Chasing Acting Dreams: My Hostel Days in West Hollywood

Traveling has always been a part of my life — a way to feel alive, connect with people, and embrace the unknown. Growing up in a creative family in Copenhagen, my earliest travels took me across Denmark and neighboring countries like Sweden and Germany. But it was my passion for acting that eventually led me much further afield: all the way to Los Angeles.

Arriving in Los Angeles — the city where my Hollywood adventure began.

After finishing high school as an exchange student in a small town in Northern California, I returned to Copenhagen determined to pursue acting more seriously. I applied to the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles — and when that acceptance letter arrived, I knew I had to go.

I didn’t know a soul in LA. But I packed my bags, boarded a plane, and headed for what would become one of the most formative chapters of my life

A Danish Actress’s First Steps in Los Angeles

Landing at LAX felt like stepping into a film scene. The vastness of the city, the energy, the unfamiliar rhythm — it was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once. My first stop was a hotel in Inglewood, but I soon found my temporary home at the Orbit Hostel in Hollywood.

This hostel, tucked away near Melrose Avenue, became my base for the months that followed. It was chaotic, vibrant, and full of dreamers: fellow actors, musicians, and travelers from all over the world.

Living in a shared dorm meant constant company — and constant stories. On my first night, I met Magic, a local character who, despite reeking of alcohol, offered warm advice on how to navigate the city. From farmer’s markets to the Metro, I learned LA’s map through the voices of its people.

Lessons from Hostel Life in West Hollywood

The Orbit Hostel was a world of its own. The terrace was a meeting place for all walks of life: aspiring actors, wanderers, artists, and adventurers. While some spent their nights immersed in the city’s nightlife, I found myself tuning out the noise — focusing instead on my studies, my auditions, and adjusting to a new way of life.

Living with strangers taught me resilience and adaptability — traits that have helped me in every role I’ve played since. I also honed my American accent during these months, which became one of my unique strengths as a Danish actress working internationally.

Despite the challenges, these early days taught me about discipline, focus, and how to stay grounded in the unpredictable world of acting.

A quiet moment in Los Angeles, years after my hostel days but still connected to those early memories.

How My Early LA Days Shaped Who I Am Today

My time in West Hollywood was about more than just chasing a dream. It was about discovering who I was — as an artist and as a person.

Walking to the Lee Strasberg Institute each day, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The classes were rigorous and inspiring. We studied scene work, on-camera acting, and improv — including one memorable exercise where we created a chaotic traffic jam with chairs, imaginary cars, and a “pregnant driver” (me) about to give birth.

Looking back, I see how those months shaped me. They taught me about life, people, and the importance of community. Even now, as I work internationally, those early lessons stay with me — a reminder of the vibrant, chaotic, challenging, and ultimately rewarding path I chose.

About me:

I’m a Danish actress based in Copenhagen, known for character-driven roles and a natural American accent that I first developed during my early time in Hollywood. You can say hello on Instagram.