I found myself walking up a tree lined Echo Park neighborhood street, just up the way from trendy little cafes, novelty nooks, and the famously chic Eastside Sunset Blvd. I knew Jami Rudofsky‘s address; however, I managed to pass it twice. Then lucky for me, a sweet voice. It belonged to a woman behind a picket fence holding a garden rack in one hand and waving in circles with the other hand, sorta guiding me into her yard, as if she were an air traffic controller at LAX. “You must be Glenn,” she said as more of a statement rather than a question. “I had looked you up,” she continued. I knew this was going to be a fun interview.
Glenn
How long have you lived in Los Angeles?
Jami
25 years
G
What brought you to Los Angeles’ Eastside?
J
I was in the market to buy a house and a friend told me about a house for sale in the area. I had only been to Echo Park a couple times before when I was visiting Eric Garcetti and his wife. I fell in love with the house and the eclectic neighborhood.
G
What are your thoughts on how Echo Park’s changing?
J
I believe change is always good. While great new restaurants and shops are opening up, it’s still nice to have the old school staples.
G
Why do you like living/working in this community?
J
I love Echo Park, mostly because of how eclectic the area and the people are. I love that I still have neighbors who have been living here for over 20-30 years, but it’s also nice to have the influx of younger families.
G
I know you’re a homeowner. Tell me more about your home buying rollercoaster ride?
J
Well, I wasn’t even looking to buy in this area, but I was lucky that a developer friend of mine knew a woman selling a house. This was 9 years ago. I checked out the house when it was being redone and wasn’t sold on it than but 6 months later the owner reached out to me and asked me to come back and take another look at the finished product. I was sold.
We negotiated ourselves, which was difficult, but in the end it all worked out. Then my job ended, the writer’s strike happened and the recession hit. I almost lost my house but I fought like hell to get a loan modification and to get back on my feet financially.
It took 2 years to get the loan modification and then I was lucky enough to be one of the homeowners who benefited from the lawsuit between the Federal Government and the bank my loan was with.
Several years ago I was under water and about to loss my house, now as the community and the economy has bounced back, I now have great equity! Buying this house was the best investment I could have made.
G
That’s an amazing story. Good for you! What are some of your favorite local spots for dining and relaxing?
J
I love Woodcat Coffee, and going to Echo Lake. The Park on Douglas is a wonderful gem of a restaurant that has managed to keep it’s neighborhood charm. And of course Guisados! Also love being able to walk the dogs on the trails in Elysian Park (which by the way I had no idea was there when I moved into the house.) Shows you how little I knew about the area. My favorite stores are the small boutiques like Eva Franco, and Blue Collar Pet Store (which I have watched flourish and grow from day one).
G
What got you into casting for television and film?
J
I thought I wanted to be an actress so I came out to study theatre at UCLA. About halfway through the program I realized I was much more interested in everything else, lighting, stage managing, props. So being the type A personality that I am, I had to change gears and I thought Casting would be perfect for me. So I got an internship when I was a junior and I have never stopped!
G
Remind me the shows you’re casting now?
J
Gilmore Girls (redux) for Netflix and Masters of Sex.
G
Tell me more about the television shows you cast and a memorable Hollywood casting story I wouldn’t read about anywhere else.
J
I have been lucky to work on great shows, The Practice, Felicity, Gilmore Girls, and Masters of Sex. One summer when I was on haitus from Gilmore Girls I traveled to Argentina with a friend. We were taking a domestic flight within Argentina and as always I was checking out all the people coming onto the flight. At the very end of boarding a young guy came running on with a young woman speaking Spanish. I loved his look, big afro like hair and a sweet smile. All I was thinking was that he would be someone I would want to cast.
He ended up sitting in our row and immediately struck up a conversation with my friend, in English. Turns out he was American and was visiting his sister who was studying in Buenos Aires. We find out he is also from LA and he is an actor. My friend pinched my arm because what she was thinking was, “You can never get away from Actors no matter where you go”. I didn’t mention for a long time what I did for a living but eventually it came out.
I kept his name in my head. When we started up the season of Gilmore Girls, I remembered him and brought him in to audition. I didn’t say anything to the producers about how I met him and I didn’t even know if he was good. Well, turns out he was good and still is. He booked the part and ended up recurring on the show.
G
What advice would you give the inspiring actor fresh off the boat in Los Angeles?
J
Believe in yourself. Find a class to get into as soon as possible. Start to build a community of friends and a support system. And while you are working hard on your career, also remember to do things not related to the industry. Volunteer, explore, and have fun, it will only help you to become a stronger person. And you have to be a strong person to survive in this town!
G
I understand you’re involved in an animal rescue. Tell me more.
J
I met a woman at an official dog park 14 1/2 years ago. Our dogs were both puppies and running around like crazy. She had just started rescuing animals from South LA. We developed an amazing relationship and as she became more passionate about rescuing animals she decided to become a non-profit called The Rescue Train. She immediately asked me to become a board member. Since then we have saved thousands of animals, we have been hosting a huge fundraiser called Race For The Rescues for 10 years at The Rose Bowl and now we have started a program called the Shelter Intervention Program. We also ran a couple of free spay and neuter clinics in Echo Park. The Rescue Train and the amazing people who are a part of the team are a huge part of my life. And ultimately, I wouldn’t know half of my neighbors if it weren’t for their pets!
G
Last question. You mentioned a baby could be in your near future. How exciting is that?
J
Well, exciting and scary being a single woman. But it seems like the natural step for me in my life. I obviously have a thing for helping those in need. There is a huge need for foster families in Los Angeles and so I decided to try that route and I am going to Foster to Adopt though DCFS. It’s been quite a process. I’m hoping in 2016 that I will welcome a new little package into my home, and I will be proud to raise that child in Echo Park!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KUTvzcq2-w
