HOLR is chatting with “Cobra Kai” fan-favorite actress and award-winning filmmaker, Susan Gallagher.
Today, HOLR is chatting with fan-favorite actress and award-winning filmmaker, Susan Gallagher, to learn all about her latest project- “Merry Good Enough”- and her most notable work to date. From how she got her start in the industry to how she supports female directors and actors in film, keep reading to check out our full conversation with Susan, below!
Talk to us about how you got your start in the industry.
My mother was a beautiful jazz singer and musician working with greats like Tony Bennett, Mel Torme’ and Dianah Shore, so I grew up with a bug for the biz. Even though she gave up her career to raise us kids, there was a lot of entertainment in our home and a need for a creative outlet. Having done a little modeling in my teens, it wasn’t until I married and moved to Central Florida that I began taking acting classes and the doors opened. I worked part-time and continued to study while primarily focusing on my husband and two kids. Even though our family moved to LA every year during pilot season, I didn’t get serious about my career until my youngest left for college.
You’re starring in the upcoming independent film, MERRY GOOD ENOUGH. What can you tell us about this project and your role?
Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy’s wonderful dark comedy with heart is about a relatable dysfunctional family at Christmas. It’s sorta of a reverse Home Alone since the Mom, Carol (my character) turns up missing just before Christmas. Lucy, played by the brilliant Raye Levine Spielberg, has the most challenging Mother/Daughter dynamics and the story is from her POV. Writer, Caroline Keene, has written a very relatable story that will make the audience laugh and cry. The entire ensemble cast is great with Joel Murray (Mad Men) playing Carol’s ex-husband, Comfort Clinton (Billions) Daniel Desmarais (Life on Pause) as Carol’s other two kids and Sawyer Spielberg (Indiana Jones) plays Lucy’s love interest and is Raye’s real-life husband. Honestly, if you love Christmas, this film is a must for you or if you hate Christmas, this film is a must for you.
Image Credit: JSquared Photography
In terms of your other notable work to date, you also played the role of homeless Lynn on the hit Netflix series “Cobra Kai.” What was this experience like?
The writing for the show is excellent and Homeless Lynn is full of hilarious one-liners that end up being fan favorites, developing a life of their own. The recipient of most of these one-liners is Johnny Lawerence, played by the talented, William Zabka- who is great to work with. The chemistry between Lynn and Johnny is interesting to watch and has gotten a lot of laughs. The transformation into Lynn is quite a process since the makeup, hair, and costume departments truly help to bring this character to life. Just before shooting, brown is applied to each of my teeth and dark brown is painted in between so she’s quite disgusting. It’s liberating to not have to worry or care about how pretty or thin I look and I’m thankful the creators, Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg cast me as Lynn. Being part of the Karate Kid/Cobra Kai Family has been a blessing and my favorite part of this experience has been meeting and getting to know the wonderful fans.
What are some other stand-out roles in your career that you can tell us more about?
Playing the role of such a MARVEL as the Lamentian Homesteader in LOKI (S1 Ep3) was unforgettable. My character is a fearless warrior woman who blasts LOKI (Tom Hiddleston) with her futuristic gun after outliving her husband and neighbors as their planet is being destroyed.
How do you help support female directors and actors in film as a producer at your production company, Her Little Red Productions?
The majority of my projects are written about and by women as well as seeking out up-and-coming talented female directors. I believe in women supporting women whether it’s in a hiring position in our business or any other. I need to share my experience, strength, and hope with other females by providing encouragement and support whether in business or their personal lives. Our production company does enjoy working with a few talented men who bring positive energy to our experiences.
What are some of your future goals for 2024?
My goals for 2024 are to grow as an actor by continuing to seek out great writing with challenging roles that expand my range. My production company has a very promising project currently in the works and plans to begin filming in early 2024. Several other projects are also in development so I will be doing more and more producing in the new year and future.
Thank you very much for having me!
Published by HOLR Magazine.