From entertainers and restaurateurs to government figures and philanthropists, these 34 male leaders are behind some of the city’s buzziest projects and most important contributions.
CEO & Maurice Marciano director of MOCA
Credit: Owen Kolasinski/MOCAWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of projects that make ideas and culture part of more people’s lives. That includes helping develop Passport and seeing it become a national streaming service for PBS members.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Jarl Mohn, prominent art collector and philanthropist, immediately comes to mind. We know one another through our years in public media — he led NPR while I was at GBH. We share a belief in the importance of artists and in building institutions that serve the public.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m focused on bringing new supporters into the museum, developing partnerships across Los Angeles and connecting with people who haven’t yet discovered us. Working with Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs Clara Kim and colleagues across MOCA, my job is not only to put resources behind the museum’s artistic ambition but also to ensure that the institution is operating strategically with its long-term future in mind.
Head Chef at the Supper Club at The Beverly Hills Hotel
Credit: The Beverly Hills HotelWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
While earning and maintaining a Michelin star at Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills was an important milestone, what means the most to me is building a team that goes beyond the classic idea of a kitchen — to cultivate ideas, passion and creativity.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
[Architect] Paul Revere Williams, whose work at The Beverly Hills Hotel helped shape the property into the icon it is today. The lasting creative legacy he created is very inspiring. Being part of The Supper Club gives me an opportunity to contribute to that story in my own way.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m focused on bringing The Supper Club to life. What makes this project so exciting is the way the cuisine will interact with the music, design and incredible history of The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Singer
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud of being able to still do what I’m doing — singing and performing — even after all these years since being a teenager on American Idol in 2008. I’m proud of my 2017 album, Postcards in the Sky, as it feels like a message to myself in the future.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Friends both in front of and behind the camera, like Kevin McHale, Mike Manning, Colton Tran and John Hoffman in screenwriting and acting, creating shows. Songwriters/artists like Ryan Nealon and Leland.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m releasing a new Christmas album, Warm Me Up, and doing a holiday tour that I’m really excited about! I’ll be at the El Rey Theater Dec. 16, and I think this will be the largest show I do in L.A. to date. It’s fun to see the growth over the years as it’s not easy.
Chef and realtor
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Other than my wife and three daughters, I’d have to say watching Trudy’s Underground Barbecue grow from a backyard passion project into what it became is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of. Opening multiple restaurants alongside my great friends at The h.wood Group was another amazing chapter.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
When it comes to hospitality, I can’t help but be inspired by watching guys like John Terzian and Brian Toll scale the art of hosting while still making it feel personal. Wolfgang Puck and Johnny Ray Zone have always impressed me with the way they engage with their guests and create a genuine connection through food.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m really excited to be stepping into the consumer packaged goods world with my wife. We’ve been working on several new products together, and I love the idea of taking what I’ve learned from restaurants, barbecue, hospitality and feeding people and bringing some of that energy into the snack aisle. Did someone say sunflower seeds? Keep an eye out for 74 & Sunny. We’re coming to get things cracking.
Interior designer and bar owner; celebrity stylist and bar owner
Credit: Norell GiancanaWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
AC: We’re most proud of our foray into hospitality with DAMN, I MISS PARIS, an intimate cocktail bar in historic West Adams that we designed, own and operate.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
JB: I’m inspired all the time by men I don’t even know. I like watching older men at the coffee shop in our neighborhood and seeing how they live in their worn things.
AC: Jason is a big source of inspiration for me. I’m also inspired by creative friends like interior designer Jamie Bush and designer Jerry Lorenzo.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
AC: My side of the business is working on a number of exciting residential projects, a book and our next hospitality project.
JB: I’m working on a handful of big film rollouts with my clients for 2027.
