Our interview with talented actress Allison King, who can be seen in the recently-released film Baby Driver alongside Jon Hamm, Ansel Elgort, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey and directed by Edgar Wright. Her character, through sheer kindness, plays an integral role in the plot. King’s acting chops has not gone unnoticed.
King can next be seen in the highly-anticipated film “Thank You for Your Service” alongside Miles Teller and Amy Schumer.
A passionate philanthropist, King is a supporter of several charities and organizations such as Women in Film and Film Independent. King also works with Adopt a Family during the Christmas Season. A dog lover, one of her favorite organizations to donate to is the Downtown Dog Rescue.
Hi Allison please tell us a little about you?
I’m an actor, I’m a feminist, and I’m a slytherin. I also share a home with a beautiful beast named Cassius (he’s a golden / toller mix) and my other beast of a husband. I’ve lived in L.A., San Francisco, New York, Paris, Marbella, New Orleans and Atlanta.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, playful and food driven
Who is your biggest supporter?
My husband. He’s my biggest cheerleader and greatest fan.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started the safe way…in very good classes. I studied acting for a long time before auditioning. I wanted to be ready and really have something to offer. I started the old fashioned way, by auditioning endlessly until someone finally relented and gave me a job.
What was your first acting role?
Little Bo Peep in a grade school play. My first acting gig was on a show called Your Kid Ate What? Which was about kids who eat strange things. Then my first really big role was in Midnight Special. I cried when I got that job because I was going to work with Jeff Nichols who I’m still a massive fan of.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Worst part is feeling so out of control. You never know if you’ll ever work again. Best part is a great scene partner. I love feeling like I’m playing jazz, like anything could happen, and knowing my scene partner is right there with me. The really good ones are rare.
Best advice ever given?
“Relax and Breathe. There are too many possible positive outcomes to be a pessimist.”
Tell us about your latest film Baby Driver and your character?
I play a Teller who gets caught up in a heist at a post office. In my mind, the film is about the unintended consequences of our actions. The lead character, Baby, is living life as though his actions have no negative consequences and the film is his journey into recognizing that no one lives in a bubble. My character is part of that discovery for him.
What’s it like to eat ice cream?
I mean it’s fantastic, dreamy, fabulous, fun and you just hope it never ends!
What has been your most memorable experience from the set?
My favorite part of being on set is the relationships you build. I’ve made some friends who will be my friends for the rest of my life. I love the community and family feel of a set. I feel that artists are always looking for their tribe. It can feel like such a lonely business on every other day. But when you’re all together working together on a shared vision, that’s really when the magic happens. It’s like running away to join the circus.
What other projects you have been part of?
I have another film coming out in October called “Thank You For Your Service”. It’s a film that explores the post-battle life of soldiers and the wounds they’re dealing with.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
There are really too many to list. I love acting and actors so much. I was devastated by Nicole Kidman’s work in Big Little Lies recently. She’s a true master.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
Blush, phone, dog
What music do you like?
I like music that feels like it’s connecting me to a part of myself. It puts me in my body. I like a lot of older music. 60s, 70s for it’s groove and soulfullness. I’m also really obsessed with the sentimentality of Yacht Rock lately, and this Italian cooking music on Pandora. It’s just fun and joyful and makes me feel loved.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Workout, bike ride with the hubby, dog park, naps, movie and dinner out. Simple pleasures with the ones I love.
How’s a normal day in your life?
Busy! I try to do four things every day: I move my body, I eat good food, I drink lots of water, and I try to inspire myself by other’s good work. Things can feel bleak and dire some days and I find if I focus on those four things, it puts that darkness at bay.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Tomatoes and roasted, salted almonds
And your favorite cheat food?
Cheese Enchiladas, beans, and margaritas… or Pizza.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in deeper relationship with my craft, deeper relationship with my husband and even more vocal for women around the world. And working! Working would be really lovely.
Do you support any charities?
Planned Parenthood and several dog charities
Where we can follow you?
Twitter: @allisonking
IG: @allisongking
Favorite Music: Jazz, 60s, 70s.
Quote: “I am the Keymaster. I am the Gatekeeper.”
Holiday Destination: Winter: Anywhere mountainy and snowy, so my husband can ski and I can cross country ski. Summer: Jersey shore baby! Or Hawaii, always Hawaii.
Food: Mexican or Italian. Or cake. Or Indian. I mean, it’s food. Food is good.
Restaurant: I love a neighborhood spot where they all know you when you walk in. We had a wedding party at our local spot and it just makes me happy when they know your drink and ask how you’ve been. I love feeling a connection to my home.
Drink: Martini. Dirty.
Celebrity Crush: Mahershala Ali and Barry Jenkins. After seeing Moonlight, I want more of them both.
Song: You Are, by Lionel Richie
Sports Team: What is sports?
Movie: Fish Tank by Andrea Arnold. That film changed something in me. I want to see more stories from women.
Photo Credits
Photographer: Birdie Thompson
Hair: Matilde Campos
Makeup: Anton Khachaturian
