In this star-studded episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto with Greg Hanna, veteran actress Catherine Carlen joins Greg for a heartfelt and entertaining conversation about her decades-long career, her unexpected comeback, and her latest breakout role in Netflix’s The Residence, a Shondaland production.

Catherine’s journey is anything but ordinary. From turning down her first film opportunity as a college student, to modeling in New York alongside icons like Janice Dickinson, Catherine found her true calling in acting thanks to a chance encounter with designer Giorgio di Sant’Angelo — and never looked back. She shares how legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen changed the course of her life by recognizing her natural talent and encouraging her to pursue the craft seriously.

After stepping away from the spotlight to raise her daughter, Catherine made the bold decision to start over — enrolling at UCLA, performing in student films, building a new reel, and rebuilding her career from the ground up. She dives into the struggles and triumphs of that journey, and the resilience it took to earn roles in NCIS: LA, Sharp Objects, and now as the former First Lady in The Residence.

• The “aha” moment that changed everything: Catherine recalls being told by Giorgio di Sant’Angelo that she was “an actress, not a model” and how that led her to acting classes in New York.

• Working with Uta Hagen: The encouragement and guidance that helped Catherine believe in her natural gift.

• A personal and professional reboot: Her decision to step away for motherhood and the grit it took to restart her career in her 50s.

• Behind-the-scenes stories:

  • Doing her own stunt on Ghostbusters

  • Support from LL Cool J on NCIS: LA

  • An unforgettable moment with Amy Adams on Sharp Objects

• Her role in Netflix’s The Residence:

  • Playing former First Lady Kim Aiken

  • Improvising on set and collaborating with Shondaland

  • The impact of co-star André Braugher’s unexpected passing during production

• Spirituality, trust, and resilience: Catherine opens up about the lessons that have guided her through life, including grief, reinvention, and trusting the journey.

• Why The Residence is a standout success: The “murder mystery-meets-political satire” vibe, comparisons to Clueand Only Murders in the Building, and why viewers binge-watched the entire series.

• What’s next: Catherine teases the potential for a second season — and the importance of staying visible and memorable in Hollywood.

“Giorgio said, ‘You’re not a model — you’re an actress.’ And that was it. That was my moment.”
— Catherine Carlen

“I had to start from the beginning. I made a reel, did student films at UCLA, and got an agent all over again.”
— Catherine Carlen

“If it’s supposed to be mine, it’ll be mine. I just have to lift it up and let it go.”
— Catherine Carlen on faith and letting go of attachment to roles

“Playing Kim Aiken was a blast. The former First Lady — fun, lively, and a little too honest.”
— Catherine Carlen on her role in The Residence

Catch her scene-stealing role as Kim Aiken in The Residence, streaming now on Netflix. With Shondaland behind the series, it’s a sharp, funny, and refreshingly bold murder mystery.

• Instagram: @realcatherinecarlen

• Website: www.catherinecarlen.com

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In this powerful episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with acclaimed character actor Armen Garo, best known for his memorable roles in The Sopranos, The Departed, and CODA. With his signature intensity and authenticity, Armen opens up about his journey from military prep school stages to working with legends like Martin Scorsese.

Armen shares stories from behind the scenes, the real-life observations that shaped his iconic wise guy roles, and how his past experiences — from bouncing at clubs to real-life moments of anger — influenced his acting approach.

[00:00] – Armen talks about how Zoom changed the acting game — and why theater and in-person energy can’t be replicated.

[00:03:00] – His early experience performing in front of large audiences — and how heckling classmates taught him to improvise under pressure.

[00:05:30] – Playing wise guys: how real-life experience working in clubs with mob-connected figures gave Armen deep insight into complex characters.

[00:08:00] – Understanding the psychology of organized crime figures — and why their leadership and “family values” made them both feared and revered.

[00:11:00] – A gripping real-life story: the one time Armen truly lost it after getting hit in the head with an ashtray during a club incident.

[00:15:00] – Behind the scenes of The Departed: no written dialogue, working with Martin Scorsese, and improvising one of the film’s most brutal scenes.

[00:19:00] – The CODA experience and what it meant to be part of an Oscar-winning film.

[00:20:00] – Armen’s exciting new projects:

• 🎥 Federal Hill – as Raymond Patriarca in a new crime series

• 🔍 Shackled – a high-concept crime sci-fi thriller

• 🎬 Once a Week for Life – a gritty NYPD drama series

• 📖 Screenplay adaptation of The Abduction of Lily Waters

[00:25:30] – Armen’s most important life lesson: understanding what’s real, when to speak, and when to stay silent.

Armen Garo is an American actor known for his intense, layered performances in film and television. He’s appeared in The Sopranos, The Departed, CODA, Ray Donovan, and many more acclaimed projects. A former kickboxer and nightclub doorman, Armen brings authentic energy to every role — and continues to evolve as both an actor and writer.

• 📺 IMDb

• 📸 Instagram: @ArmenGaro

• 🌐 Facebook: Armen Garo Official

Hosted by Greg Hanna, Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto features intimate, engaging conversations with Hollywood’s most fascinating voices. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, personal revelations, and life lessons from some of the industry’s most unforgettable talents.

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