Working in the Windy City with Lord of the Rings' Jeff Parker

07/10/2025 35 min
Working in the Windy City with Lord of the Rings' Jeff Parker

Listen "Working in the Windy City with Lord of the Rings' Jeff Parker"

Episode Synopsis

Actor Jeff Parker shares how he built a 35+ year career in Chicago theater, film, and TV—proving you don’t have to live in LA or NYC to succeed. From Goodman Theatre to network shows, Jeff reveals the realities of working actors in regional markets and why presence is the ultimate tool on stage and screen.


Jeff shares his journey from Los Angeles to Chicago, what makes the Windy City one of the most exciting regional markets for actors, and how he’s built a sustainable career outside of Hollywood and New York. From working opposite Helen Hunt at the Goodman Theatre to starring in The Da Vinci Code and Lord of the Rings productions, Jeff’s story is packed with insights on staying present, navigating auditions, and finding opportunities across stage, TV, and film.



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