Actress
Maya Erskine’s Siblings and Parents Were Represented in Her Show ‘PEN15’
Her reel-life mother and real life mother are same!
Maya Erskine is an actress and writer from America.
Her roles as Mikki in Betas and Maggie in Man Seeking Woman have made her well-known. She co-created and co-executive produced the Hulu original TV comedy series PEN15, which she appeared in with Anna Konkle from 2019 to 2021.
The two actors played made-up versions of their 13-year-old selves in the series. It is reported that the show is based on the real-life experiences of the two stars.
So, looking at that, many have wondered about Maya’s personal life with her family in real life. They have often questioned her about her parents and siblings, wondering if they resonate with her series, PEN15.
Here is all we know about it.
Maya Erskine’s family
Maya was born on May 7, 1987, in Los Angeles, making her nationality American.
She was born to her parents, Peter Erskine and Mutsuko Nigatawa Erskine. Her father was born in New Jersey, making him an American.
However, her mother is originally from Tokyo, making her Japanese. As a result, Maya’s ethnicity is Japanese-American.
Talking about her parents, Maya’s father is a jazz drummer. He was a member of the jazz fusion groups Steps Ahead and Weather Report.
He started drumming when he was four years old. After completing his studies in percussion at Indiana University, he obtained his diploma from Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy.
When he joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra in 1972, his professional musical career officially began. He spent four years with Kenton before spending two years with Maynard Ferguson.
He began working with Weather Report in 1978, integrating with Jaco Pastorius in the rhythm section. He joined Steps Ahead following four years and five albums with Weather Report and Word of Mouth, the large band of Jaco Pastorius.
Peter is a huge supporter of his daughter and was represented in Maya’s PEN15 as well. Maya’s real father Peter is portrayed in the programme as Fred Peters, played by Richard Karn.
Peter works as a drummer, just like Fred did in PEN15. Maya and Konkle watch Wild Things with a bunch of schoolmates in PEN15 season 1, episode 8.
Maya Erskine’s parents posing for a photo. (Source: Instagram)
Peter is actually acknowledged on the film’s soundtrack. So, even though it was a small one, Maya represented her father and family in her show.
Not only Peter, but Maya has also actually involved her mother in the show as well. Yuki Ishii-Peters, the matriarch and widely regarded as one of PEN15’s sharpest characters in the show, was portrayed by Mutsuko, Maya’s real-life mother.
Even though Mutsuko’s acting credit only includes PEN15, her lifelike acting served to further enhance the realism of her interactions with Maya. The coming-of-age experiences of Maya and Konkle accounted for a great deal of PEN15‘s drama and mystery, and their relationships with their parents mirrored genuine and poignant moments that grounded the extravagant humor.
Not much is known about Maya’s siblings but it is reported that she has a brother named Taichi. Taichi is older than her by five years and is a film editor and producer.
In the show, Dallas Liu played the role of Maya’s brother, Shuji Ishii-Peters, who often gives his sibling advice. So, many have believed that Shuji is based on Taichi.
Other than this, not much is known about Maya and her family.
About ‘Pen15’
Created by Maya, Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman, PEN15 is an American comedy television series that debuted on Hulu on February 8, 2019. Erskine and Konkle, together with Zvibleman, Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Becky Sloviter, Marc Provissiero, Brooke Pobjoy, Debbie Liebling, and Gabe Liedman, are executive producers of the show.
It is said that PEN15 is “middle school as it really happened.” At the beginning of season one, Erskine and Konkle, both thirty-one years old, play versions of themselves as 13-year-old social outcasts in the year 2000.
They are surrounded by actual 13-year-olds, where the best day of your life can turn into your worst with the stroke of a gel pen. The name of the program comes from a school joke in which participants are tricked into writing the phrase “PEN15” on their hands by being asked whether they would want to join the “Pen 15 Club.”