Entrepreneur and nonprofit co-founder
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
In the decade I spent at Facebook/Instagram, my team and I enabled millions of video creators around the world to earn a living. But, jumping into action to co-create Case Study: Adapt after losing our house in the Palisades fire has been more personally fulfilling.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Certainly, the mid-century modern architects such as Richard Neutra, A. Quincy Jones and Gregory Ain, but also men such as Howard Hughes and Charles Eames who were pushing the boundaries of manufacturing and design.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
Earlier this year, I co-founded PILLAR, a platform that enables people to upgrade their homes to protect themselves against the climate risks of the 21st century. We’re currently helping homeowners reduce wildfire risk and get off the California FAIR Plan, which is the insurer of last resort.
Content creator and fragrance expert
Credit: Angella ChoeWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Sir Candle Man’s mission is to illuminate people’s lives with the power of fragrance. This year, I’m proud of the brands I collaborated with, including Chanel, Dior, YSL and Guerlain. These are premier houses with amazing releases, and sharing them with my followers and fragrance fans, then seeing how much they love them too, has been so fun
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
I recently bought a new place, and Ikem Chukumerije, realtor to the stars, pushed me to find something I love. Even when I was tired, he inspired me to keep seeking perfection. Nick Axelrod-Welk inspires me from afar. He launched Contrapposto this year, an American beauty house for fine fragrance. It has a gorgeous aesthetic that feels very classic but also very L.A.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’ve been so blessed to work with so many brands, and I’ll continue to showcase the world of fragrance with even bigger storytelling.
Baker
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of Lou, The French On The Block being named Yelp’s Best Los Angeles Restaurant in 2022, and of keeping the bakery open and thriving to this day. Recognition is special, but continuing to serve our community after 10 years means just as much to me.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Kobe Bryant has been a huge inspiration to me, both when I played basketball and after I stopped. His discipline, determination and commitment to his craft are qualities I carry into my work as a baker and business owner.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m opening our second location in Eagle Rock: Lou, The French On The Rock. My focus is on growing the bakery, sharing our French culture and continuing to inspire people who need encouragement to pursue their own dreams.
DJ
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Finding ways to use music and my DJ sets to bring joy to people all over the world and becoming the father I am today. I have a beautiful relationship with my daughters. I grew up without a father in my life and breaking that cycle was extremely important to me.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Here in Los Angeles, I lean on a group of men for fellowship, support and inspiration: former NBA player Jimmy Jackson, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, realtor James Harris, manager Guy Oseary, writer Adam Bradley, comedian Chris Spencer and Geoff Walker, just to name a few.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m working on my first book, Call Me D-Nice: A Memoir & Beyond, which is coming out through Storehouse Voices, an imprint of Random House. I’m excited to share my story, and I hope it inspires people. And of course, I’m still performing all over the world.
United States attorney for the Central District of California
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud of our operations targeting human trafficking in the Figueroa corridor where we rescued girls as young as 14 years old. I’m also very proud of our operations targeting gang members and drug dealers in Skid Row and MacArthur Park, who have been keeping people addicted to horrific drugs for financial gain. No more.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
I draw inspiration from the federal, state and local law enforcement officers who show up every day with integrity and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m building on the great success we’ve had in tackling violent crime and fraud in Los Angeles. I believe that once we remove the major criminal elements from the streets, the city has a chance to make a tremendous comeback.
Forest Lawn Museum director
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Every exhibition is a labor of love, but I’m most proud of Filipino California: Art and the Filipino Diaspora from 2024. The artworks celebrated Filipino traditions and critiqued cultural misconceptions.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Dr. Peter Weller is a true inspiration. We were classmates for eight years at UCLA while getting our PhDs in art history. At the same time that we were taking classes and writing our dissertations, he was directing TV shows, acting in movies and TV, presenting at academic conferences and playing jazz. He is a living embodiment of passion for the arts.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m always working on a few exhibitions, but up next is Surreal and Sublime: Landscapes of California, which opens in March 2027. Most of the artists are based in L.A., and the show explores the vastness, beauty and strangeness of California. I’m also co-writing a book on the art and history of Forest Lawn, but I still have a lot of work ahead of me.
