The Unexpected (and Rewarding) Journey of a Later-Life Actress

Episode description:  

When we think about the career track of actresses today, we often envision a challenging path, auditioning for myriad jobs, hoping for breaks, and meeting the right director—but more often than not, working as a restaurant server or in some other temporary job to pay the rent. That’s not how Judi Allaire started her acting career. In today’s episode, Judi tells her singular journey as an actor, after starting out in the fashion business, then founding a women’s sportswear chain, then owning a Long Island winery, and now garnering multiple roles in film and TV. She’s talk about what it’s like behind-the-scenes of movie-making, what she learned from her various career “reinventions,” and what she discovered about relationships—and herself—along the way. Judi’s story is refreshing, honest and inspiring for many of us looking for renewed purpose and challenges, no matter what our age.

Guest description:

Judi Allaire became an actress after a varied, eclectic career, starting out in a training program at Bloomingdale’s Department Store. Working her way up to buyer, she eventually founded her own retail business in women’s sportswear, starting with one store and growing it into a chain.  After many years she sold the business and along with her husband she bought a winery on the North Fork of Long Island. She managed that business for 10 years, sold it and got divorced. Looking around for what to do next (she felt she was “past her prime” in terms of professional jobs but too young to retire), she signed up for background work in TV and movies at the suggestion of an acquaintance. She was cast in a movie, “Non Stop,” which ended up creating long-time friendships and put her on a career path and a passion that continues today.

Contact:  judiaallaire@icloud.com

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