This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with New York City-based actress and mom of four Lois Robbins! Over her career, she has built a rich resume of credits on the big screen (most recently The Aspern Papers with Jonathan Rhys Meyers), small screen (One Life to Live, All My Children, Sex and the City, Law & Order) and off-Broadway (including her one-woman play L.O.V.E.R.). But recently, she decided to launch The LoDown, an Instagram Live show that is already reaching 100,000 viewers per episode, and featuring celebrities like Kristin Chenoweth, Brooke Shields, Kelly Rutherford and others.
We spoke to Lois about her new project, career, family life and more.
You have such a varied career. What would you consider to be the highlight?
There have been many highlights but there are two that really stand out for me. Playing the role of Mrs. Prest in the film The Aspern Papers opposite Jonathan Rhys Myers was an incredible experience. We shot the film in Venice, Italy. I spent two weeks there and will never forget it. We worked really hard but the quality of all the talent in the film was exceptional. Second would have to be starring in the revival of Cactus Flower at The Westside Theater. While it wasn’t a critical success, the spirit of it was incredible. Stephanie Dickenson’s journey was a thrill to tackle every day.
Congratulations on the success of our podcast. Can you share a bit more about it?
The LoDown is my Instagram Live show and podcast. It’s an opportunity for me to get down with some really amazing people! Favorite guests have been Fran Drescher, Kristin Chenoweth. Tony Goldwyn…actually I have loved all my guests so much it’s hard to choose one. The honesty they all bring to the interviews always surprises and delights me. Most of them tell me it’s the best interview they’ve ever had and I am very proud of that.
What do your kids think of all you’ve done in your career?
My kids are extremely proud of me. They see how hard I work and how passionate I am and that has resonated with them in the way they approach their own lives. It wasn’t always easy to balance. I have a few regrets about missing certain things but in the end, my kids turned out great, so it’s OK!
Who is your dream podcast guest?
On my wish list of guests right now… Amy Klobuchar, Sebastian Maniscalco and Deepak Chopra!
What is your “mom uniform”?
My mom style changes with my mood. I’m a Gemini! But generally I love my J Brand Jeans, a great Balenciaga blazer and a basic white t-shirt. I have a hearty collection of great sneakers but my sheepskin Golden Goose slides are my favorite.
Have any woman inspired you over the years?
My acting teacher Ivana Chubback has been a huge inspiration. Karen Carpenter changed the way I view my work. My mother was my best friend. Always supported me in everything I did. My sister Bonnie. She’s a very talented photographer and has always rooted and supported me. All these women have inspired me. I’m inspired constantly by my female guests on The LoDown. Evy Poumpouras blows me away. Read her book, Becoming Bulletproof.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I think it’s important for women to support and nurture one another. I’ve learned that by sharing information and bringing people together you can transform people’s lives and they transform mine in return.
What are your NYC favorites, for anyone local or visiting?
Date Night: Antonicci’s Italian Restaurant or a cheese board at home with a great bottle of wine and a movie. That’s actually my favorite.
Girls Night: New favorite is Casa Cipriani. Great atmosphere and crowd.
Coffee: Butterfield’s on Lexington Ave
Workout: Central Park is my gym and after that I am obsessed with the FeetUp yoga bench. I do it every day!
Hair: Valery Joseph Salon and Gemini 14 salon
Nails: Valery Joseph Salon
Have fun as a family: We love shooting hoops together, playing tennis and now Pickle Ball. We can sit around a fire pit for hours catching up. Any time I have now with my adult children is a blessing!