Meet Rula Gardenier

People used to tell me I looked like Audrey Hepburn. Now it’s Isabella Rossellini—or, from older folks, Ingrid Bergman. It usually comes with the question: “Where are you from?” I’ve learned to enjoy it. My answer now is, “What’s your guess?”

I’ve been guessed French, Italian, Greek—even Eskimo. I’ve heard Jackie Onassis more than once. Everyone leaves feeling oddly proud of themselves.

I was born in Bahrain, raised and educated in England, and spent summers in Lebanon. I’ve lived in the United States for over forty years and have traveled across continents. My family spans all three Abrahamic religions- atheists -included, with roots tracing back to seventeenth- century Greater Syria and Mesopotamia.

I belonged everywhere—and nowhere.

Until I moved here.

I have built a creative life as an actor in the place that finally feels like home: California. I began my acting career in Chicago, where I lived for over 30 years and raised two remarkable children.

When I’m not auditioning or on set, I enjoy my Improv group, Yoga, Pilates, long walks on the beach and reading actual books. I volunteer with the Verdant Venice Group, planting and maintaining native trees and shrubs, and I remain active in SAG-AFTRA—formerly as a local board member in Chicago and currently serving on the MENA Committee. My favorite thing in the world is having a good laugh and sharing good vibes with the people I love.