Meet Daryl Mendelson | Retired Database Programmer & Active Artistic Person (acting, writing, humor, et al)

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

Hi Daryl, what do you want people to remember about you?
At the risk of sounding immodest, I hope I am remembered for being kind, empathetic, artistic and for having a keen sense of humor! These attributes are so much a part of who I am that I attribute any personal success to them. I am also grateful that I’ve mostly been financially responsible – not always indulging in what might have fully ‘floated my boat.’ I hope some of my ‘process’ might be a good influence on others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My profession was data processing, but my true calling has always been performing as an actor, playwright, creative writer, and jokester! As I got older it hit me that the adults in my life were the same people as the children they were in old time pictures. While observing my parents and others I had an epiphany – adults are just kids with more years behind them! Although I am 68 this year, I unabashedly love the playful little boy I was and still am. Humor is a gift I am fortunate to possess as a constant companion. I’ve called on it throughout my professional career (e.g., putting people at ease in high pressure work environments, etc.) but most importantly, its presence exists throughout my artistic life and in my everyday encounters. There is joy in the creative act of birthing humor and in equal measure, a joy in sharing it. If the whole world took itself a bit less seriously it would be a better place!

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 used to espouse growing up that with my familiarity of Disneyland I could point out where all the restrooms were – we went there a lot! Today it is crowded but still a magical place. Speaking of magic, The Magic Castle offers an evening of prestidigitation along with five-star meals (in my book at least) and is a fantastic way to share an evening with friends. You must either be a member or know a member to gain entrance but, if you can get tickets by all means do so – just be sure to take out a second mortgage before you do! My sweetheart and I love to go to restaurants, but we have a few we call ‘our’ restaurants. For our money you can’t go wrong with the Thai Crunch Salad at California Pizza Kitchen or the Tacos Vampiros at El Torito (also, I’ve been lucky to have great margaritas at the latter!) Being a ‘movie guy’, if someone was hanging around for a long visit, I would suggest an evening at an actual cinema! Out here in Santa Clarita there is an ‘art house’ cineplex, the ‘Laemmle Newhall.’ The Laemmle additionally shows mainstream movies in very intimate theaters (read “less seats, more room”). Additionally, the rehabilitated downtown Newhall has many nice restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my sweetheart of almost thirty-eight years. She has been the most incredible fan, and her encouragement and support are immeasurable. Shoutout to loving parents who draped me in their pride for who I am and for each success du jour – I miss them both terribly. Finally, shoutout to my theatrical friends who have infused my life with great happiness and allowed me to be playful into my late 60s!

Email: daryl@alljokingaside.org