing how they approach the process of auditioning is a gift to all artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Melissa Anelli is an American author and webmistress. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Harry, A History," which chronicles the Harry Potter phenomenon with exclusive interview material and a foreword written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. Anelli is also the full-time webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, a commercial fansite devoted to the Harry Potter franchise for fans. Anelli also is one of three hosts of the Leaky Cauldron's official podcast PotterCast, which talks about various aspects of the Harry Potter books, movies, video games and more. She is the founder of Mischief Management which produces Broadway Con Leaky Con, Geeky Con and Con of Thrones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chazz Palminteri wrote and performed his one-man show A Bronx Tale for the first time in 1989 before moving it off-Broadway. Mr. Palminteri went on to write the screenplay and co-star in the screen adaptation of A Bronx Tale alongside Robert De Niro. Mr. Palminteri has more than 55 movies to his credit as an actor, writer, and director, including The Usual Suspects, Bullets Over Broadway (Academy Award nomination), Analyze This, Hurlyburly, Mullholland Falls, Faithful (also written by Mr. Palminteri), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Yonkers Joe, Jolene and most recently Legend starring Tom Hardy. Mr. Palminteri has had a recurring role on the hit show Modern Family and has starred in Blue Bloods. Mr. Palminteri directed the HBO series “Oz,” Showtime’s “Women vs Men,” and the feature film Noel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beanie Feldstein currently stars in Greta Gerwig’s LADY BIRD opposite Saoirse Ronan. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, the film takes an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Ronan) is a loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed high-school senior struggling to assert her independence, and Beanie plays the role of “Julie,” the loyal best friend who understands “Lady Bird” like no one else. Since A24 theatrically released LADY BIRD on November 3rd, Beanie has received critical acclaim for her performance, as has the film and its stellar cast including Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Timothee Chalamet and Lucas Hedges. LADY BIRD was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Independent Spirit Award, Broadcast Film Critics’ Association Award, and named one of the top 10 films of the year by both the National Board of Review and American Film Institute. The film was also recognized by various critics’ groups including: New York Film Critics Circle, Boston Online Film Critics Association, Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, North Texas Film Critics Association, Washington, DC Film Critics Association, San Diego Film Critics Society, Chicago Film Critics Association, St. Louis Film Critics Association, Seattle Film Critics Society, Houston Film Critics Association and Phoenix Critics Circle. Furthermore, LADY BIRD broke the record of being the most reviewed film ever to maintain a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to the rave reviews of Beanie’s performance in LADY BIRD, she is also receiving recognition for her portrayal of “Minnie Fay” in the Broadway smash hit musical HELLO, DOLLY! with Bette Midler. The musical won a 2017 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical.” Beanie will next star in Whitney Cummings’ THE FEMALE BRAIN which will be released by IFC on February 9th and also stars Cummings and Sofia Vergara. Previously she starred in Nicholas Stoller’s NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING alongside Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne and Chloe Moretz. The film grossed over $100 million worldwide. Her television credits include ABC Family comedy FAN GIRL, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK on Netflix and THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, an HBO pilot directed by Gus Van Sant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At BroadwayCon 2018 Ilana Levine hosted a panel called "Actors and Activism." The speakers included Lisa Kron (Fun Home), Arian Moayed (The Humans), Emily Skeggs (Fun Home), Britton Smith (Shuffle Along), and Anthony Rapp (Rent, If/Then, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer-producer Steven Rogers was born in Seattle but because his father produced regional theatre for a living, grew up all across America wherever his family had a season. Forgoing college, he moved to N.Y.C. at 17 and studied acting with Sandford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre where he first met and befriended I, TONYA’s LaVona, Allison Janney. He toured in Larry Shue’s play The Foreigner winning a critics prize in Los Angeles and moved to Hollywood in order to become famous. He didn’t. Instead, he wrote his first screenplay, KATE AND LEOPOLD, in order to be in it. He wasn’t. In very quick succession he wrote, HOPE FLOATS, Anne Tyler’s EARTHLY POSSESSIONS and STEPMOM. He then decided to