MEET JACKIE MELLOR-GUIN from Rhos On Sea, North Wales. Shen moved to the USA 23 years ago and made the move from Dallas, Texas to LA 17 years ago to pursue her writing/acting career. (Crikey that went quick!)
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I hail from North Wales, English by birth, Welsh by Nature. Avid cyclist. I write and produce children’s shows for Theatre Britain, a non-profit theatre company based in Dallas. I am still the chair and write new plays and adaptations of fairy tales for our yearly pantomime. We have a great following in Dallas. You can learn more about them by visiting their website at www.theatre-britain.com. They are currently performing Old Time Music Hall, devised by Sue Birch, another Brit.
We also do other British plays during the year, but hire the most suitable actor. You do not have to be a Brit, just a good actor! I also help our local arts council here in my hometown, by putting on our pantos to raise money for other children/adult programmes.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA ?
I suppose the same as everyone. We dream, we yearn, so you follow that dream. I sold my house in Dallas, threw the dog in the car, put my foot down, and here I landed.
What do you hope to achieve by living in Los Angeles?
I am blessed to have achieved so much already. I was lucky enough to be cast in a play within two weeks of being here with two well-known actors. Then came an international commercial. All the while I continued to be a full-time realtor while writing and acting. I got married, raised three stepchildren and dogs galore.
What one thing do you miss from home?
There isn’t just one thing is there? But the one that pangs the heartstrings most is our humour. Spelt correctly of course!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus the UK?
I believe our hard work pays off here. There is no way I would have what I have here if I had stayed in the UK. The weather isn’t bad either!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I don’t think its hidden, but if you don’t know about Newhall Refinery (owned by a fellow Brit) well worth the drive for their micro beers and shaved beef and chips (our chips).
Where can people find you in the social media sphere?
Visit my face book page via this link: www.facebook.com/housevalue
