The Low Down's Second Installment
Laura Innes Chats with David Downs
Stephanie Riggio - Summer
2005
The second in the NUEA series "The Low Down with David
Downs" featured accomplished actress and director, Laura
Innes (Theater, '76), in an informal discussion held at
Hollywood's Cinegrill. Innes was clearly comfortable in the
company of her former acting teacher, and shared the ups
and downs of her path in the entertainment industry.
Known best for her recurring role as Dr. Kerry Weaver on
"ER", Laura Innes is also an accomplished director, having
worked behind the camera on "ER" and "The West Wing" among
other shows. But before her success in Los Angeles, Innes
worked for years in theater after her years at NU. Her
working alliances with artists like John Malkovich, Gary
Sinise and playwright David Mamet starting in Chicago
turned out to play a major role in her "break": a role in
Mamet's "Edmond" took her to New York where she teamed up
with an agent and off she went. Eventually, she and her
family made their way to Los Angeles, and a combination of
perseverance and talent landed her in the spotlight where
she is today.
Mixed into the evening's conversation, television clips
were showed highlighting some of Innes' work, and, as with
the previous installment of the NUEA series, there was time
later for questions from the audience.
As always, members and non members alike were privy to the
kind of comfortable conversation that is hard to come by
despite the many outlets in entertainment reporting.
Because of this, the NUEA West will continue with "The Low
Down with David Downs", so check in often for the next
event.