Realtor and TV personality
Credit: Estate MediaWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I started selling real estate at 18 and have built that into one of the leading residential brokerage businesses in the country. At the same time, I’ve expanded into investing, developing and assembling real estate. I’ve also authored three books. I’m proud that I’ve never allowed myself to be defined by one thing.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Rick Caruso, Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz. All three have had an enormous impact on Los Angeles in very different ways. What I admire is that none of them stayed in one lane.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
My business really has two sides now. I’m one of the top residential brokers, representing significant properties and clients, primarily in Los Angeles. Separately, I’m a principal in my own real estate investments — I develop and assemble properties, with a growing focus on New York. I live between Los Angeles, New York and the Hamptons, so increasingly my business reflects the way I live.
Hotelier and Marc & Rose Hospitality CEO
Credit: Courtesy of Marc & Rose HospitalityWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
We’ve opened three new hotel projects in the last four years and used those openings as a platform to support L.A. theater and arts. In each case, we partnered with IAMA Theatre Company to create a site-specific, immersive theater production. This ephemeral, one-time event allowed us to bring to life the spirit, story and ethos of the hospitality project in a unique and engaging fashion.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
I’ve been seeking inspiration and cultural and artistic mentorship from folks like Mark McNeill, co-founder of Dublab Radio and L.A. Philharmonic creative producer; Jared Meisler of The Roger Room and The Benjamin; Hayden Slater of Pressed Juicery; filmmaker and Hotel El Roblar co-owner Eric Goode; and Southern California hospitality artisan Arsalun Tafazoli of Consortium Holdings.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
Early next year, we will begin the renovation of El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley, Arizona, an iconic large-scale restaurant and event venue originally founded as a school house for girls in the 1930s. When finished, the project will include four distinct and definitive concepts.
LA28 CEO
Credit: Courtesy LA28Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the organizational culture we’ve built at LA28. Since I started in June 2024, we’ve scaled from 120 people to over a thousand — on our way to around 4,500 by summer 2028. Maintaining a more than 90% staff retention rate during this kind of rapid growth is critical, and it proves we’ve built a cohesive, mission-driven team.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Rafer Johnson was an incredible Olympic decathlon champion, a proud U.S. Army veteran and a defining figure in L.A.’s history. He dedicated his life to service and community inclusion, founding the California Special Olympics and proving that the true value of sport is its power to unite the world.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
We are completely focused on the massive task of putting on the biggest Olympic and Paralympic Games in history, and one that all Angelenos can be proud of. When that cauldron is lit, the eyes of the world will be on Los Angeles and we will show the globe what it looks like to come together — not in conflict, but in sport.
Dancer and TV personality
Credit: Brian Bowen Smith and Warner Bros. EntertainmentWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being able to create job opportunities through my dance tours for dancers who come to Los Angeles chasing their dreams. I know how much dedication and sacrifice it takes to be a professional dancer, and being able to create work for talented artists is incredibly rewarding. But my greatest accomplishment is the life I’m building with my wife, Hayley, and our daughter, Everley.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Ryan Seacrest is someone I look up to. His work ethic, drive and genuine passion for what he does are impressive.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m continuing my work as host of Extra, which gives me the opportunity to connect with incredible people and share stories from across the entertainment world. I’m also back as a judge on Dancing with the Stars and I’m especially excited about my upcoming Dance for the Holidays Tour. We’re bringing an incredible holiday experience to the stage, filled with spectacular choreography, amazing dancers, festive music and plenty of surprises.
Talent manager
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of starting my own talent management company three years ago, after 10 years at CAA, working with some of the best people in the business as mentors, colleagues and friends. This past year I sold my first music catalogue for a client, which was very exciting! It’s great taking on something new and challenging.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
There are so many that took a chance on me and believed in me along the way. I would definitely say professionally, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd at CAA, who instilled in me the power of teamwork and trusting your colleagues, and [showed me] what dedication really looks like.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I am currently working on expanding my team and continuing to service some of the best, most creative artists.
