Gina Gershon

I was born in the San Fernando Valley. So I guess that makes me an official valley girl. I always wanted to be an actress, so I started doing plays at 14… “Bye Bye Birdie” to be exact. Even though I wanted to play Conrad Birdie (because he reminded me of Elvis Presley) they cast me as Rosie, the female lead.

When not acting, I guess I was acting up, so my parents moved me to the city – Beverly Hills: movie stars, palm trees, and everything! After I graduated high school I moved to Boston, where I landed a part in the musical, “Runaways” (appropriate), but soon I decided I wanted to study at NYU. I packed up and moved to the Big Apple.

Even though I always wanted to act and sing, at school I studied philosophy and psychology. During this time I became friends with a bunch of people with whom I would eventually form the very groovy New York theater group, Naked Angels. Those were the innocent days. Playing baseball, doing plays, and drinking all night. Eventually I had to start doing films to support my theater habit, so, I went on some auditions, began landing jobs, and started paying my rent.

One of my first gigs, a movie called “Cocktail”, I found myself at 8 in the morning, in bed, practically naked, having to make out with Tom Cruise… hmmmm… movie business – so far, so good. Following that I was fortunate enough to play many diversified roles in film, television, and stage. Not always to the liking of my managers and agents, but I always did what I wanted (check out Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, although I do love Sid Vicious’ version as well).

Photo: Joan MarcusOne of my favorite jobs was when I did Sam Mendes’ Cabaret on Broadway. Not only was Sally Bowles an awesome role, it led me back to one of my first loves – singing. Because of Cabaret I was offered the part of a punk rock singer in Prey for Rock and Roll. I started playing guitar again, writing songs, and eventually going on tour with the band, Girls Against Boys, to promote the movie. That tour is documented in the IFC documentary, Rocked (a must see!). Ever since then I haven’t been able to stop writing and playing my music. I’m working on a record now. It will be finished soon.

Obviously I am still acting… Basically I do whatever makes me happy.

The end for now.

-Gina Gershon