Meet Gabi Epstein
“Embrace those qualities that set you apart. Blending in doesn’t work in this industry.”
At one point in her acting career, Gabi Epstein considered going by Gabi Faye, leaving out her distinguishable last name. She realized that in order to take on any role, she first had to embrace her own.
“It is so much a part of who I am. It sets me apart from everyone else. I’ve always been very proud of who I am.” In pursuing a career while remaining true to herself, Gabi brings meaning to her life.
Gabi insists that it is what makes us different and unique that we must celebrate. “Embrace those qualities that set you apart. Blending in doesn’t work in this industry.”
Gabi has always stood out- even in the acting world. “In my early twenties, shows couldn’t really cast me. I’m not your typical looking person, I come with a big voice and personality.”
Being a young Jewish actress in an audition room full of tall blondes could have been intimidating, but Gabi had role models in the industry to look up to and learn from.
“There are amazing people in the industry, especially Barbra Streisand, who have paved the way for Jewish women who are a little bit different; those who are being themselves and not apologizing for it. It would have been hard, I think, diving into this industry not knowing there are people who looked a little different and marched to the beat of their own drum.”
Theatre is about standing in front of a crowd, showing them who you are and what you have to offer. It is about using your own talents and abilities to create an authentic character, and working with others who share the same passion in the creation of something extraordinary.
But it comes with its challenges.
No matter your uniqueness, or your devotion to the craft, actors are no stranger to bad days. “Sometimes those days are very real. You don’t get a part you’ve been wanting for a long time, and, like any job interview, you can easily get discouraged. We’re not superheroes. We all have bad days and bad times. I’ve learned you have to trust your ability. If you’re putting in the work, the work will come to you. Competition is fierce but those who work hard succeed.”
For Gabi, all of the effort is worth it.
“There is a sense of exhilaration that does not exist anywhere else in the world other than being on stage. I just love the stage. I always have. I feel so happy performing for people. I feel confident and strong. I love the audience’s joy and the joy it brings to myself.”
Gabi continues to find herself in her acting career, and lets her personality and spirit shine through in all that she does.
Gabi Epstein was born and raised in Toronto, growing up in a family that supported the arts, with a love for music and theatre. She attended a performing arts school, which is when she realized she cared enough to do it for life. She fast-tracked a degree in music at McGill, then worked hard sending resumes and demos to every theatre company in the country. She also began giving singing lessons, another passion of hers which she continues to this day. She continues to pursue her dreams of being an actress and has just concluded a production of “Fiddler on the Roof”.
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Jumans of Toronto is a window into the lives and passion of Jewish young adults making their mark in the world. A 50-part series, Jumans is inspired by Humans of New York. If you’d like to recommend someone awesome to be highlighted, please send an email to adina@thehousetoronto.com.
Written by: Adina Samuels