We recently connected with Susan Louise O’Connor and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Susan Louise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve been taking acting classes since I was 7 years told. My parents would say that I was performing right out of the womb. I’m an only child and growing up I loved my alone time with my stuffed animals creating imaginary worlds and characters. As I got older, I remember being taken aback at how my 3rd grade classmates were not nearly as amenable to my direction as my stuffies had been. So cultivating my imagination was something that came organically to me through play and reading.

The technique of acting I dove into while getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Florida. I was exposed to a variety of instructors, but what stuck with me was the need to find my strengths and voice and start from there. Of course, knowing thyself isn’t the expertise of every 20 year old, so there was some struggle and doubt. But a seed was planted, could I tell stories better if I could be me better?

Telling the stories became the focus of the next decade of my life in New York City where I had the pleasure of developing over 30 world premiere theatrical productions. Workshopping and brainstorming to serve the author and play’s intent. Being a part of an ensemble of artists all focused on a common goal of bringing a play to life. These years taught my the invaluable lessons of script analysis, ensemble and hard work. It’s about the work.

And now I’m in LA, really at home with what makes me me, identifying what the tv and film scripts need and loving the different tones and shifts that all at the end of the day, require authenticity.

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?

My first acting role was King Menelaus in Helen of Troy. Clearly, not enough boys in the class. I was also a starving orphan in Oliver and was often told to ‘please stop smiling SO much’. I was really happy to be there. After receiving my degree from UF, I moved to NYC with two suitcases, no contacts and went to open calls. I did A LOT of plays in downtown NYC theaters with wonderful artists and questionable vermin. I performed in great regional theaters, enjoying the luxury of working on a play ALL DAY LONG!

Then I made it to Broadway! I was on Broadway with the amazing Angela Lansbury in the Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit. It was a transcendent experience. Every member of that cast was a veritable superstar and it was a helluva way to make a debut. I received a Theatre World Award, the Dorothy Loudon Fellowship and an Outer Critics Circle Nomination. I also did the National Tour of the show which brought me to Los Angeles where I decided to move and pursue my love of television.

On the small screen, I’ve appeared on Euphoria, All Rise, N.C.I.S, Lincoln Lawyer, two flavors of Law & Order (Criminal Intent and Special Victims Unit), Orange is the New Black, Boardwalk Empire and a whole bunch of pilots that you haven’t seen…yet. This year’s goal is to have a recurring role on a delicious show.

It’s been great to find a film community here in LA and I’m very proud of the films I’ve been a part of including: Snaggletooth, Her and Him, Isolations Creation, LEXI, Standdown, Fencesitters and Copper and Wool. All of these are, or soon will be, available to stream.

The common denominator to all of my acting work is characters who ‘feel too much, love too hard and will do just about anything to make you laugh,’ That’s my brand for sure. That’s me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of my college professors, David Gardiner, gave me this advice that I use consistently when I make acting choices, he said, “It is always more interesting not to be the victim.” That one comes in handy for life’s conundrums as well. Actor and director Chris Messina, imparted this direction gem, “lean back and give the audience some room to come to you.”

These two pieces of advice have consistently helped me when I’m at a crossroads or stuck in a rut. Don’t be a victim and leave some room. I hope they resonate with you too.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m a big believer that vulnerability is a super power. Being vulnerable is one of the bravest things you can do. Imagine how much more we could all learn from each other if we could just be open and available? My mission is to provide myself with the opportunity to do that on my jobs and be there for others so that can too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.susanlouiseoconnor.com
• Instagram: @susiesuperstar
• Youtube: @SusanLouiseOConnor
• Other: IMDB: imdb.me/susanlouiseoconnor

Image Credits
Yves Bright Robert J. Saferstein Jon Gitchoff Estelle Massry