Meet Andrew Tamarkin | Actor, Writer, & Producer

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

Hi Andrew, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by vulnerability and specificity. Whether it’s caught on camera, performed on stage, or I see it in real life, I am touched when people (especially artists) are brave enough to show who they are in spite of their fears, to go after goals no matter what stands in their way.

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.
Whether I’m embodying a character as an actor, piecing together a scene as a writer, or assembling a team to produce someone else’s story, my mission is the same: to make ordinary stories extraordinary.

I’m lucky. I’ve known I wanted to perform since I was put in ballet class at 3-years-old. I started acting in elementary school, started writing in high school, and the producing showed up in college. It’s not just about the project. It’s about making it happen. And I think I’m proud of that ambition. I wake up most days ready to tackle my art like an athlete. I think that’s how I got my footing in the industry here. When I moved here, I didn’t have a connection in entertainment. But I had really talented friends. So we got together, we wrote a script, we shot it—we made it happen. I met new people. I deepened my understanding of my craft. And more projects started to line up. It wasn’t easy. I had to work a lot of side jobs along the way. I remember, one month I worked 30 days straight no day off. But I stayed determined. I put the art first. Three-and-a-half years later, I’m a full time creative here in Los Angeles. I don’t know if I’ve made it (I still cringe when that rent payment comes out every month) but I definitely think I’ve found a flow I’m happy with.

I’m really proud of the roles I’ve gotten to play over the last few years since moving to Los Angeles. I’ve worked with a lot of awesome directors who have trusted me to bring characters to life. Some highlights for me have been “Adrian” in Abby Royce’s Purple Sky, “Nico” in Lana Dvorak’s I’m Not Like You, “Noah” in Charlotte Kennett’s Feeling Vertigo, and (most recently) “Zac” in Isaac Josephthal’s Mother’s Love.

I’m also really proud of the work I do for LatiNation Media. I started as a freelance writer for the editorial pages. Now, I produce a few shows for the network and interview creatives (both off-camera and on-camera) who keep me motivated to keep putting in the work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh, I love Los Angeles. There’s so much to do! If a friend was visiting for a week, the itinerary would be jam-packed.

First and foremost, we’d have to a do a few beach days—one in Malibu and one in Manhattan or Hermosa Beach.

We’d eat at so many places. I love Zinque (all the locations) and Guisados (all the locations). I love Bacari in Silver Lake, Fig Tree in Venice, Nong Lá in Sawtelle, Joans on Third in Hollywood, a cute Cuban cafe called Gigi’s on the edge of Echo Park, and anywhere in Little Tokyo. I could eat sushi for days! Also coffee. Lots of coffee. Los Angeles has great coffee.

I’d have to take them to The Getty (the one off the 405!) and the observatory in Griffith Park. We’d go shopping on Melrose of course, and then hit the new Wasteland that just opened in Silver Lake.

For dancing, some of my favorite spots are Shortstop, General Lee’s, and The Let’s Go. If I’m feeling extra gay, Hi Tops in WeHo.

The best part would be introducing them to such amazing friends along the way 🙂

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 like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents and grandparents. From the beginning, they have supported my dreams and helped me make them a reality. My parents are noble people, funny and hard-working. They taught me to work hard and never expect a pat on the back. They showed me what it looks like to show up as yourself, to be curious about those around you. All of my grandparents have lived incredible lives. Their stories (from Hollywood in the 60s to Eastern Europe during WWII) have always inspired me and kept me motivated to make art that honors their experiences. What can I say? I get it from my family.

Website: https://www.andrewtamarkin.com

Instagram: @andrewtamarkin

Image Credits
Rafael Llamas
Josiah Sickler
Getty Images