Meet Esther Moon | Actor

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

Hi Esther, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve never been one to play it safe. I love exploring, pushing boundaries, and seeing whats possible! I spent over 20 years in two of the most stable professions – social work and academia. Both come with job stability, great benefits, and pension. But stability felt overrated and I couldn’t live waiting for retirement. And so I left. And entered into arguably one of the least stable, least predictable, and most anxiety provoking careers imaginable – ACTING. It was one of the biggest risks of my life, but you know how they say the greater the risk, the greater the reward? I found that to be absolutely true. I have not regretted my decision ever, not for a single moment. I could care less about retirement, because I don’t plan on retiring from acting, ever!

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 started acting in my middle age as a second career. And as much as I would have loved to act when I was younger, I realize the value of becoming an actor later in life. This business is full of so much hardship and rejection that I imagine it must be incredibly difficult for someone younger, and perhaps still developing their sense of self, to not take things so seriously and personally. Also, there is no substitute for life experience! And how that experience influences both the creative and business decisions you make. One thing I should note here.. I started acting after a battle with breast cancer. It was surviving that which gave me the courage and “permission” to pursue my passion. And when you start doing something that you’ve always loved and wanted to do – especially later in life and after something like cancer – you focus more on the joy and positives than the negatives. And that has been one of my greatest strengths, I believe. I’m able to move thru the chaos and unpredictability of this business without perseverating on what hasnt gone right or what jobs I havent booked. And I’ve learned to celebrate all wins – big or small!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the things I love about living in the Los Angeles area is that there is no shortage of delicious food, amazing sights, and fun things to do! First on the itinerary would be Koreatown. Start with getting butt naked at a Korean spa (Wi Spa is my go-to), sweating out toxins in all the heated rooms, soaking in baths, and getting dead skin scrubbed off you by professionals! Your skin will feel as smooth as a baby’s butt. And then we’re off to enjoy the plethora of amazing Korean food – some stops would include, korean bbq at Ahgassi Gopchang, mouthwatering spicy ddukbokki (rice cakes) at Yupdduk LA, Korean style chicken feet at Hanshin Pocha, skewers and soju (Korean rice alcohol) at Dansungsa, and finish the night singing our hearts out at a Karaoke bar! The next day would be beach day. Starting from Malibu, drive down PCH and stop by Santa Monica to do all the touristy things at the pier and third street promenade. Head south to Venice to check out all the street performers and touristy trinkets. Then head further south around happy hour in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach (Agave Azul has a great happy hour and tequila drinks!). Sometime during the week, a visit to Terranea Resort will be a must. Take in the amazing grounds and views, enjoy the sunset while munching on goodies at one of their on-site restaurant Nelsons. And then finish the night in the lobby bar drinking speciality cocktails and listening to their house band. If we have a few days for a road trip, Paso Robles is one of my favorite weekend destinations! Reserve wine tasting at Dao Winery – of the most beautiful views in the central coast to rival Napa Valley!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband! When you make life-altering decisions, it really affects our loved ones. My husband did not marry an actor 15 years ago. He married a mental health professional with a burgeoning career in academia. My career decision affected everything – our finances, our schedules, our life plans! It is not an easy road for our loved one and we had many a tear-filled conversations. But at the end of the day, he is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. Always reminding me to think bigger and dream bigger.

Instagram: esthermoonstagram

Other: imdb.me/esthermoon