Describe your path up to what you’re doing now.
When I was three years old I put my hand over the TV set and declared, “I’m going to be on the TV.” I eventually made that happen as an actress by force of will. I came into this world determined to create a creative life. These days I spend writing, creating art, and auditioning for voiceovers and other TV/Film work. 

How did your childhood influence your ideas and what you do now?
My parents were well into middle age when they had me (which back then was unusual) so they were very relaxed and confident parents. I had two older half-brothers and we all had an enormous amount of freedom. My parents gave me the space to be myself while at the same time making me feel safe and loved. I was very lucky. This space to be me fostered a great trust in myself from an early age. 

Did you or do you have a mentor? Who was it and how did they inspire you?

My mom is the most unique person I have ever known. Maybe you’ve noticed I write about her a lot. She was confident and funny and lived life on her terms always. She was my life mentor.

Where were you born?
Hollywood, California. 

Where do you live now? If there is a change of location what caused it. Can you share?
I’ve lived all around Los Angeles but apparently, I was meant to be back in the city I was born in for now. I live in Hollywood, California. 

Was there a point in your life when you decided to take a big risk to move forward?
I guess I decided late in life to become a professional visual artist but I don’t know, I don’t think like that. I go with the flow of my life and all of life, for all of us, is a risk. 

Do you feel a responsibility to contribute to something bigger than yourself and what do you hope to contribute?
I feel a strong desire more than a responsibility. I want what I create to affect people. I want to encourage and inspire people to explore their creativity and to love themselves. That’s the theme of my life, I think. I have a few courses on the subject. They can be found at my main link.

Are you satisfied creatively? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I am! I see myself with more skills, creatively speaking. I see myself in the home closer to the ocean with the love of my life (my husband) a couple of adorable dogs and a newfound huge success as a writer, artist, and actress. I see myself in a position to help others reach their dreams. 

If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?
I would have invested the money I made when I had a TV show back in the 1990s. (apple stock?! 🙂 I would have never sent that one letter to my best friend that ruined our friendship. 

Are your friends and family supportive of what you do? And why?
Yes, so much! I mean, I had one brother who loved showing me off, “This is my sister! She’s on TV!!!” He’s no longer with us and the other brother was never that interested in my work but I think he loves me anyway. My parents were/are my biggest fans. Friends, that’s a tough one… I know my long-time, lifelong pals are proud of me but there have been some less supportive ones. What can you do? I can only do what I do. 

How does where you live to impact your creativity?
Hollywood – where you can do and be anything. I’d say hugely. If I had been born elsewhere I probably would have found my way here. 

If you could give one piece of advice to another creative starting out what would it be?
Your love of self and belief in what you have to offer needs to be bulletproof. You must trust yourself beyond all reason and doubt. Remind yourself, there’s never been another you. The world needs you. Listen to your voice – make it be the loudest voice in your mind.

How do you keep learning new things?
I devour books on whatever I’m trying to learn. I watch youtube videos, I find communities online. I’ll read a fiction book if the main character does something I’m wanting to learn. I’ll watch documentaries. I become a tad obsessed – but I learn quickly if I’m interested. That’s key. 

All right, what does a typical day look like for you?
Yoga and meditation. Workout (I do a VR workout these days. So fun!) Coffee, email, socials… then, it depends on what I’m working on. If I’m in the middle of writing a book or a screenplay, I put in time there. If I’ve been hired for something with a deadline, that comes first. Auditions come in during the day and they have deadlines, so I do that. 

My husband is also an actor so when he has an audition I help him rehearse and tape that. Otherwise, I’m creating art, and updating my Etsy shop, Facebook shop, and Art website. 

Writing on Medium. Reading on Medium. Attending Zoom webinars and online classes for whatever I’m trying to learn. My husband and I go for rides on our motorcycle, I study Italian on the back of the bike… there are no typical days. Just days with another opportunity to create something. 

Favorite foods?
I’m a lifelong health nut. I know, very California of me. 🙂 Artichokes, Avocados, Sushi.

Do you have a favorite book?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.

Do you have any favorite movies?
Harold and Maude.

Current album on repeat?
Such Pretty Forks in the Road – Alanis Morissette and her brother’s album 

Last question. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
I would like to leave behind stories, in my art, books films, poetry… stories that have resonated with people, stories that have made them feel understood, more alive, stories that filled them up with love and humor that ignited a spark that filled them up with the thought of how grand this life can be. 

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Annie Wood / I’m a Hollywood native, daughter of a wildly unique Israeli mother, and dry-humored American playwright father. I’m an author, filmmaker, actress, and internationally exhibited artist… I was the host and co-producer of the nationally syndicated dating game show, BZZZ! making me the 3rd female solo dating game show host in the history of television! I write heartfelt dramedy features about characters finding their unique way in the world. I paint and draw daily and I aspire to inspire. You can sign up for my newsletter, What I Liked and Made, where I share entertainment recommendations along with my work, find my Etsy shop, more art, my book, all my socials, and my more writing by following this link: https://linktr.ee/anniewood

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