Meet Cathy Podewell | Mom of 3, Actress

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

Hi Cathy, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Chicago, but grew up in Northern Californian in a town called Walnut Creek. I had a wonderful childhood. I was very outgoing and participated in many activities all with the support of my parents. My grandparents were theater actors in Chicago and I caught the acting bug in high school so bad that I knew I wanted to do that for a living! I majored in drama at U C Santa Barbara but after being cut from the program due to what they considered to be a weak theatrical voice, I decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue my dreams anyway. I had a belief in myself that I would eventually find work. After a year of waitressing I got the lead in a Horror film, quit waitressing and worked steady for 5 years until I went on a self imposed hiatus to raise my 3 children! It has been 30 years and I am ready to become an actor again! All I need to do is channel my 21 year old self and find that unquestioning belief again!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Be fearless! Envision your self where you want to be. Imagine scenarios where you are doing what you love! I knew when I was young that I wanted to be an actress like my grandparents. When I was cast in a comedy in high school I knew without a doubt!. I loved the feeling of making an audience laugh.! My grandparents tried to talk me out of it as a career due to the difficulty they knew of making a living. They didn’t dissuade me and admitted later that they were proud of me. I never wanted to wonder what could have been and I am thrilled that I found success before they passed!

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?
There are endless ways of entertaining in Los Angeles. For those that want the “old” Hollywood experience it is a trip to the streets just below the sign so that you can snap a picture of it sitting on your hand. Then a drive down Hollywood Boulevard with perhaps a meal at Musso and Franks. Of course a walk to Grauman’s to look at and feel the handprints and then a stroll to Tom Cruise’s star where I will tell my story of how in 1986 my friend and I decided to go to his Star ceremony. It was so crowded and we were so far back that we decided to go for lunch because we would never even catch a glimpse. After being seated I went to use the restroom and who should be walking towards me? Coming through,from the back of the restaurant?I was inches from HIM as we said hello. Those celebrity sightings are what make LA unique! Trips to Malibu, Brentwood and of course Beverly Hills might produce similar experiences!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Beverly and Lester Podewell

Instagram: @cathypodewell

Facebook: Cathy Podewell Fan Club