Meet Jen Liv | Actor and Comedian

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

Hi Jen, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
This can be a tough one, and something I’m always working on. I’m a comedian, actor and musician, and I recently got married! So, all of the sudden time I would be spending at comedy shows and open mics, became dedicated to wedding planning (to be fair my husband did most of the planning, he’s a saint!) . My husband is also a comedian, musician, audio engineer and producer! I”m very lucky to have him in my corner. We have been able to strike up a really beautiful balance. I actually booked my first network TV show a few days before our wedding! I was so grateful for his support, he was so proud! I had an absolutely amazing day on set, and when I was finished I got to have dinner at my favorite restaurant (Osteria Mozza) with my now husband, his parents, and my sister and her fiancé. It was kind of a perfect day.
I also feel incredibly grateful that production asked me to come back and do another episode! So right when we got back from our honeymoon, I got to film another episode. I have to say, that is the most my work life and personal life have ever been in so much harmony!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a life-long artist, and I don’t think I would have it any other way!

I started out with a degree in theatre from Eastern New Mexico University, and headed to New York City to try my hand at musical theatre! I was able to perform off Broadway and on tour with the Little Mermaid as the Sea Witch (not the Disney version don’t get too excited!) Many one-woman shows, my favorite of these “Oboe You Didn’t” in which I sang, and played many instruments, including oboe. I found myself magnetized to Upright Citizen’s Brigade and started studying improv and writing some scripted ideas for pilot. I was LOVING comedy so much.
I moved to Los Angeles, finished my comedy training at UCB, and started working with a commercial agent, and booking commercials! Covid was brutal, with UCB shutting down for quite some time, and we didn’t know if they were ever coming back. So I began to try my hand at stand up comedy, and I love it so much!! Now, I combine my comedy with music and play accordion in my set. I’m working with a great commercial agent, and I just booked my first network TV gig for TBS.

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.
Clark Street Diner: This diner is iconic. It’s been featured in many film and TV shows, and the staff and food are incredible. I always bring family and friends here. My go to dish is the Everything Bagel with Lox.

Osteria Mozza: My favorite restaurant in Los Angeles! For a special date night, or just a casual hang at the bar. The food and service are incredible. Fave dish: Grilled Octopus!!

Elysian Theatre: So many cool and interesting comedy shows here. I really love Chad Damiani’s show “Stand Up and Clown”

Bronson Caves: Just a short walk from the parking lot, these caves are where the old Star Trek was filmed along with Batman! Bonus view of the Hollywood Sign.

Lake Hollywood Park: This can be crowded, but the view of the Hollywood Sign is unbelievable! Bring a picnic, and be prepared to see lots of cute dogs!

Hollywood Bowl: I love seeing the LA Phil here. Bring a picnic bring wine! It’s such a stunning experience to watch the sun set while you are listening to a beautiful live orchestra. You can’t go wrong at this venue.

The Ahmanson Theatre: What a beautiful theatre. I recently saw “Old Friends” with Bernadette Peters. They always have a dynamic season of incredible shows.

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?
One person in particular I would like to shout out is Chad Damiani. He recommended me for the show “Foul Play” on TBS, and without an agent I have been able to book 3 episodes!! Thank you, Chad for thinking of me! 🙂

Website: https://www.itsjenliv.com

Instagram: @itsjenliv

Twitter: @therealjenliv

Facebook: @jenlivactor

Youtube: @itsjenliv

Image Credits
Lee Jameson
Jasper Lewis
Monique Hernandez
Joanna DeGeneres