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Westchester Native Shares The Screen With Ryan Gosling In 'La La Land'

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. -- Talk about being in "La La Land." 

Mount Vernon native Claudine Claudio appears in the new film, "La La Land."

Mount Vernon native Claudine Claudio appears in the new film, "La La Land."

Photo Credit: Submitted
Claudine Claudio, right, with Writer/Director Damien Chazelle.

Claudine Claudio, right, with Writer/Director Damien Chazelle.

Photo Credit: Submitted
The movie poster for "La La Land" starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

The movie poster for "La La Land" starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Literally.

Actress Claudine Claudio, a Mount Vernon who lives in Los Angeles, plays alongside Ryan Gosling in the highly-anticipated dream chasing romantic movie musical "La La Land," releasing in select theaters Friday, Dec. 9.

The film comes comes from Academy-Award nominated writer/director Damien Chazelle, best known for the movie, "Whiplash."

"La La Land" tells the story of an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and dedicated jazz musician (Gosling), who are struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their dreams. Claudio enters the storyline alongside Gosling as "Karen," a waitress at the supper club where he works. The all-star cast also includes John Legend, J.K. Simmons, Rosemarie DeWitt and Finn Wittrock among others.

Claudio admits she was thrilled at the opportunity to be part of this original and unique project. "I am so humbled and grateful to have worked with this enormously talented cast, but what sticks out the most in my mind is working with Damien Chazelle," she said. 

"He's warm, friendly and made me feel completely comfortable; like I was an important, integral piece in this world we were creating. He treated everyone like that. That's inspiring to me."

The Mount Vernon High School graduate has built a solid resume since leaving New York to pursue her own Hollywood dreams. Fans will recognize her from Showtime’s celebrated series "Shameless" opposite Emmy Rossum, the Fox spin-off drama "Time Of Your Life" with Jennifer Garner, as well as from her recurring role as the paramedic Silva on NBC’s powerhouse medical drama "ER." 

Her credits also span several indie films, including the 90's cult classic "Jawbreaker," a NY Film Festival "Best In Fest" winner, "Titillating Steven" and DGA Short Film Fest winner "Saving Grace."

Claudio also has an extensive background in theater, including performing in John Patrick Shanley's "Savage in Limbo" and Stephen Adly Guirgis' "Our Lady of 121st St." 

An avid writer and playwright, Claudio debuted her first full-length play, "Original Win: The Early Days of Oscar," a period piece about actresses in the 1930's and 40's in 2014.

Go HERE for more details on her career.  

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