CHILLIN’ WITH STEPHANIE TURNER

By Joseph Luparello

From bringing complex characters to life on screen, to writing raw emotional tales of all types of individuals; writer, actor, director, and filmmaker Stephanie Turner has made her way to the spotlight in the entertainment industry.

Originally from Long Beach, CA, Stephanie moved frequently throughout her childhood. She has lived in Dallas, TX, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and San Diego, CA. This wide range of residence was all thanks to her father Norv Turner’s job (legendary NFL and 2x Super Bowl champion coach). Upon graduating high school in San Diego, Stephanie moved to Los Angeles to pursue study at the Baron/Brown Studio in Santa Monica.

Here she completed an intensive program in the Meisner technique of acting. Following the two-year program, she continued to ameliorate her acting ability at the Howard Fine School in Hollywood. From there, she booked her first Hollywood role as pop star Tanya Murphy in the New Line Cinema film “Monster-in-Law” where she appeared opposite Jane Fonda. Additional credits include: Universal Pictures “First Man,” CBS’ “CSI: NY,” “Scorpion,” ABC’s “What About Brian,” FX Network’s “Dirt,” and FOX’s “Bones.”

On the writing front, Stephanie made her debut with “Surrograte,” a 2016 short in which she also stars in and co-produced with Damien Chazelle. The short was nominated for a Bruce Corwin Award at the 2017 Santa Barbara International Film Festival for Best Live Action Short Film.

Most recently, Stephanie wrote, starred in, and made her directorial debut in “Justine” opposite Darby Stanchfield, Glynn Turman, and Josh Stamberg. The film follows Lisa Wade (Turner), a military wife who is forced to move in with her father-in-law after the death of her husband. As a single mom, Lisa is forced to take a job as a caretaker to a young girl named Justine, who has spina bifida.

Chilled sat with Turner to learn about her go-to drinks/eats, along with what is in store for her future career-wise.

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Photo by Tommy Flanagan

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

My first feature film “Justine” is now streaming on Netflix. It is being distributed by Ava DuVernay’s company Array. I am currently in the process of developing a half-hour television series and preparing to make my next feature film.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

Well I have two kids, so my downtime pretty much revolves around them. But if I do get some time on my own, I love to go out for a drink or dinner with friends.  And of course, I like to keep up on the latest TV shows and films.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

Jon & Vinny’s or Vincenti in Brentwood are some favorites, but I’m always up for trying somewhere new.  Petty Cash and their cauliflower nachos with a refreshing margarita are another go to option.

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Photo by Tommy Flanagan

What types of dishes do you typically order?

I am not a huge meat eater; I think we all should eat a little less meat to help our environment. So, I typically order the meatless options, but I’m not one to shy away from much else. I love to indulge in a pasta dish from time to time and usually order lots of veggies.

Any favorite bars?

I love a bar with an old school vibe. Village Idiot or Snake Pit on Melrose are great local hangouts. Bar Toscana on the west side is usually crowded but if you can get a seat it’s always a nice atmosphere with really good wines.

What drinks do you order when out?

A lot of the time I stick to wine. But if I’m going for cocktails, I love a good mezcal cocktail or a freshly made Old Fashioned.

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Chillin’ with Stephanie Turner

Photo by Tommy Flanagan

Do you prepare drinks at home?

Occasionally we will mix up drinks at home, we like to get those healthy fresh pressed juices and then mix them with alcohol.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

We’re pretty well stocked! We like to entertain and have friends over, so we keep it stocked to keep everyone happy. I like to have a few different red and white wine varietals. And then we have all the basic liquors on hand.

What is your favorite drink?

At home I typically drink wine. If I’m drinking white, it’s usually a lighter chardonnay or a Chablis. If I’m drinking red, it’s usually a more medium or full bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No, I have not, but I have been a waitress at a sports bar, and I have to say I wasn’t very good at it.  I once spilled a beer on a pregnant lady and felt terrible.

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

Hmmmm, right now I will say…. Oprah!

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