With its trademark cringe comedy, PEN15 brought the year 2000 back to life. Using humor centered around coming-of-age, the show captured the spirit of growing up in the early aughts.
Erskine and Konkle, whose experiences on the show are based on real-life events, portray themselves as middle school students going through the ups and downs of adolescence at the start of the new century.
The show only lasted two seasons. The show received a second season renewal from Hulu in May 2019, with fourteen additional episodes.
The first half of the second season debuted on September 18, 2020. It was revealed in November 2021 that the second season of the show will be its last.
Konkle and Erskine, who had been working on Pen15 for over ten years at this time, made the decision to end the program rather than carry on, claiming several reasons for the abrupt end to the Emmy-nominated series. Speaking at a recent FYC event in Los Angeles, the two talked about why they were ending the show.
The main reasons they gave were the pandemic delays, they both became mothers while the show was in production, and the fact that they were involved in almost every step of the creative process, acting as writers, directors, producers, creators, and actors, among others.
Even though they enjoyed everything about the show, it was emotionally intense for both of them. Moreover, they felt like they had achieved the objective of producing the show as well.
As a result, they decided to end the show. Regardless, netizens have held the show in very high regard and it has been critically acclaimed, with many claiming that PEN15 is the one show that captures the essence of middle school, being a teenager, and coming of age.
Actress
Edie Falco Reveals Her Kids Are Immune to ‘The Sopranos’ Fever
Edie Falco is a wonderful mother to her two adoptive kids, Anderson and Macy.
The acclaimed American actress Edie Falco is celebrated for her iconic roles in The Sopranos and Nurse Jackie. While her on-screen personas have captivated audiences worldwide, her real-life role as a mother of her two children remains equally remarkable.
In a recent interview, she humorously disclosed that her kids have surprisingly remained immune to the The Sopranos phenomenon that catapulted her to stardom.
This revelation has piqued their curiosity, prompting an exploration into the dynamics of her family life and her children’s indifference towards one of television’s most celebrated shows.
Edie Falce revealed that her kids don’t watch ‘The Sopranos’
Falco has revealed a surprising fact about her kids’ viewing habits. Despite her immense success and the show’s cultural impact, her two adopted children have shown no interest in watching the acclaimed drama that brought their mother critical acclaim and fame.
In a recent interview at the Garden of Laughs event in New York City, the 60-year-old actress admitted that her kids are “so over it” regarding The Sopranos.
She also shared that neither of her children has ever seen the show, seemingly unfazed by the cultural phenomenon that their mother was a part of.
Edie Falco with her teenagers (Source: Daily Mail)
While her kids may not appreciate her acting prowess in The Sopranos, Falco revealed that they enjoy the perks of having a famous mother.
She explained that her children are more impressed with the privileges and opportunities available due to her celebrity status rather than her actual work on the screen.
Despite her kids’ indifference towards The Sopranos, Falco remains hopeful that they may eventually develop an appreciation for the show that catapulted her to stardom.
Meet Edie Falco’s two kids
Falco is a proud mother of two adopted children – her son Anderson and daughter Macy. She became a first-time mom when she adopted her son Anderson in 2005.
From an early age, she was open with him about his adoption, making sure the topic was discussed openly in their household.
Then, three years after adopting Anderson, Falco welcomed her daughter Macy into her family in 2008 as an infant. Like her brother, Macy was raised with open conversations about her adoption story.
Now a teenager, Falco has experienced the typical parent-child dynamic shift as her kids have grown more independent and distant, something she humorously acknowledges as a sign of good parenting.
In her pre-teen years, Falco has described Macy as a “wise guy” who, along with her brother, has started to exhibit typical rebellious teenage behavior towards her mom.
While admitting she doesn’t enjoy this new phase, Falco recognizes it as a natural part of their development.
Edie Falco on why she decided on parenting
Falco’s decision to become a parent through adoption was a deeply personal and thoughtful one. Despite her successful acting career, she felt a strong calling to start a family and raise children.
