As Hetty Woodstone, the tightly corseted though increasingly free-spirited Gilded Age socialite on CBS’s Ghosts, Rebecca Wisocky finds her character confined to her fictional manor’s property lines. Thankfully, this Toluca Lake resident gets to spread her wings whenever and wherever she chooses on adventures she takes throughout California.
Wisocky, a theater powerhouse who has an Obie Award on her mantle, is a familiar face to TV fans. In addition to playing Evelyn Powell on Devious Maids, she’s scored high-profile appearances on Desperate Housewives, The Mentalist, Star Trek: Picard, and American Horror Story. And in 2024, she joined the season three cast of Mindy Kaling’s hit MAX series, The Sex Lives of College Girls. These days, she’s also inviting fans to donate to the Mutual Aid Network LA, which offers a wide variety of ways to support Angelenos affected by the January 2025 wildfires.
Here, Wisocky offers up her own master class on how to get the most out of all that the Golden State offers, from finding its winning wines and best mom-and-pop dining spots to basking in the beauty of its geography and wildlife.
Where do you live? Toluca Lake in Los Angeles
Why there? We have a Spanish Colonial house with a Batchelder-tile fireplace that was built in 1925. I love this style of architecture so much and California is famous for it.
Who or what is your greatest California love? I go nuts when the jacaranda trees are in bloom. The ridiculous beauty of a big fluffy purple tree feels very Los Angeles. Our neighborhood also has packs of wild parrots that visit our yard every once in a while. A pandemonium of parrots. They give me that same feeling of raucous impossible beauty.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we’re all laid-back. Most Californians I know are incredibly driven and inventive.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That we cancel plans. “The Californians” SNL sketch about L.A. traffic is funny because it rings true. We do spend a fair amount of time talking about traffic. If I have to take the 405 at 5 p.m. to visit you, it’s going to be a special occasion. But it will be worth it. (I have to keep telling myself that.)
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Good California wines. We love going with friends up to Paso Robles, walking through the vineyards and doing wine tastings. Brecon is a favorite.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’d take a drive along the northern coast with the husband and dogs. See the Russian River run into the Pacific in Jenner. Have a life-changing slice of apricot pie at Duarte’s. Watch the dogs play in the surf in Cambria. That stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Strip-mall sushi. Most of our favorite restaurants (Mexican, sushi, Thai, Chinese, Indian) are mom-and-pop places in the most unassuming of spots. If we’re up north and feeling fancy, then it’s Chez Panisse [in Berkeley]. We’ve been known to plan entire trips around a restaurant reservation and had one of our first dates there. Alice Waters and her food are certainly California treasures.
What is your favorite way to play in California? My newest favorite is pickleball, baby!
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I can’t resist an antique furniture store or a flea market. If there’s a shack with a vintage sign out front, I will be stopping there. I also love a good nursery. I could meander around The Descanso Gardens to dream or Green Valley Growers to shop for hours.
Best California song? Ashford & Simpson’s “California Soul.” Marlena Shaw’s version is my favorite. I love her voice so much. But there are so many greats associated with this song. I also love “Xanadu.” When I was a kid, I assumed that everyone in Los Angeles was hanging out with Gene Kelly on roller skates by the beach. That ELO sound felt very California to me in the 1980s: a magical muse-filled frontier.
How would your California dream day unfold? I’d meet up with my bestie at Millennium Dance Complex for Irene Blank’s cardio kickboxing class. Then I’d prep the pizza dough that I made the night before and let it rise for a few hours while we take the dogs on their favorite hike. There’s a great trail above the Stough Nature Center in Burbank with a little picnic table at the top and a fabulous view. On the way back home, we’d stop at Monte Carlo Italian Deli to get pizza toppings and cannoli. My husband would make the perfect fire as friends trickle in with kids and dogs and we’d swim and make pizzas until the sun sets. Then we’d cozy up and play Scrabble. Come on, that’s a good day!