AWARDS | Nan McNamara

“And the Oscar goes to …”

8th grade. Pink hot pants. A paisley tie-front top with bell sleeves. And a wad of gum. The character was “Weather Girl” in a Catholic Grade School sketch. Talk about dichotomy.

As a big-haired, gum chewing meteorologist, I shared the temperature highs and lows while I painted my nails. And when I ultimately pointed to the cold front coming from the northwest, my nails stuck to the map. Comic genius. And probably a total rip-off from Carol Burnett whose show was appointment television on Saturday nights.

“Weather Girl” stands out in my memory because I received an audible reaction

February 29, 2024

ACTOR'S LIFE, ACTRESS, AWARDS, CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, PERSONAL GROWTH

Stay Standing

Nan McNamara

4 Comments

The setting is the Greek Theatre on a warm summer night in Hollywood. Every seat in the amphitheater is full and the last bit of sun slips behind the surrounding hills. There is a palpable excitement in the air. Women in cotton dresses and men in cargo shorts hold glasses of Chardonnay and plastic cups of beer waiting in anticipation for the concert to begin.

Ok, so it’s Garrison Keillor. Not Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga singing Shallow. But still. The Greek in the summer is a special place. On this particular evening, everyone in the audience is

January 31, 2024

ACTOR'S LIFE, ACTRESS, AWARDS, CONFIDENCE, INSPIRATION, OVERCOMING FEAR, PERSONAL GROWTH

What I Learned Walking the Emmy Red Carpet (and Other First World Problems)

Nan McNamara

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What I Learned Walking the Emmy Red Carpet (and Other First World Problems)

Have you ever flown First Class? I’ve experienced it a couple of times and while I enjoyed every second of it, there was a part of me that regretted knowing how wonderful it was – because I was more than likely going to be flying coach most of the time.

So, I went to the Emmys. And I walked the Red Carpet. And now I know what it feels like.

Darn it.

But let me back-up to the preparation. How did the hair and make-up turn out? What about the dress and shoes? And

September 21, 2017

ACTOR'S LIFE, ACTRESS, AWARDS, FASHION, INSPIRATION

Walking the Emmy Red Carpet: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

Nan McNamara

12 Comments

Walking the Emmy Red Carpet: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

When I was a kid growing up in Minnesota, televised awards shows were appointment viewing. The Oscars were King, but the Emmys took a close second. At nine years old, I never imagined I would actually get to GO to one of these events.

My good friend Paul is actually nominated for an Emmy this year (yay Paul!) and he asked me to be his date.

Mmmmm. Well, I guess I could do that.

But, what to wear? How should I do my make-up? What about shoes? My hair? The list of questions

September 13, 2017

ACTOR'S LIFE, AWARDS, FASHION, MINNESOTA