Comedian and podcast host
Credit: Ty PriceWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Surviving the Los Angeles open mic comedy scene in my 20s.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Jimmy Brogan, Bret Easton Ellis, Mark Flanagan.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m currently on my Wrath of Man tour, which will take me all around the world over the next two years. And I recently launched Jeselnik Book Club with The Ringer as a weekly podcast, with the goal to get men to read more literature.
Restaurateur
Credit: Yeva OhanjanyanWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
That Langer’s [Delicatessen Restaurant] is still here, on the same corner where my parents opened it nearly 80 years ago. Many of our employees have been with us for decades, some longer than I can believe, and I have always believed they deserve good jobs with fair pay and real healthcare. Taking care of them is part of what has kept Langer’s going, and they are as much a part of this place as the pastrami.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
My father, Al Langer. He gave me life, and he gave me a way to live it. He taught me that nothing replaces hard work and that the two most important words you will ever say are “please” and “thank you.”
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
We’re deep into planning Langer’s 80th anniversary, which falls on June 17, 2027. The celebration will run all year and include a coffee table book, television appearances, speaking engagements and an expanded line of exclusive Langer’s merchandise.
Restaurateurs
Credit: Paolo VerzaniWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
CL: Opening Alba LA. The city government made it a hard opening, and the community embraced us from the first night. That response was the payoff. Every time I walk down the hall to see a full house in that garden, I’m reminded of the joy of this city.
WM: Alba LA has to be up there with how hard it is to do anything in California. On top of that, the January 2025 fires hit right when we were about to open. But through all of it, we made it out of that and made one of the staples for L.A. dining.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
CL: Rick Caruso is quite simply the man. He is a gentleman and a visionary, with old-school standards that hold up in every era. He is the reason I believe L.A. will endure.
WM: Mark Birnbaum, who is one of my closest friends, for what they did with Catch LA — the run they’ve had and what they continue to do. Also, John Terzian and Brian Toll from The h.wood Group. What they’ve built in L.A. and beyond is so impressive.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
CL: We are going to open Enzo, our award-winning pizza concept, on the roof at Alba very soon.
WM: We are about to build out the third floor of Alba LA, which will be a beautiful space for private events and a lounge, as well as expand the Alba brand into other cities.
Actor and TV host
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that have become part of people’s lives — from Saved by the Bell to years of hosting on Extra and Access Hollywood and now projects I get to share with my wife and kids. It’s pretty special when someone tells you they grew up watching you — and then their kids recognize you, too. It also politely reminds you how old you are! But my greatest pride is the family my wife and I are raising.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
My dad has always been my first example. He taught me the value of hard work, keeping your word and treating people with respect. Those things carry you a lot further than a good resumé.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
It’s an exciting new chapter. My wife Courtney and I are producing and hosting The Balancing Act for Lifetime, I’m expanding my work with iHeartRadio with a new morning radio show and entertainment show, and I’m hosting a new boxing show called Inside The Ring.
Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department
Credit: Courtesy LAPDWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
From the outset, I’ve focused on the most pressing challenges facing the Los Angeles Police Department: morale, the disciplinary system, recruitment and retention, crime control, use of force and restoring public trust. Looking back, I believe we have made tremendous progress in each of these critical areas.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Every day, I draw inspiration from the men and women of the LAPD who — often in the most difficult circumstances — demonstrate courage, competence, care and compassion as they confront some of the most challenging issues facing our society.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
We are preparing for one of the greatest public safety challenges in Los Angeles’ history: hosting the Super Bowl, followed by the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LAPD must be prepared to confront emerging threats, including drone attacks and cyberterrorism, as well as traditional threats involving firearms and explosives, while adopting new technologies and protecting civil liberties.
