10 Things about Allison Munn
You’ve been acting for quite some time. How did you initially get your start into this business?
I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina where there was no real opportunity to acting professionally. I started acting in local theater productions and then majored in theater at The College of Charleston. I started working professionally at various summer stock theaters during my summer breaks and moved to New York after graduation to pursue a full-time acting career where I was lucky enough to land a dream role in the off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks. After performing in over 500 shows, I moved to Los Angeles & started working in TV.
Are the reasons that you initially got into the business the same priorities you have today or have they changed in some ways?
I originally dreamed of becoming a professional actor so I could spend my time being creative, hanging out with fun people, and making people laugh. And, those are the exact same reasons that I’m still acting today. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love in a business that has always inspired me.
Your resume highlights some major projects that you’ve been a part of which include “What I Like About You”, “That ‘70s Show”, and “One Tree Hill”. What are some of the most memorable moments from working on those sets?
Wow – there have been so many memorable moments. “That ’70s Show” was my first real TV job in Los Angeles. I had just moved to town and I remember the cast being so welcoming. After live audience tapings, we’d hang out in our dressing rooms or go bowling. They were really kind to me.
My main memories of “What I like About You” also tend to revolve around show nights. We had a live audience with a DJ and a comedian to help get the crowd warmed up. It was a party every Friday night. After the show was shot, we’d sit around with the crew and play poker for hours. It was a blast.
My most memorable episode of “One Tree Hill” was the one we shot in Puerto Rico. We were all staying at this beautiful resort, shooting during the day and hanging out at night. I had JUST found out I was pregnant and had a very hard time keeping it a secret when everyone was in the jacuzzi, going horseback riding or having wine. Luckily, my husband was there with me so I could just hand him my drink. Poor thing drank a BUNCH of wine on that trip. Haha.
Currently you’re on the Netflix series, “The Big Show Show”. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you decide to be a part of it?
I was sent the script for “The Big Show Show” and when I sat down to read it, I wasn’t expecting for it to be so funny. I read a lot of scripts in this genre and while they’re always cute, they rarely make me actually laugh. The script for “The Big Show Show” was smart and edgy and genuinely had me laughing out loud. The writers, Josh Bycel and Jason Berger, struck the perfect offbeat tone for what could’ve been a typical family show. They did a great job of writing storylines that will appeal to adults as well as storylines for the kids – it’s a true family comedy that everyone in the family will love. I can’t wait for you guys to see it.
On the show, you play the role of Cassy. What can you tell us about her personality and what you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
Cassy is so cool. She’s a wonderful mom who genuinely gets a kick out of her kids. At the same time, she’s a successful and competitive career woman with big dreams. One of my favorite things about Cassy is her relationship with her 7 foot tall, 400 pound husband. They adore each other and that’s refreshing to see when so many sitcoms portray the husband & wife as bickering eye-rollers.
What can you share with us about what viewers can expect to see from Cassy and the rest of the cast in this first season?
Well, the series begins when Lola, Big Show’s teenage daughter from a prior marriage, comes to live with him, his wife Cassy (me!), and their two daughters. In this house full of women, Big Show quickly becomes outnumbered and outsmarted. Throughout the first season, we’ll see Big Show figure out exactly what a post-wrestling life looks like and we’ll see Cassy finally chase her real-estate dreams, now that her husband is back home and can share in the parenting duties. There will be heartfelt moments, some exciting guest stars and a bunch of laughs.
We know that you have a history on Broadway. Are there any plans in the near future to return back on stage?
Ahhhhh – musical theater is my first love and it’s something I’m dying to get back to. Since I moved to LA, I’ve had a few situations where I was close to getting a Broadway show and every single time – a job prevented me from getting it. Maybe that’s the universe saying I should stay in sunny California, but I often daydream about doing New York theater again. It’s definitely still on my bucket list.
If you weren’t working as an actress, what career type would you want to explore instead?
I would love to direct multi-camera comedies. I’ve been fortunate to work with some really great directors and I’m always watching and learning from them.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I like feminine designers like Dôen, Rachel Pally, Ulla Johnson and Clare Vivier. But, if you look in my closet, it’s mostly Madewell because I dislike shopping and prefer to get it over as quickly as possible. Haha.
We look forward to seeing you on “The Big Show Show”. What other projects do you have coming up?
I’m working on a fun project that hasn’t been announced yet but until then, I’m really excited for everyone to see “The Big Show Show”, which will be out before you know it, on Netflix.
Twitter: @AllisonMunn
Instagram: @AllisonMunn
Photos: Ryan West Photo