Today we're joined by actress Vella Lovell, whose path to the screen began with a childhood dream of Juilliard—sparked by a Babysitters Club character—and eventually led her to the school not once, but twice. Vella currently stars opposite Joel McHale in Fox's Animal Control, returning for its third season in 2025. She previously starred alongside Ted Danson and Holly Hunter in Mr. Mayor, earning a 2021 HCA TV Award nomination for her role as Chief of Staff Mikaela Shaw. She's also beloved for her standout turns as 'Heather' in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

In this episode, Vella opens up about the intensity of Juilliard's training, booking her first pilot after a silent retreat, and how her background in classical piano unexpectedly informs her comedy work. She talks about navigating set life, the business side of acting no one teaches you, and why it's so important to celebrate the wins—big or small—along the way.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Vella Lovell right here.

CREDITS:

• Animal Control
• Mr. Mayor
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
• Dollface
• The Big Sick
• Your Place or Mine
• Younger
• Girls
• Gracie and Frankie
• So Help Me Todd

GUEST LINKS:

• IMDB: Vella Lovell, Actress, Producer, Singer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

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EPISODE CREDITS:

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri