Meet Stephen Marcus from London who moved to LA 2 months ago with my wife Sarah Nelson to pursue his acting career.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
It’s the mecca for actors, If you want to make it internationally then you come here. Although that is changing with the advent of the digital age and smartphone cameras. Self-taped auditions are being used more often which can be done from anywhere in the world. However not everywhere has this beautiful weather.
What do you miss most from home?
Actually I miss Christmas. Because of the sunshine, it doesn’t feel like Christmas here. Christmas should have snow and be freezing with slush outside and wet feet….not Birkenstocks, shorts and sunscreen.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
I’ve been coming back and forth to L.A. for many years and my impression has always been the crazy people, particularly on Venice Beach, the amazing sunsets and the never-ending commercials on TV. None of that has changed. The crazies on Venice Beach are still there and most are still the same people. Sunsets – same. Commercials – enough said.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
Driving. In London you don’t need to drive anywhere, thanks to the transport system. In L.A. you have to drive everywhere even to get a roll of loo paper. LA: have you never heard of a corner shop?
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
If I share it with you it will no longer be a hidden gem. I’m sure everyone has heard of the Aroma Cafe on Tujunga in Studio City. It has to be my favourite cafe, don’t try the bread pudding or you’ll never eat it anywhere else again.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do it. You don’t want to be sitting in the retirement home saying “what if?”
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?
Always wear pants.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
I have written a book called Have A Butchers – The Making of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. It’s just been released in the UK on sale at Waterstones and WH Smiths travel, so you can get it at the airport. It’s also online and Amazon will ship to USA. It’s coming out here in February and will be in Barnes and Noble etc. I’ve also got a film coming out on March 9th, called Walk Like a Panther, a comedy about Old 80s wrestlers making a comeback. You can follow me on Twitter @smarticus62 or on Instagram – smarticus62
