Hollywood isn’t always about the glitz and glamour -- sometimes, it’s about standing up for what’s right. Sarah Ann Masse learned this earlier than most.

After facing off against a man who was notorious for making and breaking acting careers, she became an advocate for fairness, leveraging lessons learned from childhood. Her parents instilled in her a belief in herself and a steadfast commitment to stand up for what’s right. All of these ideals played out well and have become the foundation for the flourishing career of Sarah Ann Masse. 

In today’s episode, Sarah talks about her passion for doing what’s right and how she’s using it to open doors for others through her foundation, Hire Survivors Hollywood. She also opens up about her mental struggles while finding her way back from a harrowing experience and her quest to help actors and non-actors do the same. 

“I watched my career get destroyed before my eyes because I am who I am, but I had nothing to lose at that point and that’s when I knew it was happening to others and I had to do something.”

Hollywood isn’t the only place that consistently gets it wrong, other places in our society are just as guilty. Sarah speaks to how it is incumbent upon us all to redirect responsibility for unfair behaviors and expect more from those at fault. She talks candidly about her unfortunate encounter with Harvey Weinstein, a man whose crude treatment of women in Hollywood helped spark the groundbreaking #MeToo Movement.

“The goal is for every survivor to have an easier time now. Not to get things handed to them but just to be given the opportunity and not have the door closed in their face because they were harmed by a bad person.” 

“I don’t think it’s wrong that we are people who constantly growing, or people who make mistakes or unintentionally cause harm but it’s wrong to stay there.”

 

In This Episode 

• (4:09) – Sarah feels a responsibility for developing honest, impactful content for our culture.

• (6:47) – She knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life and went for it. 

• (9:00) – Early in life, Sarah found her moral compass and the courage to stand up for whatever was right. 

• (11:09) – Changing her learning environment allowed her to come into her own.

• (16:48) – Her Harvey Weinstein Experience begins.

• (20:58) – Understanding the responsibility of social order and the danger of victim blaming.

• (23:58) – Sometimes it truly is up to you.

• (28:48) – Don’t allow others to trivialize your pain. 

• (32:33) – Your voice can become a tool that empowers others.

• (34:11) – It’s not just Hollywood … it’s society.

• (36:46) – The criminal justice system is broken.

• (39:58) – Looking at yourself ten years from now. 

• (41:03) – Creativity became therapy. 

 

Our Guest 

Actor, writer, filmmaker, producer, singer, dancer, comedian, and woman of the people. Those are but a few of the terms that are most commonly identified with the talented Sarah Ann Masse. 

Hers is a story of triumph, courage, and grace and through her foundation, Hire Survivors Hollywood, she is helping others find their inner strength while purposely pursuing their passion for performing. 

 

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

• https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 

• https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 

• https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 

• https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/ 

Sarah Ann Masse

• https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmasse/?hl=en

• https://www.instagram.com/hiresurvivorshollywood/?hl=en

• https://www.facebook.com/sarahannmasse