Actor and singer
Credit: Matt KallishWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful, challenging “gigs” in my life. [The play] Radio Galaxy is a project I have been connected to for years, so to help get it on its feet is a very big deal for me. And I’m certainly proud of the fellowship I share with the five New Kids on the Block — we continue to keep it fresh and exciting for ourselves and our amazing lifelong fans.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
A neighbor of mine, David Levinson, has done really amazing work at Big Sunday, a nonprofit that does countless hours of community service in many ways, especially their Thanksgiving Day goods drive.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
Our new play Radio Galaxy is at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills this Nov. [6-22]. It’s a story of two families colliding and both fighting for their children’s future but needing each other to make it happen. I promise it’s worth an evening.
Actor and skincare brand founder
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Desperate Housewives was obviously a career-defining moment for me and introduced me to a global audience, opening a lot of doors and fundamentally changing my life.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
The male actors that I feel really bring that emotional resonance are guys like Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender, Joaquin Phoenix. On a more personal level, I think inspiration comes from the people you surround yourself with in Los Angeles: the friends who keep you grounded, the people who are passionate about their craft and the men who have the confidence to be authentic.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I have done some rom-coms for Roku and the Hallmark Channel, which are always fun, but I’ve been a lot more focused on music lately. I’m currently participating in something that centers around that. I also launched a skincare brand last year called NUTRL Skin, and I’ve been pouring a lot of time and energy into building the brand.
CEO of Citiguard
Credit: Courtesy of Sami NomairWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Citiguard was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for two years in a row. In 2026, it climbed 205 spots to rank No. 3,229, up from No. 3,434 in 2025. I’m also proud of being a husband to my wife Setara, and a father of two, Delilah and Adam, with a third on the way.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
I’d probably say Mark Geragos. I’ve always admired him not only for his legal acumen but also for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify his portfolio well beyond the practice of law.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m currently working on taking Citiguard to Nevada, Texas and Arizona. I have also been trying to make a difference in the office workspace in Los Angeles County and am planning on purchasing more office buildings in Los Angeles and growing my real estate portfolio.
Screenwriter and producer
Credit: Narek Zohrabyan, Ararel PhotographyWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
It’d be hard not to mention producing Sinners. After almost 20 years of making movies, getting to make something so ambitious, original and personal, and seeing audiences embrace it the way they did, has been a dream come true.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Serj Tankian of System of a Down. Growing up and watching him and his bandmates, who all went to high school not far from me, go on to sell out arenas around the world, all while proudly representing where they came from, was incredibly inspiring.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
We recently signed a television deal with Netflix, and we feel completely aligned with the leadership there about the kinds of ambitious, event-driven stories we want to tell. We can’t wait to deliver on that partnership. I’m also ridiculously pumped about The X-Files. We know how much this series means to its fans, and we feel grateful to be a part of bringing it to new generations.
Global CEO and hospitality veteran
Credit: Courtesy Pavan PardasaniWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m proud to be representing my culture and pushing Indian food and hospitality to the forefront. In the last 10 months, we’ve managed to open restaurants in Las Vegas, New York City and Dubai [outposts of the Gymkhana and Ambassadors Clubhouse brands founded in London], which speaks to our global ambition.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Rick Rubin: a cerebral creative who seems to be connected to a higher power. Rich Paul: his priority is always his people. Mike Amiri: Father, leader, husband, visionary. Wes Lang: Committed to his craft, off the radar until he needs to be on.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
We have three projects that are in various stages of construction set to open over the next 12 months, with two more in planning for 2028. Our development pipeline keeps me extremely busy both in terms of fulfilling ongoing projects and looking for new sites to bring our concepts to life.
TV writer/producer and novelist
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
The accomplishment I’m most proud of is my kids, without question. Watching these two people gradually become themselves, developing their own humor, interests, convictions and ways of seeing the world, is more meaningful to me than anything I could make or achieve professionally.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
The first person who comes to mind, though he’s only part-time in L.A. these days, is Vince Gilligan. I’ve known Vince for about 25 years, going back to when I was an assistant on the original run of The X-Files. I was in awe of his talent then, and I’m in awe of it now. He has one of those incredibly rare creative voices that is entirely his own.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
In the wake of [Netflix’s] The Beast in Me, I was fortunate enough to sell several new projects, and I’m currently writing three television pilots for three different studios. They’re very different from one another, which is part of what makes this moment particularly exciting.
