Vanessa Gedney
A conversation with Vanessa Gedney will almost always involve a funny and witty story about how she tripped and fell into the arms of a US Senator (literally) or how she convinced a prominent rock star to come on live TV to talk politics. Oh yeah, she is a segment producer for Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. And, oh yeah, her job involves lots of reading, watching TV, and telephone schmoozing. Not bad! Now if she could only tell us what goes on at the after-parties!!
The daughter of two educators, Vanessa was born in Dallas, TX, but was raised near Purdue University's campus in West Lafayette, IN. She loved small town life and was a part of the local theater…hmmm, thinking “Waiting for Guffman?” Vanessa made her way to Indiana University where she majored in theater soon realizing that perhaps stardom wasn't in her future after all. She changed her major to journalism. That combination has done her well! Vanessa is mom to dog Fozzie and loves to walk with him around her Burbank neighborhood. So, if you bump into them, be sure to say, HELLO!
Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
I love to sip a Mai Tai at the Barefoot Bar at Duke's in Malibu.
Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
Life became somewhat meaningful when H&M came to LA.
You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
Public transit!! I would love to just not drive my car for a week! Once upon a time, I'm told that LA had a thriving public transit system and that "Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?" is supposed to be one of the most accurate descriptions of the negative changes it has undergone.
You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
Roscoe's. I admit that I have never had chicken and waffles.
Your favorite LA extravagance?
A facial at Burke Williams.
Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
Timmy Nolan's in Toluca Lake. I'm a lover of pubs and this is a great one!
Your favorite local getaway?
Have I mentioned Duke's in Malibu?
Your favorite place for cheap eats?
The Pantry downtown - buttermilk pancakes, sourdough toast, yummy carbs!
You always take out of town guests to this spot?
There is this great place in Malibu called Duke's.
You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
I think that right now it's really important to support your local food pantry. Even when life is crazy, it's pretty easy to throw together some canned goods and drop them off on the way to the office. I also like to support my local library, not only through my overdue book fees, but also with book donations.
