Meet Alyssa Austin | Actress, Screenwriter

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

Hi Alyssa, what’s your definition for success?
Success for me is knowing when my head hits my pillow at night I can sleep sound knowing I showed up, did my best, was prepared, and continue to try even if I fail in the beginning. I see success as a mindset. Self-mastery is a key to success. Once you know yourself it becomes a funny joke when other people try to tell you who they think you are.

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.
I love my art so I can’t help but take it seriously. I think I shine in my acting and writing ability. I love to paint but haven’t been able to part with any of the pieces I have made so far. Currently looking to spread my wings and take on larger more fulfilling roles in my acting career. This lead me to writing screenplays specifically ones that I felt inspired to perform in. I love to write but I could never see myself in a writer’s room. I will probably continue down the indie film maker path. I’m currently in preproduction on my first feature length film, Fassen. I wrote the script. I’m also one of the lead character’s in that story.

My mentor Harry Mastrogeorge was set to come out of retirement to Direct the feature, however when my mother got sick Harry put the film on hiatus. To keep the process moving forward after the loss of Harry and my mother, I interviewed and met with a couple possible replacements as the films director. Nothing gelled. Harry and I put a lot of work into this project, so I decided to step up as the director of this project. That way I could protect the vision and hard work we had invested. We are about to start filming, Fassen. It’s exciting to finally be at this point in production.

I’ve always had an Indie Film spirit. IFC channel was one of my go to’s growing up.

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?
I recently moved back to Los Angeles, but since it’s my hometown I will give you the run down the little adventure I’d take you on. Starting out the gate with a hike up to the Hollywood sign, then off to an afternoon Dodger’s game. Just thinking about the stadium my mouth can’t help but water for the garlic fries! So yummy! After we enjoy the firework show at the stadium we head down to Echo Park. Grabbing some chips and salsa at El Compadre. They have flaming margaritas available if you are someone that drinks. They also have a variety of tasty non-alcoholic margaritas available. Once finished eating we walk down the street to Echo Park Lake. Time for the Swam paddle boats. At night the boats light up, it’s a magical experience. Perfect place to take someone special. We end the night eating gelato at Pazzo Gelato on Sunset Blvd.

Next morning we meet up at Clark Street Bakery. Their Swedish Cinnamon Rolls are out of this world. My favorite is the vanilla flavored ones. I hope you brought your tennis racket because we will hit up the courts down the street after we wrap up breakfast. Once the workout is complete next stop Down Town Los Angeles to spend the rest of the morning taking pictures of the incredible architecture found in this part of the city. The Los Angeles Theatre is one of my favorite buildings in this area. Once lunch rolls around we are headed for the Original Pantry Cafe.

Los Angeles is the city of almost everything you can think of. So, you literally can eat, drink and experience a wide variety of different cultures cuisine.

Once done at the Pantry we then go to Tiger Sugar for some Boba then off to The Broad Museum and expand our artistic experience. Quick stop at, The Last Book Store. I collect vintage books and I’m always on the lookout for another copy of, The Great Gatsby. Then over to Neri’s on Wilshire for a sweet treat before heading to The Griffith Observatory for a sunset view and stars.

If you can’t tell I like nature, food, and fashion.

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?
Harry Mastrogeorge. Harry was my teacher, mentor, but most of all friend in the entertainment industry.
In the last few years before his death I became one of his acting students that would drive Harry to his classes during the week. Most of my immediate family has passed on so my time spent with Harry was very meaningful in molding who I am today. He helped me to believe in myself again. True friends do that. They don’t get you focused on your shortcomings. I feel grateful and blessed for my time w/Harry. He believed in staying true to the story. Here are a few quotes from Harry over the years, “You’ve got to know the story like the back of your hand.”, “When you start being afraid you stop having fun”, “You can’t rid yourself of the past but don’t live in the past”, “You’re all capable because you’re all human beings”, “Turtle always wins the race, always”.

My mother, Shauna Giliberti. A true renaissance woman. Crowned Miss Palm Springs in her teens, and a Ford model. Not only was my mother beautiful she was one of the most creative writers I’ve encountered. A true poet. I’ve never met anyone who worked harder, and genuinely loved life. She transitioned from model to actress. Harry Mastrogeorge was my mom’s acting coach. She used to tell me when I was little, when I got old enough I would get to study with him as well. She wasn’t able to pursue a serious acting career because of her responsibilities to her family, but she was always supportive and encouraging with my decision to pursue an artistic life. In later years she branched out into real estate, land development, film production/finance. As a single mother with five children she always made sure we (her children) were taken care of. Sadly my mom got sick with brain cancer in Dec. 2022. She did her best to fight through chemo & radiation. She passed away June 2023. My mother is one reason I try so hard.

My Grandparents, Eduardo & Elaine Giliberti. They are no longer with us but they helped shape me into the person I am today. Eduardo Giliberti was a fashion designer to various celebrities and royalty (Princess Grace of Monaco and her daughters). He loved to use fun vibrant fabrics. My grandmother, Ruth Elaine Giliberti, was a starlet from the 60’s. Her stage name was Molly Magruder. She toured nationally as a lead in the show, Born Yesterday, with the actor, Robert Preston. With appearances on, The Jack Benny Show, along with playing Troy Donahue’s girlfriend, Cupcake, on Surfside 6. My grandmother taught me how to appreciate beauty, art, we had a love for musical films of the past. She inspired me to paint. My grandparents loved Opera and I listened to a lot of it when I would spend time with them. My grandmother suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and was confined to a wheelchair in later years. She designed special dresses that she could easily put on and wear in her chair. They never saw limits in their world only more opportunities to create. My grandmother’s smile made the world a brighter place. They were a very iconic couple.

The artist – HarRy Segil. I briefly worked for HarRy years ago when he was relocating from Los Angeles to Panama. I helped him ready his collection for shipment to Panama. Although brief HarRy left a lasting impression on me. From his fun designs, classic bones, unique textures, to colorful flares! Being around him is such a treat. He is the man behind the iconic NBC peacock chair. HarRy taught me the importance of energy.
A couple years ago on my birthday I came across one of his chairs of his at an estate sale in Joshua Tree. Today I am a proud owner of HarRy’s Ringo Star Chair. It’s one of the most prized possessions in my collection. When I see HarRy’s furniture it’s a reminder for me to add in a little more fun to my life.

I’m Catholic. After a long time of searching I found myself coming back to the faith of my birth. I can feel God’s presence in church. I’m a supporter of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. I believe in free speech and people being free to worship their own religions.

Website: alyssaaustin13@gmail.com

Instagram: @alyssaaustin13

Image Credits
Lesley Bohm – Curly Hair Headshots
Kendra Jones Photography – New Orleans Photoshoot
Francisco Paco Rodriguez – Red Chair
Joshua O’Neill – Orange Chairs