Whether you recognize her voice from Guardians of the Galaxy, or for her roles on Superman and Happy Endings, Mikaela Hoover has been making her mark with quirky, scene-stealing parts for years. These days, she’s keeping that streak going with two major Netflix projects: She plays country club queen Ava in Beef’s second season and voices the beloved reindeer doctor Tony Tony Chopper in the second season of the live-action hit One Piece.
Offscreen, that same eclectic energy influences the way she lives and plays in California, whether she’s seeking out a beautiful mountain hike, the perfect cheeseburger, or a unique farmers’ market bouquet. Here, she shares some of her favorite things about the Golden State.
Where do you live? I live in Los Angeles, and have lived here for—oh, 22 years.
Why there? Ever since I was a little girl, I was always performing. My dad has all these old VHS recordings of me hamming it up for the camera. So it was a surprise to no one when I left Spokane, Wash., right after high school and headed to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University’s theatre program.
Who or what is your greatest California love? My greatest California love is In-N-Out. I will never say no to In-N-Out. I am a creature of habit, so my order is always fries, animal style, and a cheeseburger, extra spread. A close second—wait, tied with first—are Venegas Growers flowers from the Studio City farmers’ market. Shout out to Raymundo Venegas who has the most stunning flowers.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? Californians all love the beach and are constantly going. I am a mountain girl. I will always retreat to the woods.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That Californians cannot handle rain. I always think I miss it but then we get it and I am like no thanks, I’m good!
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I can’t escape my roots. I am from Spokane. Love nature. Love the mountains. My road trip would head up to Yosemite to The Ahwahnee. I would stop at Château du Sureau on the way there because the food and service is incredible. Then I would head to Sequoia National Park and transform into a forest fairy until my dog Ava gets sick of me and makes me spend a night at Four Seasons Westlake Village to make up for it.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I would decree that all meals must include a steak. Specifically from The Peninsula. And the Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich from The Honor Bar. I decree they all come with a side of ranch.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Barefoot outside with my dog Ava in someone’s yard. My goal for the year is to find a place where I can do that in my own yard.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? The Soho Home store on Melrose. I am obsessed with all their furniture. When I die, just put my ashes inside a beautiful credenza from Soho Home.
Best California song? “To Live and Die in L.A.” I have had the biggest crush on Tupac since forever. He is a true artist.
How would your California dream day unfold? When I’m not working, my dream day would unfold at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara. I’ve never actually stayed there, only visited for the day, so it is my dream to spend a night there. The food at Stonehouse, the magical cottages, I want to live there.
But honestly, my dream day would be working. Nothing makes me happier than being on set. I love what I do. I am so so grateful for every opportunity I get to act. My last two projects, One Piece and Beef, are my favorite experiences so far, and I cannot wait for what comes next.
