SPENCER FALLS
The actor takes us inside his colorful studio and home to share how he landed the biggest role
of his life as The Unlikely Florist, one of most beloved tradesmen in Venice Beach.
What did your friends say when you told them you were going to be a florist?
The responses were mixed really, and I have to say it wasn't that cut and dry. It was more like "I'm gonna sell flowers from my van on the side of the road." My dad, who's the most supportive father any son could have showed the most skepticism I've ever seen. Another mate who was also an actor laughed at me, I laughed back, then he proceeded to hang out with me in my van pretty much every weekend until he bailed to go film his now hit TV show. So needless to say, the idea got mixed responses though most were very supportive.
When was your first inclination that this could be a career path for you?
It was a slow progression out of acting really. I wasn't trying to make it a career then as the days went by, I just found myself getting that much more joy out of a life in flowers than I did the continued pursuit of a career in entertainment. Life is long though, the scales may tip again, we'll see.
What draws you to this profession?
The flowers themselves are the major inspiration. I also love and feel an indescribable need to create with my hands. I'll also add that the satisfaction I get from providing people with flowers that they love and are inspired by is incredibly satisfying and heartwarming.
What does a typical day entail?
Every day is different. That’s a great part of the job. No monotony, that'll kill a man.
You’re from new Zealand but now live in Los Angeles, how do these two locations differ in terms of style?
They differ so significantly it's hard to put a finger on it... I feel LA attracts people from all over the world, so the style is as eclectic as it gets. There's something for everyone. New Zealand also has its cultural influences, however those that come to New Zealand really adopt the lifestyle. In LA, everyone wants to indulge in their individualism and has the ability to.
You obviously know plants––what is your flower or arrangement of choice to send someone you love?
Very heard to say... I think it's different every time. Depends on the flowers on hand and the type of love I’m looking to convey.
What is your dress of choice, in what are you most comfortable in?
I like to keep it simple at the end of the day. Comfy fitting jeans, a t-shirt, a pair of sneakers and a hat to top it off.