Eps 20: Rachel Bloom: From Viral Video to “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, “Reboot”, “Frasier”, and a Netflix Special

Who knew that wanting to f*** Ray Bradbury would get you into Hollywood’s most coveted rooms? A Tisch graduate, actor and writer Rachel Bloom shares her journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her early career milestones, including how she got her SAG card through various voiceover and commercial gigs. She and Colleen talk about transitioning from a musical theater program to on-camera acting, and how early struggles with auditioning and agency interviews led to her first representation through a connection at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Rachel gets real about her nontraditional career path, and how one music video changed the trajectory of her career and led her to create shows like “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She talks about the challenges and realizations in auditioning, the importance of being true to oneself in the industry, and gives a sneak peak into her upcoming guest star role on Frasier Season 2 Episode 5 (airing Oct 10th) and her Netflix special, ‘Death Let Me Do My Show’ (premiering on Oct 15). You will leave this episode inspired to embrace your own unique path in this industry, and that fart jokes are always funny.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Rachel’s Journey to Getting Her SAG Card

03:07 — Early Career Struggles and First Reps

05:41 — Breakthrough with Viral Music Video and “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”

07:37 — Auditioning Insights and Techniques

17:59 — Creating and Collaborating in Comedy

20:45 — The Humbling Experience of Acting Classes

21:16 — “Reboot” and the Art of Comedy

21:59 — The Challenges of TV Show Cancellations

22:57 — Improvisation and Scripted Comedy

25:32 — Filming in Front of a Live Studio Audience for “Frasier”

28:44 — The Journey of Creating a Netflix Special