Meet Kendra Gottardi | Actor & Singer Songwriter
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Gottardi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kendra, how do you think about risk?
Going to Loyola Marymount University to study acting was definitely my first big risk. I knew it wasn’t the most traditional or stable path, and that scared me. But I also knew that if I didn’t try, I’d always wonder what would’ve happened if I had.
Since then, continuing to pursue acting full-time instead of stepping into a conventional 9-to-5 has been an ongoing risk. There have been moments where the financial side felt uncertain, and I’ve taken projects that paid very little because I believed in the experience or the people involved. It’s not always comfortable, it actually rarely is, but I’ve grown so much because of it.
The thing I’ve learned is that risk doesn’t mean being reckless. I think it’s about being intentional. I’m thoughtful about the opportunities I take, I live within my means, and I try to make sure each decision is moving me forward in some way. And now I’m at a place where I’m supporting myself through acting, which feels really validating.
So risk has played a huge role in my life, but in a steady, committed way. It’s less about jumping off cliffs and more about choosing courage consistently.
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.
My art is rooted in honesty. Whether I’m acting or writing music, I’m most interested in emotional truth, the moments that feel a little uncomfortable, a little vulnerable, but deeply human.
I got to where I am because of incredible mentorship and community. Early on, Scott Adams really helped me take my acting seriously and refine my craft in a disciplined way. He pushed me to see myself as a professional, not just someone who loved performing, and that ultimately helped me move on to Loyola Marymount University. In music, my vocal instructor Juniper Waller challenged me to trust my voice, not just technically, but creatively, and develop my songwriting in a way that felt personal.
It definitely hasn’t been easy. Acting and music are both financially and emotionally demanding paths, and the industry is competitive. There have been long drives to set, unpaid projects, late nights writing, and moments of real uncertainty. But I’ve learned to reframe those challenges. Instead of focusing on how hard it is, I try to focus on my intentions, and for me, it’s worth it.
What sets me apart is that I’m willing to stay with the discomfort. I’m not interested in performing something polished but empty. My brand is about expression and honesty. If I’m going to put in the hours, the risk, and the vulnerability, I want it to be real.
I also believe that pursuing what you love gives other people permission to do the same. I’ve been inspired by mentors and peers who chase their dreams relentlessly, and I hope my work does that for someone else. At the end of the day, I only get one life. I want to use it fully, to create work that feels truthful, connected, and brave.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d give them my version of LA, very Westside.
We’d start in Westchester. Lunch at Ayara Thai. It’s my favorite Thai spot, and where I went after graduation, so it feels sentimental. Right after, we’d stop into Soundsations Records to flip through vinyl because it’s impossible to find a good record store like this one these days. Then I’d give them a little walking tour of Loyola Marymount University; the bluff views alone are worth it. We’d end the night with a sunset walk at Burton Chace Park. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the marina at golden hour is cinematic.
For Manhattan Beach, it’s a full beach day. Coffee, a long walk along The Strand, and a stop at the Roundhouse Aquarium on the pier because it’s such a wholesome hidden gem. Maybe surfing if we’re brave, definitely sunset by the water.
Venice would be our creative chaos day. Sandwiches from Ggiata Delicatessen, shopping along Abbot Kinney, and if we’re feeling indulgent, a snack from Erewhon Market just for the experience. We’d close the night with a drink at Only the Wild Ones, something fun, a little dressed up, good energy.
Malibu gets its own day. Drive up the PCH with the windows down, hike with an ocean view, beach time to fully unplug, and of course, a stop at Malibu Yogurt & Ice Cream. It’s simple, but that’s the best part.
And then honorable mentions: a night out in Culver City for good food and walkability, and a Pasadena day because it’s far from me, but it’s one of the best places in Los Angeles.
I tend to avoid tourist landmarks and focus on the places in between. Ocean air, creative energy, sunset conversations, people building their lives the way they want. That’s the part of the city I want people to see.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give my shoutout to my friend Vidur Katyal, who actually recommended me for this interview.
We met doing background work on a vertical drama, which is truly a grind, and we bonded pretty quickly over just how scrappy and determined you have to be in this industry. Since then, we’ve worked on short films, helped each other with self-tapes, and worked on music. He’s helped me to grow a lot creatively.
Vidur is one of those people who maximizes every opportunity. If someone needs help, he’s there in minutes. He’s juggling four-plus industry-related jobs while still chasing his own creative goals, and he does it with this energy and generosity that’s really rare.
Being around someone like that pushes me to work harder and stay focused. He reminds me that consistency and attitude matter just as much as talent. So I definitely have achieved a lot with his support, and I think everyone deserves a friend like that.
Instagram: kendragottardi
Other: Spotify: Kendra Gottardi
Image Credits
Headshots by Kevin Fiscus, Instagram: @fiscusphoto
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