Susan Gallagher was both on March 3, 1960, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s an Actor, Producer, and Writer, best known for her roles as Val in the popular web series, Queering, and Lynn – the homeless woman in the smash hit tv series Cobra Kai. Check out what she had to say about her career as an actress, her involvement in martial arts, her award-winning female-driven production company, and the recent pandemic that’s sweeping the world.
Monster: Why did you choose to become an actress and what do you enjoy most about performing on screen?
Susan: From the beginning, I enjoyed the creative outlet that performing provided. That deep magical feeling inside helps feed my soul and is my passion. When working on-camera, there’s not only the acting side to consider but also the technical, which is still very challenging for me, although I do love a good challenge. Whether it’s the lighting, sound, continuity, taking direction or blocking, there’s a learning curve that can only be achieved by actually doing it. On-camera classes, making your own films, and student films, are a great way to learn.
Monster: One of your first acting gigs was in the 1997 film, Rosewood, directed by the late legendary John Singleton. What’s it like to work with him, albeit briefly?
Susan: John was creative, decisive and calm on set. Because of the controversial nature of Rosewood, extra security was required, so we all felt honored to be part of something historically significant. Rosewood seemed like a true labor of love for John and even though he is greatly missed, he will never be forgotten.
Monster: It’s noted you’re a Second Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo, and you were an Assistant Coach for the Florida TaeKwonDo team in the Junior Olympics. You’ve also taught some kickboxing. Can you tell us a little more about how you became involved in martial arts and what it’s like coaching in the Junior Olympics?
Susan: Actually, I was pursuing my 2nd Degree Black Belt when an ankle injury prevented me from achieving that goal. We got into TKD when my very rambunctious son was about 4 and needed discipline and a strong physical outlet. Our family achieved our black belts together, my son competed in the Jr. Olympics for several years and our whole family was involved.
Monster: The character of Homeless Lynn has become a huge fan favorite in the current hit television series, Cobra Kai. What can we expect to see in the future from your character, and will she perhaps perform any karate of her own at some point?
Susan: It’s been an absolute thrill to be part of the Cobra Kai/Karate Kid family. The fans are so wonderful and supportive of Homeless Lynn and I’m grateful for all of them. They even started a Homeless Lynn Theories and Spin-Off Ideas page on Facebook and support me in my other work as well.
Playing this outrageous character, Lynn has given me an opportunity and a challenge that I’ve never had as an actor and I love every minute of it and hope to be in future episodes.
Monster: You’re currently starring in the popular hit web series Queering, where you play Val, a single mother who unexpectedly outs herself as bisexual to her lesbian daughter. What’s it like to be part of such an incredible, groundbreaking show, and playing such a complex character?
Susan: Queering is so well written that slipping into Val’s skin has been an adventurous journey and pushed me as an actress. As Val discovers who she is and what she wants in life, it continues to be exciting navigating uncharted waters. It’s an honor to be part of Queering.
Monster: In your toughest performance to date, you were tasked with portraying someone who suffers from the early onset of Alzheimer’s, in the 2019 film, I’ll Be Here for a While. How did you prepare for something like that and what was it like to take on such a challenging role?
Susan: Preparing for the role of Ruth in “I’ll Be Here for a While” was challenging not only for me but for the family members of those that suffered from Alzheimer’s that I interviewed. There are also numerous stories online about the painful journey this illness creates, which was part of my research, as well.
Monster: What kind of characters are you most attracted to and what are a few of your own personal favorites that you’ve played throughout your career?
Susan: Complicated characters have always attracted me. The more complex the better. Homeless Lynn has been my personal favorite and I also enjoy hearing all the different backstories the fans come up with for her life.
Monster: You own and operate an award-winning female-run production company called Her Little Red Productions. Can you elaborate on it a bit and tell us what type of films you produce and what we can anticipate from the company down the road?
Susan: HLRP is a female-run company focusing on female-driven films. We’re currently promoting our short film, “Portrait of a Woman at Dawn” which will be available on Amazon soon. We’re also excited to help produce “Queering” the movie in 2020, and a couple of other documentaries.
Monster: How has the recent outbreak affected you acting-wise, with productions stopped and films and television halted until further notice?
Susan: It has been a difficult time for all of us, but we will be better and stronger than ever before. Even though everything is on hold, I just found out I booked a “Recurring Guest Star” role on an audition I submitted a while back. I’m just really thankful for all the brave folks on the frontline who’ve been working during this pandemic.
Monster: Do you have any special projects in the works that fans should be on the lookout for, and where can people follow you and keep up with what you have going on?
Susan: I’m in the Lifetime TV Movie, “Expectant”, which will first air on April 25th and the film, “Walkaway Joe” on VOD May 8. Also, keep an eye out for Homeless Lynn in the Season 3 release of Cobra Kai on Youtube.
Donovan Smith, aka Monster Dugan is a writer, author, producer and mixed martial artist, who currently resides in Chandler, Arizona. A born and raised child of horror, Donovan is a cinephile and bibliophile, with knowledge of all things John Carpenter. Donovan is a reviewer and interviewer known for his extensive coverage of independent media.
