Meet Allison Dunbar | Actor, Writer, and Dog Advocate

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

Hi Allison, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think that if you are lucky enough to have a gift for acting, it is literally your purpose and responsibility to share that gift with the world! Because not everyone can do what you do. It’s a blessing and you give thanks to the universe by using it. And when I feel like giving up, because that happens to all of us, I remind myself of this.

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.
Nothing about being an actor is easy. I’ve had moments of success, and more moments of “what is happening???” But I simply refuse to give up. And when I’m not working, I find other ways to creatively fulfill myself. I had actually thought I would never work again when out of nowhere, I booked the role of Nicole Lupertazzi on the Sopranos. That was obviously a big deal, and I thought here we go, prepare for takeoff! then….crickets. So, determined to work on another facet of acting, I began taking class at the Groundlings. I studied improvisation, which lit my ass of fire! There’s nothing like getting onstage with absolutely no idea what the director is going to ask of you! Improv made me a better actor In every way, because it makes you mentally flexible and free. Groundlings doesn’t pay the bills, but it keeps me tuned into the joy of performing. We go through so much bs as actors, joy is important! That work led me to book a fully improvised series on Hulu called Quickdraw. That was WILD. Honestly my whole career has been up and down, something I’m sure most actors relate to. Just before the pandemic I worked on a Netflix drama called StartUp. So yet another pivot in my career. Not only did I love working on a dark edgy show, I met my future husband on it! During the pandemic, I did a self tape that actually got me in a comedy with Jon Hamm and Tina Fey. So honestly, my life and my career has been a real rollercoaster.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Brunch at Cecconi’s on Melrose for jalapeño margs and the tuna tartare. pee wee Herman bike riding-Beach cruising on the Strand in Manhattan Beach, all the way down to the arcade in Redondo!
Rosie’s dog beach in the LBC to romp with the dogs!
Drinks at the Polo Lounge (more margs)
Rollerskating at MoonlightRollerway
An improv show at Groundlings or UCB!

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 would love to give a shoutout to @debfeldbloom (follow her on Instagram!) Deb was just a regular person who started looking for ways to directly help the animals in our shelter system. On her own, she created Venmo campaigns to raise money to bring the animals air conditioners in the summer, heaters in the winter, Benebones, blankets and many other enrichment items. She inspires me because she taught me that to make a difference, you do not have to be a huge corporation. She lit the way for me to see that I could find creative ways to help animals- which is a huge passion of mine. I feel very lucky to be an actor and it has always felt important to me to give back to the world I’ve been given. And if you’re wondering what this has to do with acting- everything. You can’t access the emotions you need for acting unless you can connect to compassion and humanity.

Instagram: @allisondunbar

Other: Come see me at The Groundlings Theatre at 7307 Melrose Ave on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30