focus on writing and just act on the page. Other writing credits includes P.S. I LOVE YOU, LOVE THE COOPERS, which he also executive produced, and his latest, I, TONYA which made the 2016 Blacklist and won the 2016 Hit List. He also produced I, TONYA with Bryan Unkeless, Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerly. I, TONYA is currently in theaters and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Comedy. He is currently producing his script, FLORA PLUM and his script THE DRIVING LESSON with Octavia Spencer attached to star and produce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Rodin is a creator who believes art is a channel to the core human spirit. He’s working to ignite the creative power in each of us so that our work can expand us into a more empathetic and conscious species. He’s worked with brands like SoulCycle, Dear Evan Hansen and The Smithsonian to produce innovative and engaging content. He’s performed across the country with his original music, in professional productions, and was named one of Broadway’s 40 under 40 for 2017. He is the co-creator and writer of the viral video series ‘BROdway’ and is the creator and host of ‘The Red Carpet Challenge’, which has streamed more than 65 episodes on Playbill and Broadway.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Olivier Award winner for her West End debut as Inez in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, Lesli made her Broadway debut originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL. After over 1000 performances, she bid farewell to the Broadway company of Matilda and crossed the street to The Helen Hayes to star as the diva Mona Kent in the Broadway premiere of Randy Skinner's DAMES AT SEA. In September 2016, Lesli returned to the role she originated to close out the Broadway run of MATILDA. Lesli currently recurs on three television dramas: Homeland (Showtime), Instinct (CBS), and Seven Seconds (Netflix). This past fall she starred opposite Topher Grace, Taye Diggs & JC Chasez in the feature film "Opening Night" which can be seen on Netflix following its theatrical release. Born and raised in California, Lesli trained at UCLA and was soon after chosen to star in MGM's television series "Fame LA" directed by Kenny Ortega. She has gone on to star and recur on numerous television shows and pilots including "Donny!", "The Good Wife", "Major Crimes", "The Suite Life On Deck", "Charmed", "NYPD Blue", and "On The Lot", produced by Steven Spielberg. Film credits include the movie musical 'Opening Night' opposite Topher Grace & Taye Diggs, 'Lucky Stiff' with Jason Alexander, Joel Schumacher's 'The Number 23', and the Sam Raimi produced 'Boogeyman 2'. Lesli's voice can also be heard on several animated films and shows including Disney's 'Cinderella 3' and Nickelodeon's "Sponge Bob Squarepants". Regional stage credits include Adelaide in GUYS & DOLLS (Bucks County Playhouse), Signora Psyche Zinobia in A SCYTHE OF TIME (NYMF; Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role), Esmeralda in HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Sacramento Music Circus), Lilli / Kate in KISS ME KATE (Reprise; Ovation Award - Best Actress), THE GRONHOLM METHOD (The Falcon ; Ovation nom. - Best Ensemble), Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA opposite Davis Gaines (MTW; Ovation nom. & LADCC nom - Best Actress), Julie in SHOWBOAT (Goodspeed Opera), Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (La Mirada), Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT opposite Gary Beach (Sacramento Music Circus), Ilona in SHE LOVES ME (CLOSBC), the West Coast Premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE (Blank Theatre), Rated RSO (Boston Court), and Gloria in DAMN YANKEES(Reprise; dir. Jason Alexander). Lesli is a published author with two books currently available on iTune and Amazon: NECK PUNCH and CARRY ON: Advice from the "Queen", a series of 'inspirational' messages inspired from her Twitter feed (@QueenLesli). (debuted at #1 on the Humor charts) and BLU!, about a unique lobster who teaches us that we are all special. She is the creator/star of 'Looks Not Books' and 'Ship Happens' the popular backstage vlogs commissioned by Broadway.com which can also be seen on YouTube. Lesli's critically acclaimed solo shows RULE YOUR KINGDOM, ALL HAIL THE QUEEN​, BROAD continue to play to crowds across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Uma Thurman is currently making her Broadway debut in "The Parisian Woman." She is best known for her portrayal of Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's critically lauded "Pulp Fiction," receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the cult classic. Thurman also garnered a Golden Globe Award nominations for her role in the "Kill Bill" film franchise. Thurman earned a Golden Globe Award for "Hysterical Blindness," in which she starred and produced, and her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Dramatic Series on NBC's series “Smash.”  