Abby Wathen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Abby , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I love this question. I love talking about “joy.” I am always asking my friends “but did it bring you joy?” Which probably annoys them. I love that word. So many things bring me joy. My family, my husband, my kids, friends, really good tv shows, movies. I recently have gone back to my meditation practice and I just find it so calming and grounding. I feel like my world opens up when I am in joy and meditation really helps with that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Abby Wathen. I am an actor, writer and producer. I’m a wife and a mom. Recently I have been stepping into the producing side of things. I have a TV show in the beginning stages that I am super excited about. I am working with a team out of Nashville and its all coming together and happening a lot faster then I thought it would. It’s been really fun diving into that side of the industry. My first love is acting but in this day and age you have to start making your own projects and stop waiting for the phone to ring. Its been hard since covid and then the strikes to find my footing, which I know the whole city can relate to. I did recently get to work with Adrienne King (Friday the 13th) the OG “final girl” on a film called “Creep it reel.” It’s a fun thriller that will premier Halloween 2026. I also have a film called “Floored” directed by Emily Alpren and Marchelle Bradanini hitting the festival circuit soon! This was an ensemble cast that starred comedic geniuses Trilby Glover, Jocelyn DeBoer, Renee Threatte, myself and Mara Wilson. I loved working on this mostly female cast and crew dark comedy! Lastly David Schilling just wrote and directed a short called “Can’t Float” that will also be released soon. I was so thrilled to work with comedian Baron Vaughn, he’s hilarious!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I decided to drop out of college ( positive role model, I know) and move to New York. I was studying theater at the University of Kentucky and felt very stuck. I grew up in Kentucky and Ohio but never felt I belonged there. So after a year of playing it what I considered “safe” I decided to really take a chance on me. I had never been to NY but I found a sublet from a friend of a friend, packed a bag and hopped on a plane. My first audition was with Judy Wilson for All my Children, and a year later I booked my first big gig on that show as one of the “Colby Chandler’s”. Mark Schlegel my very first agent, took a chance on me and I signed with him at APA. Mark was wonderful. Unfortunately he has since passed but I will always love him for really taking a chance on me. So the question, . . I felt so powerful really taking a bet on my career and moving to New York. I remember deciding this is my life and I have to do this now.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust yourself, You are enough!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think this is a really important question. There is so much pressure with social media. The filters, the glitz and glam. My husband and I talk about this a lot. I try to stay very true to what and who I am on social media. I also do not use it as a diary. There are some things and days that I dont wish to share. But I don’t use filters and am a pretty open book when it comes to the public version of me. I am raising two little girls and I know the importance of truth and self acceptance. I really want them to feel like they can take up space and be who they are. I also know that is a reflection of how I have to model myself. Kids are smart and know when you are bullshitting!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Letting fear hold me back from saying yes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: abbywathen
- Facebook: abbywathen
Image Credits
Amanda Rowan
Mendy Cole Walsh
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