I was going to fight for what I wanted first, and that was being in L.A. and being a Laker. L.A. was the first place that came to my mind. That's where my heart was at.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The first few years in L.A. were really tough and scary, but I had to figure things out for myself.
I was waiting for L.A. to always become something important. I gave up... I left in 1974.
I moved to L.A. right after I finished high school, for three years, because everybody was telling me it was important to get down there, and then I kind of just decided for myself that I didn't need to be there to be doing this. I wanted out of some of the chaos that comes with living here and being an actor.
Moving out to L.A. for me was a leap of faith. I was very secure in my dinner theater world; I loved it, and I was just like, 'I think there's something else out there for me and I just have to go for it.'
What I remember about coming to L.A. is that suddenly work was as big a presence in my life as my life itself.
It was like pulling teeth trying to get me to L.A. I hated it for so long, but now I've got this great life here.
I would never want to live in L.A., and I made that decision years ago, so I never chose that path for myself, although I have much respect for those that do it at a high level.
I was thinking of going to college or staying in L.A. to act, and I stayed to give it a chance. I'm glad I did. I've had a lot of wonderful experiences - some horrible ones, but mostly really beautiful ones.
That got me to L.A. and reintroduced me to my future husband.
I really came out to L.A. to take the money and run.