We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget McGuinness and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been drawn to film and acting. As a kid I was always putting on shows and skits around the house. Movies were my way to go into another world. Whether it was under the sea with Ariel, Mordor with Frodo and Sam or Genovia with Mia it was nice to imagine and dream.

The older I got the more serious I got into acting and took classes and went to college for film. I wanted to create stories that people could use to escape, dream or relate to. There is something comforting about watching a movie and going, “Wow, I’m that way too and it’s nice to know someone else has as well.” If I can create a movie that moves people then I know I have succeed as an actress and filmmaker.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
First and foremost I am an actress. It is my passion and what I love doing. What sets me apart from others though is my ability to connect with people. I have been told I am relatable and easy to talk to which I believe is what makes me a great actress but also a different actress. Being able to talk with people easily allows me to have a better understanding for my character and deliver a relatable performance.

It was not easy to get to where I am today professionally. I actually gave up acting for a bit because of financial issues. But I wasn’t happy and that’s when I decided to finally move to LA and make this dream a reality. What I have been told through my years though is that I am a great actress but I don’t have the body type which will make it more difficult for me to succeed. When I heard that it hurt and messed with my head a bit. But I knew it wasn’t true and I hope the industry can start to change and we can have more body diversity in the film industry. One good thing that came out of hearing that though is I thought if no one will cast me I’ll cast myself. So I started writing and have fell in love with it! I’m currently writing a show with one of my friends and we are both excited to start shooting it soon!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In February 2022 that will be one year mark in LA! It was difficult moving here during a pandemic but I have been able to explore some fun places!

If I had friends visiting I would bring them to Idle Hour, the Belmont, Footies and the Playerone Barcade for good food, drinks and fun! For sightseeing I would bring them to Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, the Grove, Rodeo Drive and the Palm Tree street. All great Instagram-able places as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my success to the people in my life. I have an amazing supportive family. They don’t know much about the film industry but they are always their if I need help. In high school I was accepted to take acting class in Boston. So every weekend my dad and I would take the boat from Nantucket to Hyannis and drive up to Boston for my classes. My dad would hangout at a coffee shop and grade papers while I worked on my craft. I will always be thankful to my parents for assisting me with this opportunity. My younger sister is my go to for self tape help. Even when she was 12 I had her reading sides with me for auditions. She recently told me how much she enjoys helping me and that made me so happy because as many people know, self tapes can be stressful so I owe so much to her for sticking with me through these moments. I know I wouldn’t be able to be where I am if my family hadn’t supported me for all these years and that has led to my success now.

Since I moved to LA I’ve met an amazing group of people. I’ve been told that it’s difficult to find kind trustworthy people here but I believe I’ve found those people and most of them I am lucky enough to work with as well. I work for the media company Jubilee and they really support all of their employees and want to see them succeed in all our creative endeavors. The amount of love and support I get from all of them is what helps me continue and have the confidence to succeed. I know they will all be a part of my continued growth and success.

Website: https://www.bridgetmmcguinness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetmarym

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-mcguinness-2798185b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bridgetmarym

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgetmmcguinness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfgJbl3HCFR7u6j9JVuL5A/videos

Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4668566/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5

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