We recently connected with Annie Korzen and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Annie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I had written and performed several solo shows, and frequently appeared in storytelling venues, but I always dreamed of a larger audience. A young friend suggested I post some little clips on TikTok. I thought that was a ridiculous idea since I’m not a 20-something blonde dancer or makeup expert. She kept insisting that I would go viral so I decided to give it a shot. Now, against all odds, I a an 85-year-old woman with over 400,000 followers!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started acting late in life and have mostly been a bit player, but one day I got lucky and my few lines on a new, unknown sitcom turned into the recurring role of Doris Klompus on SEINFELD.
My popularity on TikTok led to a book deal. “THE BOOK OF ANNIE: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer” is a collection of humorous, sometimes poignant, essays an observations about modern life.
My performance of one of the stories from the book will soon be featured on THE MOTH RADIO HOUR. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll blow your nose.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
All my life, I’ve been criticized for being to talkative, too opinionated and too blunt. I was told – among other things – that these were unfeminine qualities. I constantly apologized for being too outspoken, and was convinced that I would never be seen as an attractive woman.
Now, in my old age, I’m being celebrated for those very same qualities by my huge number of TikTok fans, who love hearing what I have to say. I have finally learned to to be imprisoned by other people’s negative opinions of me, and I hope my readers will apply this lesson to themselves.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have always felt that I had insights worth sharing, and that these insights would make people laugh, and nod their heads in recognition that my struggles were the same as theirs. What I love most is standing on a stage and performing my own words. The love I feel from the audience through their laughter and applause confirms my belief that – in many ways – old age has been gift. It has provided me with wisdom and confidence and younger people seem to be inspired by what I have to say.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AnnieKorzen.com
- Instagram: anniekorzen
- Facebook: Annie Korzen
- Other: @akorzen on TikTok