She was previously seen on stage in New York in "The Misanthrope" at Classic Stage Company in 1999. Her TV and film accolades include Bravo’s “Imposters,” NBC’s miniseries “The Slap,” Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac: Vol. 1," "The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen," "Dangerous Liaisons," "Henry & June," "Beautiful Girls, "Batman & Robin," "Les Miserables," "Sweet and Lowdown," "Prime" with Meryl Streep, "Be Cool" and "The Producers." Thurman recently completed production on various films including Lars Von Trier’s "The House That Jack Built," "The Brits Are Coming" and "Down a Dark Hall." She will also star opposite Robert De Niro in Tim Hill’s "The War with Grandpa." Born in Massachusetts, Thurman currently lives in New York City with her three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series "Sex and the City" (1998-2004) as well as serving as an executive producer, has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Parker reprised her role and served as a producer for the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of "Sex and the City" and "Sex and the City 2." Past film credits include: "I Don't Know How She Does It," "Smart People," "Failure to Launch," "The Family Stone," "State and Main," "Mars Attacks!," "Ed Wood," "The First Wives Club," "Miami Rhapsody" and "Honeymoon in Vegas." She has worked in the theatre, on and off Broadway, since 1976 when she debuted on Broadway in "The Innocents" directed by Harold Pinter. Other Broadway credits include: the title role in "Annie," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "Once Upon a Mattress." Off-Broadway credits include: the original production of "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday" and "The Commons of Pensacola."  Parker currently starts on HBO’s television series "Divorce," in which she stars and serves as an executive producer. In 2014, Parker launched her namesake label, SJP, which is carried by Amazon Fashion, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus online, Saks.com, and Zappos Luxury, as well as various other boutiques and international retailers. Parker designed this collection of shoes, handbags and accessories in association with George Malkemus III. In 2016, SJP launched its first stand-alone store, with a second that just opened this past summer. Parker released her perfume, Lovely, in 2005. Ten years later, it is currently a top selling global brand. She recently introduced a new fragrance to the SJP Beauty collection called Stash. Parker currently serves as a Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the New York City Ballet. In November 2009, the Obama administration elected her to be a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. She has partnered with schools in Oregon and, most recently, Minnesota for The Turnaround Arts Initiative.​​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author of The New York Times bestseller, "Patti LuPone: A Memoir," Miss Patti LuPone just concluded her critically acclaimed run as cosmetics pioneer Helena Rubinstein in the Scott Frankel-Michael Korie-Douglas Wright-Michael Grief musical "War Paint." Her recent NY stage appearances include Douglas Carter Beane’s new play "Shows For Days," directed by Jerry Zaks at Lincoln Center Theater, her debut with the New York City Ballet as Anna in their new production of "The Seven Deadly Sins," Joanne in the New York Philharmonic’s production of "Company," David Mamet’s "The Anarchist," and Lincoln Center Theater’s production of the musical "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for her performance as Madame Rose in the most recent Broadway production of "Gypsy," her other stage credits include appearances with the Los Angeles Opera in their new production of John Corigliano’s "The Ghosts of Versailles" and Weill-Brecht’s "Mahagonny" (debut), the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s opera "To Hell and Back" with San Francisco’s Baroque Philharmonia Orchestra, Mrs. Lovett in John Doyle’s production of "Sweeney Todd" (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations; Drama League Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre), the title role in Marc Blitzstein’s "Regina," a musical version of Lillian Hellman’s "The Little Foxes" at the Kennedy Center, Fosca in a concert version of "Passion," which was also broadcast on PBS’ Live From Lincoln Center, a multi-city tour of her theatrical concert Matters of the Heart, the City Center Encores! productions of "Can-Can" and "Pal Joey," the NY Philharmonic’s productions of "Candide" and "Sweeney Todd" (NY Phil debut) and performances on Broadway in Michael Frayn’s "Noises Off," David Mamet’s "The Old Neighborhood," Terrence McNally's "Master Class" and in her own concert "Patti LuPone On Broadway." In London, she won the Olivier Award for her performances as Fantine in the original production of "Les Miserables" and in the Acting Company production of "The Cradle Will Rock." She also created the role of Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard," for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award, and recreated her Broadway performance of Maria Callas in "Master Class." Film: Cliffs of Freedom (upcoming), The Comedian, Union Square, Parker, City by the Sea, David Mamet’s Heist, State and Main; Just Looking, Summer of Sam, The 24 Hour Woman, Family Prayers, Driving Miss