In her own words, she knew there came a certain point in her life when it was simply “time to raise kids.” This realization came after going through a few serious relationships that didn’t work out but left her with a lingering desire for motherhood.
As she reflected, even though those relationships ended, her yearning to have children remained alive.
Edie Falco with her son Anderson and daughter Macy (Source: The List)
After overcoming breast cancer, she viewed it as a pivotal moment to pursue parenthood. At 40 years old and single, she didn’t want to let her marital status deter her from experiencing motherhood.
With a pragmatic outlook, she decided not to wait for a partner, figuring that aspect of her life could unfold naturally later on. Her clarity on wanting kids surpassed her need for a romantic relationship then.
The idea of adoption resonated with Falco, allowing her to fulfill her dream of raising children on her terms. She embraced the adoption process wholeheartedly, recognizing it as the right path to building her family.
Edie Falco mourns the end of her time parenting little kids
Falco’s journey into motherhood has been filled with immense joy and love. Still, she also openly acknowledges the bittersweet reality of watching her children grow up too quickly.
As her son Anderson, 19, and daughter Macy, 16, have transitioned from little kids into teenagers, she has experienced a sense of mourning for that fleeting stage of early parenthood.
In her candid words, Falco equates the departure of those precious little years to a profound “death” – an emotional farewell to a chapter that can never be relived.
She reminisces the irreplaceable moments of having her young children fall asleep peacefully on her lap, emanating an overwhelming and pure love that only a parent can understand.
Edie Falco with her kids when they were younger (Source: Pinterest)
While undoubtedly proud to see her kids blossom into their individuals, Falco can’t help but feel nostalgic about those delicate early memories gradually fading into the past.
She laments how quickly that blissful phase evaporated, now only preserved through photographs and videos on her phone – frozen moments in time that can never be recreated.
Even as exciting new phases begin, there is an inherent mourning for what has been left behind – the tender, all-consuming energies of nurturing little beings who once wholly depended on her care and presence.
Edie Falco’s kids often visit her on set
Falco has made a concerted effort to integrate her professional acting career with her role as a mother, frequently bringing her kids along to visit her on set while filming.
It has allowed her children, especially her daughter Macy, to be immersed in and gain an up-close understanding of the behind-the-scenes world their mom occupies.
In Falco’s own words, she loves having Macy run around the set, getting hands-on experience by giving treats to the cast and crew members.
Edie Falco with her daughter Macy (Source: POPSUGAR)
The young teen has even tried on vintage wardrobe pieces from various productions, delighting in dressing up as a “1950s little waitress” while accompanying her mom at work.
Beyond just observing, Macy has taken an active role in helping out on set in her little ways.
With one of Falco’s close friends working as a prop assistant, Macy has lent a hand with simple tasks like removing paper towels from prop items – a chance for her to feel involved and part of the action.
For Falco, this immersive experience serves a deeper purpose – she wants her daughter to grow up understanding and appreciating her work, demystifying the allure of her Hollywood career.
Actress
Melissa Gilbert Remembers Her ‘Father Figure’ Michael Landon
The actress talks about the influence Michael Landon had on her life.
Melissa Gilbert started her career as a child actor. She gained prominence at just 10 years of age, playing Laura Ingalls Wilder, the second oldest daughter of Charles Ingalls (played by Michael Landon) in the NBC series Little House on the Prairie.
The late actor and filmmaker Landon played the role of her father for nine years, and it turns out to have stemmed from personal relationships. In a recent interview with People, Gilbert talks about her special bond with the co-star.
The interview happened during the 50th anniversary celebration of Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion and Festivals. Gilbert revealed that Landon was a father figure for not just her but the majority of the cast.
The Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival lasted three days (March 22, 23 & 24). It was an interactive experience and tour celebrating the TV series and providing fans with a unique opportunity.
