MAKING IT

Everyday, artists travel in flocks from all over the world to Los Angeles in hopes of pursuing a career in their craft. Among these artists, a large majority are aspiring actors, who are willing to risk it all in exchange for the slim chance of “making their big break” among the other thousands in the industry. In 1996, Kerri Pomarolli was one of those actors, who came to Los Angeles with a dream, and has since lived to tell the tale of success. 

Kerri Pomarolli, a stand-up comedian and actress, was born in Dearborn, Michigan and raised an artist. Her mother, enrolling her in dance classes at a theatre company at a young age, was only the start of her life as an entertainer. What began as a hobby eventually turned into her lifelong career. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Kerri made the move to Los Angeles where she would pursue a career in acting. Since that day, Kerri has remained here ever since and continues to live her dream – she lives to tell her tale.

 To this day, Kerri has since been in over 75 stage productions, had reoccurring roles on shows like General Hospital and The Young and the Restless, has toured with Off-Broadway productions, published 4 books, and made 29 appearances on The Tonight Show, in addition to touring with many famous artists, among the likes of Sherri Shephard from The View, Candace Cameron Bure, Jim Carey, Carol Channing, among others. Although still a full-time stand up comedian and motivational speaker, Kerri has stepped partially back from the industry as she raises her two young girls, Lucy and Ruby with her husband Ron.

Kerri’s personal journey as “an aspiring actress” living in Los Angeles is significant as it is evident that the authentic passion she has for her craft not only qualifies her as a fair representative of the subculture but also as a tool for comparison in the discussion of genuinity. Based upon this interview, the major themes gathered in defining aspiring actor culture were that one must have immense passion for the art with little interest for a steady income, an affirmative attitude in the midst of rejection and competition, and lastly a balance of self-worth in the midst of temptations of “the scene,” specifically in regards to promiscuity and superficiality.