The Schmooze: Catching up with Adam Shapiro

(Photo credit: Emily Sandifer)

When Adam Shapiro moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, he soon felt “this ticking clock of when I needed to get home for a Philly pretzel,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. 

The Philadelphia native had grown up eating soft pretzels. When the COVID pandemic shut Hollywood down in 2020, Shapiro’s craving for Philly-style pretzels became so great that he took matters into his own hands. He spent months perfecting his pretzel recipe. When his wife, actress Katie Lowes, offered a taste to Ryan Seacrest while guest-hosting Live With Kelly & Ryan, Seacrest deemed it the best pretzel he’d ever had. On that day, Shappy Pretzel Co. was born. 

Shapiro started selling pretzels from his L.A. driveway, and eventually sold them in cafés, pop- ups, and bakeries. Eventually, they were even handed out to every guest at the 2023 Oscars. 

Prior to his foray into the pretzel industry, Shapiro’s acting career has spanned film, television, and the stage. He has appeared in the hit TV shows The Bear and Never Have I Ever (as “Mr. Shapiro”), and the critically acclaimed bio-pics Steve Jobs and Mank. He is also a co-founder of Los Angeles’ celebrated IAMA Theatre Company. 

What was the last book you read? 

Elmo Goes Potty. I’ve read it almost every night for the past year. It gets better with each read. Both of my kids are potty trained, but my four-year-old, Vera, just loves the book. Fun fact: my seven-year-old is named Albee and, in the book, Elmo’s cousin is also named Albee. 

What’s your all-time favorite movie? 

As a Hollywood actor, I’d like to pick a fancy movie that has really good camera work or lots of Academy Awards or whatever. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say My Cousin Vinny. I could watch that movie every day. Actually, come to think of it, Tomei did win an Academy Award for it. Pesci was robbed. 

What’s your favorite Jewish food? 

Tough question. My Grandma Elsie made it all, and it was always amazing. With a grogger to my ear, I’d have to go with potato latkes, but they have to be thin and crispy— with little perfectly browned spider leg-like crispy potato strands sticking out all over the place. I was actually the major of the Green Latkes color war team at Camp Harlam in 1997. It’s been all downhill from that moment. 

What are you listening to these days? 

When my kids let me listen to anything other than the “Steve’s Lava Chicken” song, I usually throw on my favorite band, Dawes. 

Who was the last person you texted on your phone? 

My wife, Katie. 

If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be? 

Nick Foles, the quarterback of the first Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champions. That’s a no- brainer. Then, Brian Stokes Mitchell because I’d love to hear some Broadway stories during dinner. And then there’s got to be some guitars and songs after dinner, so let’s throw out an invite to Brandi Carlisle. 

If you could have any other occupation, what would it be? 

I’m kind of doing it already! I started Shappy Pretzel Co. out in L.A. during the COVID lockdown in 2020. We’re going on five years, and have baked hundreds of thousands of soft pretzels. I’ve never had more fun doing anything else in my life. The acting thing pays the bills, but the pretzels feed the soul. 

Who are two of your biggest role models? 

My parents, of course. They are the greatest in every way. And I have the coolest possible mentor in the history of mentors: Henry Winkler. We met on a film set about 13 years ago, and I never let him go. My first phone call when I need advice, but it’s the long catch-up fried chicken lunch dates where I learn the most. He’s a legend, and the absolute nicest, most thoughtful person I’ve met in this industry. I have no idea when I’m actually going to grow up, but when I do, I want to be just like him. 

What are you currently binging on TV? 

Love on The Spectrum. It’s like my heart is going to burst out of my chest during each and every episode. 

If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be? 

You’re enough.