The Schmooze: May

Landing three hit shows in less than a decade’s time is sort of like Hollywood’s version of a unicorn. But actress Alison Brie is that unicorn. First, she starred in the celebrated `60s-era drama Mad Men , then the hit sitcom Community , followed by GLOW , which pulls back the curtain on the world of women’s professional wrestling. Since GLOW wrapped in 2019, Brie has been busy working on both sides of the camera: Earlier this year, she co-wrote the rom-com Somebody that I Used to Know , directed by her husband–fellow celebrity member of the tribe Dave Franco. Brie has also begun production on the limited series Apples Never Fall , an adaptation of a Liane Moriarty novel. And she’ll star as a journalist opposite John Cena in the upcoming action-comedy film Freelance .

What was the last book you read?  

I’m currently reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, and I’m really enjoying it! One review described it as the great American video game novel and I think that is very true. I’m really invested in the characters and their story.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?  

My all-time favorite movie is The American President starring Annette Bening and Michael Douglas. To me, it falls into the rom-com category but is also so much more. Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Rob Reiner, it has incredible dialogue and timeless performances. I watch it constantly–I’ve probably seen it over 100 times.

What’s your favorite Jewish food?  

My favorite Jewish food is a tough one! I’m a sucker for a good latke but I also love my mom’s noodle kugel that she used to make when I was a kid. I haven’t had it in a while though! So I guess it’s latkes: I looove latkes.

What are you listening to these days?  

I’m a podcast fiend! I love Every Outfit , a Sex & The City themed pop culture podcast. Also Las Culturistas , Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend , Smartless , WTF with Marc Maron , and 60 Songs that Explain the ’90s .

Who was the last person you texted?

My mom–I’m currently texting her back in between answering these questions!

If you could invite three people, famous or not, to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?

I would have to go with the cast of Nine to Five– Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. I just think that would be a fun time! And the stories I’d hear!

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

I’ve never imagined myself in another profession–ever. But I’m very interested in health and wellness these days, specifically strength training, so maybe I’d be a trainer. Or work at a cat rescue shelter. My love of cats runs deep!

Who are two of your biggest role models?

I feel like every answer leads to my mom! I’ve always been very inspired by her drive, strength, and work ethic. And her ability to laugh at herself and not take life too seriously. My husband (Dave Franco) is a great inspiration to me recently. He is fearless in his pursuit of new ventures and has a relentless artistic drive. He has inspired me to take more risks behind the camera.

What are you currently binging on TV?  

We’re currently watching The Last of Us on HBO, P oker Face on Peacock, and Seinfeld on Netflix. Two new shows that are very well made and a tried-and-true classic.

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

The wisdom I would offer my teen self is “Love your body! You only get one, and it’s beautiful.”