We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patricia Kara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patricia below.
Patricia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew early on I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. By the time I was 4 years old I said I wanted to be a singer, dancer, and performer. I went to Columbia College in Chicago to study dance, and for a short time I did fulfill my dream of being a professional dancer. By my teen years I had gotten some exposure to and realized that I also enjoyed modeling. Once I had spent some time in this aspect of the business, it naturally led me into acting and hosting. I had so many professional interests, and as the opportunities increased, I did not know how I was going to be able to do it all. But, as I quickly learned, being busy in entertainment is a good thing, and I focused on my career, the jobs I had ahead, and I never looked back!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have worked very hard over the years and have had a long career to this point. It has always been funny to me what ends up being the job that anyone recognizes me from, or knows me because I was a part of it. I know that many people know me as briefcase model #9 from NBC’s Deal or No Deal. I was the only cast member besides Howie Mandel to appear on every version and episode of the show. But despite all the time on that hit show, sometimes people know me from an ad that was posted in their grocery store, pharmacy or gym. I get messages from people that see my on different soap opera episodes, Beverly Hills 90210, or infomercials selling different products. I have gotten to do print ads for countless companies and products, played a Cenobite one of the Hellraiser movies, served as comedy relief on late night TV programs. Ever since I got into the entertainment business at the age of 16, I have been an entertainer, and I have had so much fun building my career in a way that all different people can recognize me for all different reasons.
The thing that I am most proud of is not being recognized, it is that I have been a functional part of an incredibly competitive and difficult industry for my entire professional career. I have adapted, failed, overcome, and succeeded in doing all the things that I dreamed of doing since I was young. This has what allowed me to write a book about my experience getting involved in the business and building a real career in it. I have always loved educating and mentoring young people that want to get into the entertainment industry. So, at this stage of my life, I think a great way to help people interested in this business would be to help them find their own success by learning, understanding, and knowing the world or entertainment. My book, Dream On Now Deliver, is something that I am incredibly proud of because it is the story of my career that is written to help others. Through this book, I want everyone to learn how to get into the entertainment industry the right way, build a career, and stay motivated through all the ups and downs. If you would like to learn more, please go to my website, www.patriciakara.com to learn more and find out about ordering a copy when it becomes available in November of 2023!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Every single opportunity that presents itself in the entertainment industry will test your resilience. I have never had an “easy” job or booking. The competition is always intense because you have no idea who, how many, or what you are up against. You get presented with a job, a specific way to audition for it, and it is your job to go get it. The failure that you experience in entertainment can be crippling, and even when you think you have made it, there is something around the corner that will cut you back down to size. So, I can say that every day of my life in this career has been a test, and my resilience is illustrated by the fact that I have been in this business, and only this business, for over 30 years. I have battled through ups and downs, hot streaks and cold spells, all of the different types of personalities and perspectives that can be thrown at someone, and yet I am still here, working and looking for more ways to be successful!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Entertainment is constantly testing talent and making you fight for anything that you want to achieve. One transition that has continued to develop as of late is the switch from in-person auditioning to self-tape and remote auditions. It takes away the connection that you can have with the casting process and it forces you to be even more creative in the ways you have to present yourself in order to stand out and book jobs. Additionally, since there is virtually no limit to the amount of competition that can be involved in auditions when the talent pool is essentially EVERYONE with a camera and microphone, you have to be at your very best. It is up to you to make sure that you find a way to reach through this new audition process and grab the opportunities the same way you would if you were right in front of someone in a casting studio!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PatriciaKara.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciakara/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaKaraDishWithTrish/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/patriciakara/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciakara
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatriciaKara
- Other: http://www.imdb.me/patriciakara
Image Credits
Sofia Spentzas, Jim Purdum, John M. Heller