We were lucky to catch up with Allison Dunbar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allison , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My first job as an actress was an on episode of Law & Order- and I’m talking OG Law & Order, with Jerry Orbach and Chris Noth! My bf at the time told me to go up to Jerry and say “nobody puts baby in the corner.” Since I was a kid, it did not dawn on me how idiotic this probably made me look. I hadn’t even seen Dirty Dancing so I had no idea what I was saying! Thankfully Jerry was a sweet man and didn’t seem to hold it against me. hahaha

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been performing improvisation at The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles for 10 years now, and I find that being able to improvise is the most rewarding skill set I have. Many times you’re on set, and the director will tell you, “just have fun with this next take.” Just have fun is code for- you can improvise! Now, I know many very talented actors who feel their buttholes constrict when they hear this direction. Just because they’re not comfortable working “in the grey”, or taking the chance of looking like a fool. To anyone who improvises, we thrive in the foolishness and openness. This is where we come alive! Nothing is more fun than going off the cuff with another artist and just seeing where it all organically takes you! I think all actors should study improv. I’m telling you, there is no audition that will scare you once you’ve trained in improvisation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

You know, I did a lot of tv work in my 20’s where I was wearing a bikini. I had long blond hair and breasts, so there was always that stereotype thing happening. When I reached my 30’s I was told I was “too old” to be a sex symbol anymore, so there wouldn’t be much work for me. Good! I never asked to spend so much time in a bikini! All that bikini acting is no picnic- you can’t even enjoy the crafts service on set. Anyway, That’s when I started training at the Groundlings- I thought, I’m funny, I’ll reinvent myself as a comedy actor! I’m so glad I didn’t take the discouragement I received to heart. I thought to myself, I’ll show them.
And just for the record, I never believed I stopped being sexy at 30. That was a long time ago hoss, and I’ve still got it going on! I don’t subscribe to the belief that people are one thing or another. We can all be many things. And older women are desirable. Just ask the guys repaving my neighborhood streets- they are very vocal. But seriously, I’m happy to be working in a time where some of these outdated beliefs about women and their vitality are being challenged.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I love acting. But you know what I love even more? Dogs. I have been very lucky to be able to use the visibility I have to benefit homeless dogs in Los Angeles. I won’t shut up about it. So my goal is to work more- get famous- and use that fame and money to rescue more dogs. There’s a major overpopulation problem in Los Angeles, caused by breeders (legal and illegal) who refuse to stop. The LA shelters are packed with beautiful loving animals who need homes. Go adopt a dog! It will change your life for the better:)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @allisondunbar

Image Credits

Matt Kallish
Bjorn Kommeril
Gerardo Fornataro
Selfie with Ice Cream Cake, my rescue