Meet Susan Gallagher | Actress and Producer

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

Hi Susan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2014, I decided to form my own production company, Her Little Red Productions. I was tired of waiting around for my agent to call as I watched my auditions and opportunities decline, I wanted to have some control over my career and future and since my kids were older, I wanted to focus and pursue my dreams. Even though I didn’t have the formal training as a filmmaker, I was at a point where I wasn’t afraid to fail and was open to learning. My goal was and still is to grow as a producer and actor and continue to face fears by challenging myself.

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.
After pursuing a career as a character actress, it was apparent early on that Hollywood had put me into a very small box based solely on the way I look. Knowing deep down that I was a character actress, I finally began self submitting for roles in short films and low budget indie projects that offered opportunities that spoke and challenged me. I’d research the writer/directors to see if I wanted to work and collaborate with these folks and if the role was one I could sink my teeth into and needed on my reel. It wasn’t easy because there was very little money or notoriety, but I knew I was growing and learning as an actress and usually developing lifelong friendships. Of course, not all people are as they seem, but it’s worth the risk since a lot are. I hope to inspire others to never give up on yourself or your dream, but I had to learn not to take things personally in business. Even though my work is creative, it’s still a business and I’ve found it best when I remain open to grow and change. Having a strong support system of friends and family are helpful and to always look for what I have to be grateful for. If I can keep my focus on gratitude, it makes the ride enjoyable and hopefully can inspire others to do the same.

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.
I’d start out grabbing lunch at In-and-Out Burger on our way to check in at the Waldorf-Astoria in Beverly-Hills. After checking in, we’d shop on Rodeo Drive and finish with a nice dinner at LaScala ordering their Ortalona soup and famous Chopped Salad. Afterwards, enjoy the best cookies you’ve ever imagined at Beverly Hills Cookies.
Next morning, we’d get out early and drive to see the Hollywood sign on our way to my old stomping grounds in Toluca Lake. We’d enjoy lunch at Kuru Kuru sushi restaurant near the Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank and ordering the best spicy tuna krispy rice in the city. Then we’d venture to Sherman Oaks and shop on Ventura Drive and end for in Studio City for dinner at Caioti Pizza on Tujunda enjoying The the Salad and Salsiccia pizza with garlic knots. Afterwards, we’d stroll down to Aroma and have their delicious coffee and sticky toffee pudding,
Next day, we’d enjoy Santa Monica and spend time at the pier looking at the interesting people and lots of walking. Then shop and enjoy lunch at Third Street Promenade. Finish the day with a nice dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Next day, I’d drive to tour my daughter’s school, Loyola Marymount University, and have lunch in Marina del Rey on the water. Then drive the Pacific Coast Hwy and stop in Malibu to have a quiet dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Deserving of recognition would be my husband, Jimbo Jahna, and my kids, Caroline and Bo, continue to support me in everything I do. They never let me quit or stay discouraged for too long from the rejection we all can experience in the entertainment industry.

But, my life and career grew to a new level after meeting and studying for years with the late great NYC acting coach, Zina Jasper, who passed June 8th, 2023. She not only instilled confidence in me, but gave me a new understanding of my process and attitude towards auditioning. Instead of focusing on booking the job, she taught me to enjoy developing the character and what I can bring to the role. Zina was a tremendous mentor to me personally and had a very positive influence on my life, which has made me a better actress and human being. Her having no children, some of us students were with her at her death and she left me her beloved 11 year old mini poodle, Misha. I’m grateful to have a bit of Zina with me always and the impact she’s had on me will never be forgotten. This is why Zina Jasper is the person I dedicate this shoutout to.

Instagram: @iamsusangallagher

Linkedin: Susan Gallagher

Facebook: Susan Gallagher Official

Youtube: Susan Gallagher

Other: www.IMDB.me/SusanGallagher

Image Credits
Kristia Knowles Photography for the headshot.