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9.23.2016

Angry Reader of the Week: Suzy Nakamura

"Being from Chicago not only defines where I'm from, but who I am as a person and an artist."


Little Suzy and her big bro.

Hello, internet friends. Gather 'round, because it's time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Suzy Nakamura.


Who are you?

I am Suzy Nakamura. I stretched back and I hiccupped, and looked back on my busy day. Eleven hours in the tin pan. God, there's got to be another way.

What are you?

People of color answer with ethnicity, right? I just asked my Caucasian husband this question and he answered, "Writer." I am a Chicagoan, an auntie-extraordinaire, American Japanese (I like to put the American first), cat lover, and actor.

Where are you?

I'm in my office/guest room/TV room/cat playground in my West Hollywood condo. I'm also on Friday nights at 8:30/7:30c on ABC (plug!).

Where are you from?

I am from the greatest city in the world, Chicago. I was born and raised in an environment where the general philosophy was "art is for everyone." There was always something creative to see and do there, and a lot of times it was free. Art, theater, or music wasn't just for people with money. That's what drew me to The Second City. It was comedy for everybody. The improv sets were free (still are). It's the Harvard of comedy, without the snobs. Being from Chicago not only defines where I'm from, but who I am as a person and an artist.

What do you do?

Right now, I'm playing Ken Jeong's wife, Allison Park, on Dr. Ken. I'm trying to figure out what I like to do when I'm not working. Auditioning, acting, or working can easily take over your entire life if you don't find balance. If I have two hours, I'll watch my murder shows, but if I have two weeks, I love to travel.

What are you all about?

I'm all about trying to understand people. Not just for my work, but to help me develop as a person. This election season, in particular, has me confused and frustrated. It can be very easy for me to judge someone who is different from me, but when I take the time to connect their experiences to mine, I find the compassion for empathy.

What makes you angry?

Everything my husband does. Just kidding. Inefficiency. I've worked in restaurants and retail stores and they all have systems for optimization. I wish these systems were implemented everywhere. If they asked me, I could fix the post office, DMV, and most restaurant websites, TODAY.