Meet Serena Scott Thomas, from London and Dorset, who moved to LA 24 years ago
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
For my work
What do you miss most from home?
The green rolling countryside, my family and old and beautiful buildings.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
When I first arrived I loved Los Angeles. I found it exciting, dynamic and it really was a very happy place for me – plus sunshine always makes me happy. Yes! It has changed. Now I just find it stressful. Perhaps I’m just too old for it 🙂 I do think it’s a young people’s town.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus England?
Here there is a lack of respect for all sorts of things that really matter to me and this becomes clearer to me as the years go by. Everything is disposable – Buildings, marriages, friendships, houses, cars, furniture…it’s turn and burn. It’s as if our whole environment is a movie set. I find that very difficult. I love old buildings, I treasure my old friendships, I hate seeing trees cut down and countryside developed.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
The Ahmanson Ranch in the West Valley. Miles and miles of Open Space Preserve – beautiful, unspoiled countryside.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Bring buckets of lotion with which to moisturize your very thick skin!
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t believe that you have to live “on the Westside” – there is life on the other side of the mountains!
How can we find out more about you and Are you working on anything at the moment?
I am appearing in the play Two Fisted Love at the Odyssey Theater, which opened February 10th. www.twofistedlove.com or find me on twitter @serenast09