Daisy, Witness. Television: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Penny Dreadful (Critics Choice nomination), Girls, American Horror Story: Coven, Law & Order: SVU, Glee, 30 Rock, PBS Great Performances The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, Ugly Betty, Will & Grace (as herself), PBS Great Performances’ Candide, Oz , the TNT film Monday Night Mayhem, PBS’ Evening At The Pops with John Williams and Yo Yo Ma, Falcone, Bonanno: A Godfather’s Story (Showtime); Frasier (1998 Emmy nomination); Law & Order, An Evening with Patti LuPone (PBS), the NBC movie Her Last Chance, Showtime's ACE Award and Emmy nominated The Song Spinner (Daytime Emmy nomination, Best Actress), The Water Engine, L.B.J., AMC's Remember WENN and ABC's Life Goes On. Recordings include: Far Away Places, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Patti LuPone at Les Mouches, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd (both the 2006 Broadway revival cast recording and 2000 live performance recording on NY Philharmonic’s Special Editions Label); and The Lady with the Torch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this collection of conversations llana’s guests share never before told stories from their past . Listen as Laura Linney, Molly Ringwald, Griffin Dunne, Anthony Rapp, Kathryn Erbe, Dominic Fumusa, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Broderick reveal moments that will both  entertain and astonish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Morrow is a multi-Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, writer, and director with an established career in television, film, and theater spanning over three decades. Rob shot to stardom with his portrayal of New York doctor gone‐to Alaska, Joel Fleischman, on the hit television series, "Northern Exposure," garnering him three Golden Globe and two Emmy Award nominations. He played the iconic role of Don Eppes on the hit CBS drama, "Numb3rs," which ran for six seasons. Morrow's film credits include starring in Robert Redford's Oscar-nominated film "Quiz Show," Albert Brooks' comedy "Mother," Bruce Beresford's "Last Dance" opposite Sharon Stone, and "Into My Heart." Currently, Rob can be seen on ABC’s new hit show "Designated Survivor." He was recently on the critically acclaimed FX mini-series, "The People Vs. OJ Simpson," portraying defense attorney Barry Scheck, and on Showtime's new series "Billions," playing Counselor to the Attorney General, Adam Degiulio. He will be seen opposite Queen Latifah, Betsy Brandt and Marin Ireland in the Lifetime TV movie, "Flint." Rob is an accomplished singer and guitarist. He plays all around Los Angeles with his band which features his musical collaborator Carlos Calvo. They have also toured New York, Maine, and Nevada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julian Ovenden, a Screen Actors Guild Award winner, talks with Ilana about his roles on "Knightfall," "Downton Abbey," and many other amazing projects. Julian shares details about his first musical in London, "Merrily We Roll Along," by the inimitable Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim was there at rehearsal daily and re-worked material for and with Juilan. The two often sat at the piano together since Julian had to play a lot in the show. Julian's gorgeous tenor voice has made him one of the most sought after concert performers in the world; he has three solo albums to his name. The son of a vicar who became the vicar for England's royal family, Julian's discusses what is was like for his family to live on the property at Windsor Castle. An actor who once had a phobia about accents, Julian shares how he learned to embrace them in order to stretch himself. And Julian gets candid with Ilana about the ups and downs of his career and tells hilarious audition stories that any actor will relate to. British actor, Julian Ovenden is an accomplished thespian and musician, who has also had memorable performances in globally renowned television and film projects over the span of his 17-year career. He has starred on Broadway and in the West End, in high profile television series on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as fashioning an international career as a concert and recording artist. Ovenden currently stars as ‘William De Nogaret’ in HISTORY’s “Knightfall,” created by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner and executively produced by Jeremy Renner. The story centers on the mysterious but true accounts of the Knights Templar, the elite warriors of the Crusades. It delves into the great secrets protected by the Templars and tells the story of faith, loyalty, and brotherhood that help sustain these warriors on the battlefield and the dark events that would forever sear the infamous date of Friday the 13th into the world’s psyche.  As a solo singer, Ovenden has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including The New York Philharmonic, The New York Pops, The Northern Sinfonia, The Liverpool Philharmonic, The RPO, The LPO, The Belfast Symphony Orchestra, the John Wilson Orchestra, The BBC Symphony, The Royal Concertgebouw, and The BBC Concert Orchestra. Ovenden made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2014 and with much success, performed an additional headlining concert in 2016. In 2013, Ovenden recorded a debut album for Decca records entitled “If You Stay” and has since made a “Rogers and Hammerstein” record with John Wilson for Warner Classics and a “Downton Abbey Christmas” release.  