The h.Wood Group co-founders
Credit: Courtesy the H.Wood GroupWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
JT: The Nice Guy was our first foray into the restaurant business and really helped change the L.A. landscape with food and nightlife. Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas was particularly special because, at the time, Wynn had never brought in an outside restaurant group. Being given the chance to put our concept on the big stage was a defining moment for us, and I believe it put us on the global map. Bootsy Bellows SoFi really paved the way for VIP lounges in stadiums for sports and concerts.
BT: I’m most proud of Delilah. We’ve proven the concept in four of the toughest hospitality markets in the country: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and Dallas. Succeeding in any one of those cities is hard, and seeing Delilah resonate in all four tells us we’ve built something that travels.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
JT: Business-wise, Rick Caruso and Lewis Wolff have provided the most inspiration for me overall, not only for the businesses they’ve built, but also for how they treat their employees and prioritize their families.
BT: I’ve always been inspired by André Balazs and Ian Schrager. Both of them started in nightlife, moved into restaurants and then built remarkable careers in hotels. That’s the path I hope to follow.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
JT: We have some exciting openings on the horizon, including Little Luck in Los Angeles, our first Japanese restaurant, and Lady Delilah NYC, marking our entry into New York.
BT: We currently have six projects in development: Little Luck in L.A., Montana’s in Brentwood, Lady Delilah New York, The Nice Guy Miami, The Nice Guy Newport Beach and Delilah at the Wynn Al Marjan Island. Keeping that many budgets and timelines on track is a lot of work, but we’re incredibly excited about every one of them, and they set us up for the next chapter.
Actor and producer
Credit: Michael MullerWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment will always be my family: the one I came from and the one I’ve been fortunate enough to create alongside my beautiful wife. Professionally, playing Fez on That ’70s Show and bringing laughter to people’s lives has been one of the great privileges of my career.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
George Cheeks, co-chair and chief content officer of Skydance TV, has empowered my storytelling and encouraged me to continue trusting my creative voice. David Stapf, president of CBS Studios, has believed in me and my work, helped me expand my wings and allowed me to bring fruitful content to so many communities.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
It’s my tenth year on NCIS, and I’m grateful to be part of such a beloved and enduring franchise. As for what’s to come, I can’t say too much yet, but I promise it’s worth the wait.
Artist and puppeteer
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’ve worked as an artist for 45 years — print, TV and now the art world. I’m grateful I made those leaps. I’m proud of my wife and kids who are brilliant artists, Mimi, Woodrow and Lulu, and the wonderful house we raised them in here in L.A.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
Paul Reubens. His genius creation and my involvement with it is why I’m here in L.A. Michael Blum and his Riverstreet Productions got me lots of interesting work and I enjoy his company. The director Jonathan Dayton: He always made me draw a second version. And he was always right. Cliff Benjamin, artist and gallerist, saw my paintings and put me in the art world.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m currently building my own little chunk of wonderland to be inside the big new Meow Wolf experience here in L.A. I’m looking forward to a one-man show of paintings in Nashville next year.
Attorney and producer
Credit: Irvin RiveraWhich projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?
The theatrical release of Coyote vs. Acme, through Ketchup Entertainment, the independent film production and distribution company I built with my two partners.
Which men in L.A. have served as inspirations to you?
I’m inspired by what I would describe as conscious entrepreneurs: people who are genuinely passionate about what they do and whose ambitions extend beyond themselves.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you?
I’m continuing to build Ketchup Entertainment with my two partners, developing and distributing new projects, including November 1963, a compelling true story based on the events surrounding President Kennedy’s assassination. I’m also excited about Puppy Love Studios, a new venture focused on supporting independent filmmaking and the future of live-action production in Los Angeles. At Yepremyan Law Firm, Inc., I’m continuing to grow the firm across our practice areas, including business and corporate law and personal injury, while placing a particular emphasis on expanding our workers’ compensation practice.
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