EXCLUSIVE: Finding Success in Hollywood at 55
Exclusive Interview With Actress And Women’s Empowerment Entrepreneur Alison Chace On Finding Success In Hollywood At 55
As a latchkey kid in the ‘70s, Alison Chace’s babysitter was TV. The Brady Bunch, Little House on the Prairie, Charlie’s Angels; she dreamed about acting while watching those classic shows. Her first audition was at age 12, for Kentucky Fried Chicken. She recited her one line no fewer than 200 times, and remembers it to this day: “Plus the Colonel’s new and tasty coleslaw!”
Alas, Kentucky Fried Chicken wasn’t the springboard for Alison’s career. But she didn’t give up. She crafted comedy skits with her cousins, acted out one-girl shows in her living room for passing cars, and landed the memorable role as the Queen of Hearts in a school play. After majoring in English at UCLA, she had two sons, Callum and Finn. She kept acting, but sought out mom-friendly gigs — commercials, voiceovers, hosting — stuff that didn’t require jet-setting away from the kids for weeks. Right after her oldest left for college in 2019, she dipped her toe into film and TV, and landed roles in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Succession.” But the pandemic threw her another curveball. The studios hit pause in 2020, and when they hit play again, it seemed like every seasoned actor wanted those ‘five lines and under’ roles she was gunning for.
But Alison’s no stranger to hard work, and she refused to be daunted. She directed an award-winning documentary, “Under The Same Sky,” featuring women from China to the Netherlands to Mexico sharing their wisdom on everything from sex to self-doubt to race to love. She also cultivated Pink Wisdom, an online inspirational community for women. And she started garnering credits in shows like “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” “Dear Edward,” and “Law & Order.”
Now, riding high on the heels of three successive bookings, Alison is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She’s just been cast in “Rancho Humilde’s Cosa de la Clika,” “Continental Split,” and “The Gringo Hunters.”
Hi Alison and welcome to OLC! You’ve got a lot going on; let’s start with your role in Cosa de la Clika. Can you share your experience working on the show?
Hi there OLC! Of course! “Rancho Humilde’s Cosa de la Clika” was a tantalizing collaboration with Rapper Master P and Mexican sensation Jaydee. I donned the high-powered heels of a lawyer ensnared in a web of cartel connections. It was a thrilling role and added a whole new layer to my expanding repertoire.
And how about “Continental Split?” Aren’t the same people behind Sharknado backing it?
They sure are. “Continental Split” is being brought to life by the ingenious minds at The Asylum and is helmed by indie darling Nick Lyons. I’m taking on the role of Governor Barber, the antagonist who brushes off an earthquake disaster. I describe it as a cinematic rollercoaster, and it was fun to play the villain.
Tell us about your role in “The Gringo Hunters.” What’s the story behind the show?
“The Gringo Hunters” It’s produced and directed by some of Hollywood’s best. Unfolding in the vibrant streets of Mexico City, this promising venture will highlight an elite Mexican police unit hunting fugitives, based on a Washington Post article. It’ll be filmed in Tijuana and Mexico City, and I’m so looking forward to being on set.
You’re chasing success in Hollywood at the vibrant age of 55. Can you tell us what that’s like?
I’m just like fine wine — I get better with time! Just like life experience adds richness to our personal stories. I like to say I’m finding success fashionably late. Although starting this whole acting thing late in the game may be my biggest challenge, it’s also what sets me apart.
You’ve said Carol Burnett is one of your heroes, and you bring humor and a lighthearted spirit to so much of your work. And I hear you’ve got a comedy project going?
Sure do! I launched a comedy enterprise called The Dinger to create original entertainment content. The name was inspired by my grandmother, Corola Pulley, who often said, “That puts the dinger on it!” to describe that little extra detail transforming something from good to great. We have three generations, from Gen X to Gen Z, working to harness the power of humor for individuals and brands, and we love featuring not-yet-discovered comedic talent.
Besides acting, you’re a trailblazer in online spaces for women. Tell us more about Pink Wisdom and your journey to create community online.?
My journey started with my website Wake Up To A Breakup, all the way back in 2009. It was an online Today Show for all things relationships. With acting — and, okay, with life — I’d gone through more than my fair share of rejection, and I thought, who better than me to walk the jilted, dumped, and two-timed through the Valley of Forlornity and deliver them to the other side? Although I started the website to help others, it changed my life. I realized I loved hearing from relationship experts, and so I evolved the project into Pink Wisdom, bringing together all-star women to share what they’ve learned about relationships and careers. On Pink Wisdom, women seeking more fulfillment can watch short videos from filmmakers to lightworkers to CEOs to seduction teachers to therapists. I’ve created Pink Wisdom to be a beacon of positivity in the entertainment industry. Empowerment with a side of giggles — that’s the secret sauce.
So I’m guessing your app Pink Kisses is a play on Pink Wisdom?
You could say that, yes! Pink Kisses is a daily affirmation app with a flirty twist: you get to choose the name of the person sending you a sweet message every day. I like to say it’s a smooch for your screen. Pink Kisses is a digital form of self-care, and you know what, Pink Wisdom is too.
Somehow, these projects aren’t all that’s on your plate. I’ve heard rumors of a new studio in the works?
The rumors are true! I just co-founded a full-scale independent studio, LMC Productions. Think Hello Sunshine vibes, but we’re just planting seeds right now. I’ll be able to continue my work of boosting women’s stories with LMC Productions, and I’m so thrilled about all we have planned. Stay tuned!
What do you do in your spare time? (Wait, do you have spare time?)
If you can believe it…sometimes! I love listening to live music. I’m also passionate about exploring spiritual growth.