On stage at the Booth theatre in 2006, Ovenden made his Broadway debut in “Butley,” as ‘Joseph Keyston’ opposite Nathan Lane. In 2011, Ovenden starred as ‘Death’ in “Death Takes a Holiday” for The Roundabout Theatre Company and appeared as ‘J.M. Barrie’ in The Weinstein Company’s “Finding Neverland.”  Ovenden first appeared on British television as ‘Andrew Foyle’ starring opposite Michael Kitchen in the widely adored “Foyle’s War” for five seasons. He has also appeared as ‘Charles Blake’ in two seasons of the worldwide phenomenon “Downton Abbey.” Domestically, Ovenden is best known for playing ‘Jeremy Lambert’ in Season 3 and 4 of CBS’s drama series, “Person of Interest.” Further television credits include ‘Val Dartie’ in “The Forsyte Saga,” “Related,” and “SMASH.” Ovenden can be seen in the films, “Colonia,” “The Confessions,” and the British indie war film “Allies.” Ovenden currently resides in England with opera singer Kate Royal, their son Johnny Beau, daughter Audrey, and Roman the dog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Nia Vardalos, the Academy Award nominated actress, began her career she was faced with the reality that not many in Hollywood were interested in hiring a Greek actress. In response to her early struggles Nia became proactive; her semi-autobiographical first screenplay "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" soon followed. Initially unable to get her movie made, Nia then decided to adapt her screenplay into a one-woman show for the theater. (She was inspired to do this after seeing Julia Sweeney perform her one-woman show "God Said Ha!") To help build an audience Nia handed out fliers at her church. The Greek community in Los Angeles soon embraced the show en masse. Fellow Greek-American actress Rita Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks came to the play and the rest is indie film history. How Nia navigated that experience -- and how years later she went through the experience of adopting her daughter (a journey that she writes about in her best selling book "Instant Mom") is incredibly inspiring. Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Nia Vardalos was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, and is classically trained. After graduating from Toronto's Ryerson Theater School, she performed in Shakespeare and many musicals, later taking a job in the box office of The Second City so she could watch the shows for free. One fateful night, the lead actress fell ill and Vardalos convinced producers that she had memorized the show and to let her fill in. The next day she was hired, going on to write/perform in twelve Second City revues and winning Chicago's Jeff Award for Best Actress. After a few years living in Los Angeles, unable to get a film job, she wrote, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. It continues to hold the title of #1 Romantic Comedy of all time. She received an Academy Award nom for best Screenplay, Golden Globe nom for Best Actress, and won the Independent Spirit Award and People’s Choice award. She is the screenwriter/actor/producer of "Connie and Carla", “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”, lead actor in "My Life in Ruins", and "For a Good Time Call", with Tom Hanks is the co-writer of "Larry Crowne", plus is the actor/writer/director of "I Hate Valentine's Day." Vardalos is the author of INSTANT MOM, a New York Times bestseller, the true story of adopting her daughter as a toddler from American Foster Care. Social workers confirm that, to date, the information from her book has placed over 1300 children in permanent homes. Vardalos also donates all proceeds to adoption charities. Some of her television credits include co-hosting ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show”, and guesting on, “Dr. Ken”, “The Catch”, “Graves”, “Law & Order: SVU”, "Grey's Anatomy", "Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Jane The Virgin”, hosting "Saturday Night Live”, and voicing Angie Diaz in Disney’s animated series "Star Vs. the Forces of Evil." Besides her years with The Second City, stage credits include “Jennie” in Theate20’s COMPANY directed by Gary Griffin. (winner Best Actress Broadway Theater Award). Directed by Thomas Kail (HAMILTON), and performed for two consecutive seasons at THE PUBLIC, Vardalos plays SUGAR in TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, her adaptation based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed. Vardalos wrote the play over the course of three years. Nia Vardalos currently volunteers with adoption charities, including matching prospective parents with children living in foster care. She volunteers at her twelve year old daughter’s school, mentors five writers per year, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Vardalos calls herself a Fearless Idiot because she believes it’s best to leap without asking questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices