All good things must come to an end. As schedules have gotten busier (this is a good thing), I’ve decided it’s time to wrap up The Hollywood Mamalogues. I need the time to focus on my own projects and career development, the constant demands of Aubrey’s growing career and, not to mention, all of that laundry. Someone really needs to get on that.
As of this final post, Modern Family has just wrapped production on Season 6, and Aubrey and I are on a more relaxed hiatus schedule until the end of August. In many ways, this is an easier time for us. Due to our homeschooling schedule, we are able to sleep in a little later and get work done when it’s most convenient for us. Our pets also certainly appreciate having us home more often.
Even though this is a more laid-back time of the year for us, I’ve found that it tends to be a very productive time. This is when we pursue the things we have been putting off during the production season because of our busy schedules. Aubrey reads books, attends skateboarding lessons, rides her pony and sees her friends. I get to read and write more, do more stand up, and I don’t have to cancel or reschedule auditions and meetings. Dare I say, we’ve become a little more like normal people? As much as we love Modern Family, we really love our hiatus. It’s when we both get a chance to recharge and really think about the future.
And what about that? The future. Our lifestyles don’t really allow us to plan for our futures. Rather, we think about it and prepare for various scenarios. I have no idea how many more seasons Modern Family will last. Obviously, this is a huge factor in what might happen in our futures. I also have no idea if Aubrey will want to continue screen acting after Modern Family ends. I know she’s definitely interested in stage acting and voice-over roles for animation. I could understand if she wanted to take a break from the grind of a weekly TV show, but she also doesn’t understand how hard it is to get steady work like that! Ah, to be a 2nd grader with one of the best jobs in town. Ultimately, it’s her decision, and I’m happy to support my daughter in what she chooses.
For myself, I have to admit that the last few years have been trying for me as an actor. I’ve been told more than a few times that I’m a “hard sell” as a 40-something Asian woman and that there aren’t a lot of roles out there for my type. It can be really discouraging, but everyone knows that rejection is a big part of this business. While my career has had more than its share of ups and downs, I’ve never considered throwing in the towel—at least not for more than a few hours.
I’m an underdog, and it suits me. From the day I was left as a newborn at a train station in Seoul, the odds were against me. I grew up in an all-white community, facing racism and cruelty. I’m an Asian American, female comedian, actor and a single-mother. Heck, I’m even left-handed. I’ve never been dealt an easy hand, and maybe it’s just in my blood to choose the path less traveled, but I like it.
So Aubrey and I both will continue to act, sing, create, perform, write and practice. We love this crazy life and it has served us well, so far. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you out there in the world somewhere, whether it’s on TV, stage, online or maybe at The American Girl Doll Store. Aubrey really likes that place.
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Photo courtesy of Joanna Degeneres
Amy Anderson is a Korean American adoptee, comedian and actress. She created and hosted the first Asian American standup showcase “ChopSchtick Comedy” at the Hollywood Improv. She has appeared on Comedy Central, VH1, AZN, and the Game Show Network. Her daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmons plays the role of Lily on the Emmy-winning show Modern Family.
You can read previous Mamalogues below:
1) Let Me Tell You My Stage Mom Story
2) We’re Homeschooling and It’s Totally Normal
3) Rejection
4) In Your Face
8) Awards Season and Mom Purse FTW
9) Mother-Daughter Pilot Season
10) Game Changer
