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

Hi Saskia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
In most parts of my life, I don’t like taking risks. I don’t gamble, I drive a safe car, and I avoid short connection flights. BUT when it comes to my career, I am the biggest risk taker. I think any actor has to be. Even as a kid, I wanted to be a working actor in LA so bad that I moved away from home by myself at age 14 to attend an international high school (where I’d learn proper English – I am from Austria). At 19, I took another gamble. I only auditioned for one drama school in LA, the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. If I didn’t get in, I would choose an easier career, I decided back then. Luckily, I didn’t have to, and a decade later, I work as an actor, LA has become my home, and I wrote and star in a one-woman show about my oh-so-risky life, which has taken me to countless stages across three countries. I am the luckiest girl, and I am so grateful to my little 14-year-old self who believed in her and took a life-changing risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have known that I was going to be an actor ever since I was 3 years old. My dad was an actor, and the first time I acted was next to him in a theatre production of Buffalo Bill. I was completely mesmerized by all the actors, the make-up, the costumes, and the army of people it took to put on a show and make it all seem seamless to the audience. The only issue I had with the theatre was the audience; I had terrible stage fright. Maybe that’s also why I developed a love for acting in front of the camera. My path as an actor was not always straightforward and came with a few hiccups along the way, but I never strayed from it. I overcame all these challenges because I love acting and telling stories, and I believe wholeheartedly that it is what I am supposed to do.
Some lessons I learned along the way are that sometimes less is more, and not everything will work out in your timing. Once you stop forcing it, things will magically fall into place.
What I want the world to know: I realized that my story is nothing to be ashamed of but is actually my secret weapon. I wrote my story down and created a One Woman Show out of it. I have been touring “LOST MY WAY – When life doesn’t go according to plan” since 2021 and I am excited to announce that it will have its LA premiere in the second half of 2026 – follow me on Instagram for updates!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh, I love this question! I have been able to show a couple of friends and family why I love this town so much. This is where I took them. Monday: Drive up to Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood Sign. Afterwards, get lunch at Home. Tuesday: rent bikes in Santa Monica and bike to Venice. Walk around Venice Canals, grab food on Abbot Kinney. Definitely stay for the sunset on the beach. Wednesday: stroll around Larchmont Village, check out the farmers market, Chavelier Books, and grab a slice from Village Pizzeria. End the day at a korean spa. Thursday: Get Brunch at Fratelli’s, go thrift shopping down Melrose, and end the day with a show at the Hollywood Improv or at the Groundlings. Friday: Check out the Academy Museum, Tar Pits, or LACMA. Afterwards, walk through the Grove, and grab food at the Original Farmer’s Market. End the day with a cocktail at Blue Collar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, especially my mom and sister. They have never once doubted my decisions, even when they were risky, and have always supported me.

Website: https://www.saskianorman.net/en

Instagram: @norman.saskia

Youtube: @saskianorman

Image Credits
Headshots are taken by: Matt Stasi

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