“Michael Landon was like a father figure to many of us, obviously, and a very, very important influence in my life,” says Gilbert, explaining her own experiences in fatherhood.
She revealed that her father passed away when she was 11 years of age, and it was while working on the series. Therefore, the actress says Landon watched over her in a much more paternal way.
Gilbert added that they had become very close and that their family had also vacationed together. They also celebrated New Year’s together.
Landon seems to have tried to fill the void of Gilbert’s missing father, and the actress appreciates the effort. She remembers him to this date as a great man and a great father figure.
Melissa Gilbert remembers Michael Landon as a great person
Apart from being a great ‘father figure,’ Gilbert also reveals that Landon was special to other members of the cast as well. Landon was a very giving person and went above and beyond for people close to him.
Gilbert remembers Landon giving amazing presents to his cast members. He would also announce the Rose Parade for NBC for free, and instead of the money, he would give Christmas gifts to the cast.
Melissa Gilbert with Michael Landon on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ (Source: PanCAN)
Not only that, but Gilbert also contributes to the success of the program for Landon. She says, “It blows my mind that all of this is because of him. These people are here because he wrote this show and directed it and produced it, and I know that he would be incredibly proud if he could see this.”
Unfortunately, the actor died in 1991 due to pancreatic cancer. She ended the interview by saying, “This is a legacy. A hundred percent.”
Although it’s been 50 years since the release of Little House on the Prairie, the show and its cast are equally famous. The show started in 1974 with popular main cast members like Landon, Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Sidney Greenbush, and Dean Butler.
Back in 2022, Gilbert remembered the actor on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of his death. She wrote a heartfelt essay through PanCAN, which is a charity fund for people affected by the disease.
“Today I am missing my mentor, my acting partner, my favorite director, father figure, friend, and boss. Today I am missing my Pa. Today I am missing Michael Landon. So much so, that I can feel it in my chest, in my heart. I am aching for him,” she says.
All About Michael Landon
Gilbert’s ‘father figure’ Landon was an American actor and filmmaker who is known for his role in the hit series Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven.
He was born on October 31, 1936, as Eugene Maurice Orowitz in Forest Hills, New York. He was the son of Peggy and Eli Maurice Orowitz. His father was Jewish, and his mother was Roman Catholic who used to be a professional comedian.
Landon’s childhood was marked by challenges, including his mother’s suicide attempts, which led to stress-related issues such as bedwetting. He attended Collingswood High School in New Jersey and showed talent in javelin throwing.
Michael Landon with his wife and kids (Source: Wide Open Country)
Despite initially pursuing athletics with a scholarship offer from the University of Southern California, Landon shifted towards show business after a shoulder injury ended his athletic career. He then began appearing in various television shows and movies, gradually building his acting career.
He then gained huge recognition through his role in the series Bonanza, where he was also a writer and director. After his role in the series, he went on to appear as the main cast of the series The Little House on the Prairie, where he is also the executive producer, director, and writer.
During his lifetime, the actor has been married three times and also has 9 children. Among his children, 5 of his children are active in the entertainment industry; Mark Fraser Landon, Leslie Ann Landon, Michael Landon Jr., Christopher Beau Landon, and Jennifer Rachel Landon.
Landon suffered a severe headache during a skiing vacation in 1991. After the checkup, he was diagnosed with a severe form of pancreatic cancer known as exocrine adenocarcinoma.
He did several surgeries and procedures during that time, but his disease was terminal. He passed away on July 1 at the age of 54 years, in his Malibu house at 1:20 pm with his wife at his bedside.
Actress
Josie Totah Has Plans for Roles beyond LGBTQ+ Characters
The actress states she is inspired by stories, not characters.
Josie Totah played the leading role of Mabel Emsworth in the 2023 historical series The Buccaneers. In this series, her character falls in love with a woman named Honoria Marable (portrayed by Mia Threapleton).
