Bobbie Mangini’s story doesn’t start in Hollywood—it starts in suburban Illinois. Born Roberta Lynn Mangini in Medinah, she grew up one of six kids, and the only one who loved sports. She played travel softball and was always in motion—on the field, in gymnastics, or cheering from the sidelines.
She graduated high school early in 1988, then jumped into college life, eventually earning two degrees from DePaul University in Sociology and Anthropology, with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. But life pulled her in another direction. She became a young single mum, taking on HR roles and bartending shifts to keep things stable for her kids.
Acting had always been in her, though. In 1998, she took the leap—enrolling at Act One Studio in Chicago, and later, Acting Studio Chicago. Still, her family came first. For years, she stepped back to raise her children. Today, she’s back in the game, splitting her time between LA and Illinois and training with actor Sean Kanan.
Off screen, Bobbie is just as dedicated. She’s served on the board of FISH Food Pantry and started Operation Santa, a toy drive helping hundreds of local families each year. She also supports her daughter’s fundraiser for a domestic violence shelter in San Francisco.
Bobbie leads with faith, humility, and perseverance. She knows rejection well—but it’s never stopped her. “You just keep showing up,” she says. And she does—every day, on set, in service, and in life.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early. I read my Bible before I even touch my phone. Then it’s straight into movement—either a walk or workout. I’ll check emails and my calendar, prep for auditions, and if I’m in LA, I usually have coaching sessions or self-tapes to film. I break my day into focused blocks. That way, even if things shift—and they often do—I still feel grounded.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I talk things through. I’m a big believer in verbal processing. Whether it’s a new approach to a scene or a volunteer project like Operation Santa, I usually bounce ideas off people I trust—my husband, my close friends, my children, or past colleagues from FISH. Writing it down helps, too. If it sticks in writing, I know it’s worth doing.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Community-driven giving. People are becoming more open to small, local acts of kindness—mutual aid, gift drives, pantries. It’s not just about large organisations anymore. It’s neighbours helping neighbours. That’s powerful.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I rearrange my priorities weekly. Acting is unpredictable. Volunteering, too. So every Sunday, I reassess. I don’t just run a to-do list—I re-rank what matters for that week.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t try so hard to be liked. Focus on what’s right, not what’s popular. And stop taking rejection so personally.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think the best performers aren’t always the most confident—they’re the most self-aware. Confidence can be loud. Self-awareness is quiet, but it’s what sticks.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Volunteer. Even if it’s just one hour a month. You learn more about humanity—and yourself—in a food pantry than in most offices.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I read scripture, talk it over with my husband, and go for a walk. I’ve also started leaving my phone in another room for part of the day. The quiet helps me reset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Staying consistent—even when no one’s watching. I once had 50 auditions without a callback. Then, within a short time, I booked several. The only thing that changed was that I kept showing up.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Years ago, I rushed a role I wasn’t ready for. I didn’t prep enough and froze up on set. I was mortified. But I used that experience to fuel deeper training and coaching. Now I always over-prepare.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile toy donation app. It could geo-locate families in need around the holidays and connect them to donors with drop-off spots. Think “Wish List meets Waze.”
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Keep. I use it to track auditions, pantry events, and tag ideas for future roles. It’s simple, but it syncs fast between devices.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I return to The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Every time I read it, I see something new. It’s like a reset for my spirit.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
From Scratch on Netflix. It’s beautifully human. Grief, love, family—it’s messy and real, and I admire that kind of storytelling.
Key learnings
- Resilience and Consistency Pay Off
- Service and Community Anchor Her Life
- Faith and Self-Awareness Drive Productivity
- Balance Between Family, Career, and Creativity