Meet Ruby York | Actor and Writer (poet)

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

Hi Ruby, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I always make the joke that I did not choose to be an actor, but rather acting chose me. But in all reality, it all started with the support I had as a young child from my parents. I grew up in a very creative and eclectic environment. I was a classical ballerina for all of my childhood and adolescence, but anytime I was dancing on stage I found myself wanting to speak, the way they did in plays. So at a very young age I realized I had something inside me that needed to be expressed and felt by others. I graduated high school just a few weeks after my 17th birthday and pursued acting immediately.

Outside of acting I have been writing poetry for years. In 2013 I started doing open mics and sharing my poems online. Through sharing, I discovered that the words I wanted to write, others wanted to read. It gave me a voice. I hope to move people with my words. Be it from a script, or a poem, my hopes is to make people feel less alone.

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 acting and my poetry are both from the same source but have been cultivated in different ways. As an actor I feel confident in my versatility between both comedy and drama. I love to improv and go off script, but I also love to delve deep into a character and it’s dialogue. I recently shot a pilot that should be out soon and the director let us do a ton of improv, so I am looking forward to sharing that.

Getting to where I am professionally has not been easy and I still have many places I am going. I strongly believe learning to accept the ups and downs, makes this profession a whole bunch easier on the spirit. What I have learned to do is let go of the attachment to things, and trust the process. Holding on too tightly only makes one want to wiggle free, so I try to approach it with that mindset now.

In 2018 I created my first poetry zine and wound up selling out two full runs of it. Right now I release weekly writing on both Instagram and Wattpad. There will be more publications in my future, but I don’t want to spoil the cake before it’s baked, so I will just leave you with the notion that I am very excited about what is to come with my writing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles, I would definitely take them on a journey from a local’s perspective. Sure, you could take them to see the Hollywood sign, the stars and the boulevard but that might not be where they would have the best time. First, I would take them to my favorite breakfast spot in Studio City “Vivian’s Millennium Cafe.” I would insist they got the buttermilk pancakes.

Next I would trek over to Malibu for a day in the water. My favorite thing about growing up in Southern California is our easy access to beaches. Water is cleansing, and would refresh them for the rest of their week. For night life, I love to find events that involve some sort of creative experience like an Art show, or live music at 1700 Naud. If art is involved, typically that means other cool and creative people are there and willing to mingle and make friends.

For dinner you could take them somewhere with a view like “Cara Cara” in DTLA, or something more home cooked like any late night Thai spot in Thai town. Some of the best part’s of Los Angeles involve the delicious restaurants and food trucks we have. Of course, a taco truck stop at some point is a must. If my best friend wanted to go out dancing, I would take them to the Short Stop. But I would advise getting there early to avoid the line.

And lastly, the most important part of visiting California, is witnessing it’s nature. Within a 1 hour drive, I could take them to a multititle of lakes, mountains, trails, oceans and forests. Each, equally as breathtaking.

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 would like to dedicate my shout out to my lovely agent Jessica at BiCoastal MGMT, and my more than supportive family for always believing.

Website: linktr.ee/rubyyork

Instagram: @rubyyyork – poetry account @rubywritespoems

Other: TikTok @rubyyork Poetry IG: @rubywritespoems

Image Credits
Daniel Daleon Studio Pool House New York Josie Farrior Ruby York