The American actress has openly come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and is transgender. Due to her sexuality and her portrayal of similar roles in various movies and TV shows, people have been wondering if she will take on similar roles in the future.
However, this does not seem to be the case for the actress, as she has firmly mentioned she is open to any role as she is an actress first. She attended the 2024 SCAD TVFest in Atlanta in February and mentioned her plans to work in various roles with people.
Josie Totah receives the ‘SCAD TVFest Rising Star Award’ (Source: Instagram)
In the interview, she mentioned that she is willing to take on various roles as she follows the story. She expresses her wishes to work as an actor and to uplift storytellers whom she fancies and tells stories that need to be said.
Totah wore an all-black outfit with white detailings at the event and was one of the nominees. She received the SCAD TVFest Rising Star Award at the event.
This enthusiastic actress has been working in the entertainment industry since 2012 but recently gained prominence due to her leading roles in several movies and TV shows. Her role in the 2021 movie Moxie was well-received by critics and the public.
Josie Totah came out as a transgender person in 2018
Although many suspected Totah to be gay as she hadn’t transitioned yet and appeared in many productions as J.J. Totah. She made herself publicly known as a trans-woman in 2018, exclusively through the Time Magazine.
She started her interview by stating she was always grateful to get roles in great projects like The Champions. However, she always felt she let herself shoved into a box as J.J. Totah, a gay boy.
Ever since Totah was a child, the people around her always viewed her as gay, as she was a bit different from others. Not only that, even the entertainment industry gave her that image due to the roles she played.
She also revealed that many reporters asked her what it was like being a gay young man, and many were already quick to assume the same. The actress also clarified being a member of the LGBTQ+ community before, but it only led to more people thinking she’s gay.
Therefore, the actress made a very bold decision to be free and let everyone know her natural sexuality. Despite what she might be hearing, support, or hate, she outed herself as Josie Totah, a trans-woman.
Totah identifies as a female and uses the pronoun she/her/hers. In a very heartfelt letter, she also says this is not something that happened out of the blue nor the choice she made.
The actress found out about her sexuality at the young age of 14 while watching the series I Am Jazz with her mother. In the middle of the show, she revealed to have yelled at her mother, saying this is what I have to do (while watching Jazz Jennings going through a medical transition).
This revelation might not have been easy, but it sure helped that her mother was super supportive from the start. Therefore, at 14, she started taking hormone blockers.
During the initial stages of transition, Totah was in constant fear of society as well as the effect of male hormones on her body. She was also scared about the identity documents and how people would see her.
However, the actress has had many reassurances in her life. She felt delighted hearing Josie from friends and family, and it was a process of healing and better understanding herself.
She wraps up her heartfelt note, stating, “This week, I’m going off to college. I’m also going to continue my acting career, and I am so excited to do both things myself. I plan to play roles I haven’t had the opportunity to play. And I can only imagine how much more fun it’s going to be to play someone who shares my identity, rather than having to contort myself to play a boy. I’m going to gun for those roles, be it a transgender female or a cisgender female. Because it’s a clean slate — and a new world.”
Josie Totah’s advancements in roles
Totah played the role of a boy in several movies and TV shows until 2018, including Glee, Champions, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. After she came out to the world in 2018, her first project was the American comedy series The Other Two, in which she played the role of Elijah.
Josie Totah poses for Galore (Source: Instagram)
In the same year, she played the role of Lisa Haddad in four episodes of the American comedy No Good Nick. The actress started playing female roles actively and got her first leading role in the sitcom Saved by the Bell, where she portrayed the role of Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio.
She went on to appear as CJ in the 2021 movie Moxie and played minor roles in some series, like Human Resources and Mr Mayor. Her most recent work is in the historical series The Buccaneers, which has increased her fame to the next level.
Totah has active plans to stay in the entertainment industry and is also set to appear in the upcoming horror movie Faces of Death. We hope she gets to play more dynamic roles in the future as she hopes to get.
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