On Saturday, Oct. 18, writer and retired actress Lisa Jakub spoke about her forthcoming memoir at Bowers Writers House. Jakub’s memoir, titled “You Look Like That Girl,” describes her thoughts and emotions during her 18-year acting career and highlights her experience in well-known films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Independence Day.” During the presentation Jakub read a section from her book and openly spoke about writing, authenticity, her definition of success and growing up in the industry.
According to Jakub, the book revolves around the theme of having the right to change your mind. It seems easy in theory, but Jakub acknowledged that it can be difficult. Other themes the book includes are growing up, struggling with generalized and social anxiety, figuring out what you wants and balancing that want with the other aspects of life. Her memoir will be available for purchase in June of 2015.
Jakub began her acting career at four years old doing commercial work in Toronto, Canada. She spent 18 years in Los Angeles, working various jobs and building a substantial acting resume. At 22 years old, Jakub questioned the Hollywood life and sought her passions. She moved to Virginia to get away from the mindset and hustle of Los Angeles, and has since enjoyed the quiet life. Immediately after moving to Virginia, Jakub often hid her Hollywood past when meeting new people. She remarked how growing up in a “bubble” of fame isolated her from the general public and made it more difficult to assimilate into a domestic lifestyle.
Jakub also explained her reasons for leaving the film industry. Having connections to Hollywood has its pros and cons. On the one side, a community works together to achieve a common goal. On the other hand, privacy is a commodity, and there can be a lot of criticism. “It is never too late to take control of your destiny,” Jakub said.
She remarked that she became most content when she explored her interests and found her passions. “Once you accept your entire self, you achieve peace,” she said. She encouraged others to look for their passions and follow their personal desires, not those set for them by others. She also said that there are many things to consider when looking for happiness. Some people have harmful habits to “help” them deal with life, while others have to take their consequences such as money and prestige into consideration. Jakub stressed the importance of independent thought and purpose. “Our minds tend to work against us,” Jakub explained.
She noted that people can put others in metaphorical boxes in order to define them. “[The boxes] can be cozy, but they can also be a bit confining.” Jakub said that many people tend to see actors as “different from regular people,” and that difference can seem isolating for both the celebrity and the public. She also defined the mindset of an actor as “a lifestyle and a defining quality, not simply a job.”
“Sometimes it is easier to be the person everyone says you are. It is difficult to make large-scale change, but it is also worthwhile,” Jakub said.
At 12 years old, Jakub went to a London premiere of her film “Rambling Rose.” There, she anticipated meeting Princess Diana and learned strict rules of formality for greeting the princess. In her novel, Jakub remarks how different the princess was than how she imagined her. When she learned about the princess’ death, Jakub felt disgusted with the paparazzi but remained focused on the kindness she was shown in London.
Jakub has had her work published in Elephant Journal, Thought Catalogue, ASPCA, Vanichi Magazine, Yoga Magazine and Hello Giggles. She also has pieces featured in the Huffington Post, LA Times, Newsweek, MSN, Parade and several other international publications.
