Judy Stadt”™s childhood heroes were 1940s darlings, legendary Judy Garland and her smitten sidekick, Mickey Rooney. They transported Bronx-born Stadt to a make-believe world of singing, dancing and happiness. Stadt says her own childhood was fraught with trauma and escaping through the magic of the movies ”“ especially the musicals ”“ was a way to keep her balanced.
“I always knew I wanted to be an actor,” says Stadt, who is president and CEO of Boomer Productions. “It wasn”™t just watching the movies that encouraged me. I saw it as a way express myself and make others happy, and, in the process, find happiness too.”
Like most, Stadt knows all too well that what”™s seen on the silver screen isn”™t necessarily true in real life. She left high school to marry at 16, “at a time when most people were horrified at the thought,” says Stadt. Still, she persevered, following her love of music, mime and acting while caring for three sons that came in rapid succession.
When she left the Bronx for Rockland County, Stadt found a niche for herself at the Penguin Repertory Theatre in Stony Point, where she became a regular.
The Equity Company will celebrate its 30th anniversary on August 5 and Stadt, who has appeared in 39 plays at the venue since moving to Spring Valley, will be on hand to help usher in the company”™s fourth decade. “It was an oasis for me,” says the actor. “I was able to practice my art, write plays and sing. Who could ask for more?”
Although Judy”™s marriage ended, she bought the Spring Valley house she still calls home and raised her three sons to adulthood. These days, she is enjoying “her extra bonus”: grandchildren whom she loves “more than I can possibly describe.” That is, when she is not on stage singing or performing.
Stadt”™s known for her unique hats. She”™s even added a Realtor”™s cap to the collection, joining Century 21 Grand in New City three years ago to become a professional real estate salesperson. “I know, I joined the industry at the wrong time,” laughs Stadt. “While most people were watching the market go down, I was studying for my broker”™s license. But I love helping people, and if I can help a person get into a home they can afford and be happy with, that”™s what matters most.”
Between plays, performances and chauffeuring customers to look at homes, Stadt spent a lot of time doodling. “People actually told me I was missing my mark when they saw my chicken scratching,” she says. “Finally, I decided to try to sit down and do something with what everyone was telling me was ”˜artwork.”™”
She”™s written and illustrated four children”™s books, and while she”™s yet to find a publisher, the love of writing and drawing for children seems a natural for this multitalented lady. “I have grandchildren, so I know I will always have an audience,” says a smiling Stadt. “But I also have a sense of business acumen I think is rare in my profession.”
Stadt”™s hoping to turn her new passion into profit, but it doesn”™t pan out, she”™s not worried. “I”™m the eternal entrepreneur ”“ and optimist,” says Stadt. “I always try to look on the bright side. If this works out, great. If not, that”™s OK too. There will always be something waiting for me just around the corner.”
Stadt, who regularly entertains around the Hudson Valley and New York City, says her illustrations and writing have become an outlet that just seems a natural fit in her artistic world.
And yes, Stadt did go back and get her diploma. “It took three years of night school but I did it, and then went on to college,” she says with pride. Stadt”™s determination and drive to reach her goals may well be a lesson for all of us.
