Marty Elcan Actress

Life's a Cycle

I grew up in theater, acting on stage from early childhood, then moved to Hollywood, continuing to act in plays while I got my degree in Film and Television at UCLA. Paid my way through film school by delivering 4000 singing/tap-dancing telegrams (Who would make that up!?) and with a pinnacle like that (along with being cast as the lead in a UCLA mainstage production), it was time to move behind the camera.

I was selected for the Assistant DIrectors Training program which led to joining the Directors Guild, and have enjoyed a tremendous career as an Assistant Director and Director for over 25 years -- working on such productions as "Steel Magnolias," "Driving Miss Daisy," "Mystic Pizza," "Amazing Stories," "Six Feet Under," and "Inherit the Wind" (with George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon). During this time, I've worked beside incredible talent: Directors Steven Spielberg, Bruce Beresford, Clint Eastwood, Donald Petrie, Dan Petrie, Ron Lagomarsino, Lesli Linka Glatter, Bethany Rooney and countless others. I've had the privilege to work with Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Dolly Parton, Sally Field, Frances Conroy, Michael C. Hall, Lisa Kudrow, George C. Scott, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, Kathy Bates, etc. etc. etc. I've worked with and learned from the best. It's been an incredible journey.

And now for the next "road trip."

Born with a passionate love of acting, I always thought I'd "go back to it when I was older." One morning, about six years ago, I realized: "Hmm. I'm older now."

Started studying again, workshops, and finally got up the nerve for auditions after almost a 30 year "hiatus." Got cast in the first three things I auditioned for. Armed with just enough encouragement to be dangerous, I'm jumping back into the acting ring and this website is my commitment. (Needless to say, there WERE no websites...or even video-taped scene study classes...when I did this the first time!)

Wish me luck -- See you at the screenings!