Meet Rachel Becker | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Rachel, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I had to bring myself to the realization that at the end of the day, I have to be my biggest supporter. For way too long I relied on what other’s thought of my choices and career. There will always be at least one person in the room that will disagree with your actions no matter what you do, but they aren’t the ones living your path. Everything you do from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed has to be intentional. Be choosy with who you let into your precious personal bubble. Once you lead with that mindset, your career and private life will flourish.

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 am an actor originally from Chicago. I have always had a sweet spot for comedy, and so that is something I leaned into pretty quickly. Second City was a place that really planted the seed in me. I was a goofy kid always dressing up in weird costumes and putting on shows, but always misunderstood by my peers. I feel like I was a mystery girl in school because I would leave school early for rehearsals I had in Chicago theater; I was working professionally since the age of 13. I finished high school and moved to Los Angeles at 18. I believe I cried every month for six months straight. I felt extremely lonely, but with time and persistence, I found a tribe to run along with. I completed the two-year conservatory program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in June 2020. Not long after I signed with Sheila Legette Entertainment, and I have my lovely agent Kia Todd. I have a recurring improv troupe ‘The So-Called Players’ at LA Connection Comedy that performs every other Saturday. My most recent projects include being actor and writer with Worst Ever Productions, short film After Hours, and Most Wanted Santa on Tubi TV. Was it easy? Nothing worth doing ever is. I was a victim of sexual assault at age 17 and experienced domestic violence. I have seen and experienced much darkness that is the very opposite of comedy. I like to say that is why I love making people laugh; it takes away from that darkness. I learned that I can heal myself through it while also maybe healing an audience member for that little span of time I have with them. I have my BIG THREE. These are the top lessons I have for a creative finding their way. 1. Find a home. Whatever that means to you. Doesn’t always mean a place. You can find it in people, and once you do, you’ll be golden. 2. You can try to please the whole world, but there will always be one that can’t be pleased. Don’t waste time compromising yourself for others. You lose what makes you special by people pleasing! 3. Take care of YOU! Mental and physical health is incredibly important. Take those meds, find exercise you like, form a good relationship with food. There’s only one of you for your whole life. Notice none of these include art at all? It’s because you can’t create without a balanced artist.
I can be found on Instagram @rachel.a.becker and Twitter @RachelABecker

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For breakfast, I absolutely love The Waffle on Sunset boulevard. It has a cute midcentury feel, and the food is very comforting. Then, I’d head on down to Hermosa Beach. This I consider my happy place of LA. There is always a wonderful breeze while watching the bikers wizz by. I love the Stars Antique Market on Pier Ave to add to my collection and Studio Antiques in El Segundo for their vinyl collection. A top lunch spot is Brent’s Deli in Northridge. Their matzo soup and corned beef on rye would make my Jewish grandma proud. For evening sights, I love El Coyote for the history, atmosphere, and fantastic service. Their margaritas and steak tacos are perfect! And for a night cap, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s. It is totally my style with a venue that is straight out of a 70’s time warp with live music in which you enter through a refrigerator door!

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?
I owe most of my personal growth to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I sort of came through their doors as a shy mouse but left as a tigress. I was forced to confront a lot of mental barriers. I had teachers push me to the center of the room and see the beauty in my art. Conservatory has you wrestling with numerous projects and long hours so there is no time to think about how you’ll be perceived. I needed to be drilled in how to focus on the work and take myself out of my silly little head. Judith Bohannon recognized my potential. I’m grateful for the presence she had in my training. She lead me from a woman’s point of view in an industry that can be a little unforgiving.

Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/rachelbecker

Instagram: @rachel.a.becker

Twitter: @RachelABecker

Image Credits
Headshots by Becca Van Bockern