The Interview: Meet Elizabeth Boykewich
Every once in a while, you cross paths with someone whose generosity, wisdom, and belief in your artistry shifts something in you. Luckily for me, one of those people in my life is Elizabeth Boykewich.
A powerhouse producer and casting director, former senior casting executive at The Walt Disney Company, and a true multi-hyphenate creative, Elizabeth has not only helped shape the careers of some of the most beloved actors of our generation - she’s also helped shape mine. Her unwavering guidance and mentorship over the past few years has been a grounding anchor as I’ve navigated my own creative path.
In this conversation, we dive deep into her extraordinary career - from The Parent Trap, Pretty Little Liars, and X-Men, to producing original theatre, mentoring emerging artists, and co-creating spaces that center purpose and sustainability in this ever-evolving industry. Whether you’re an actor, a creative, or someone trying to build a career with intention, I can’t wait for you to soak up the magic and clarity she brings to every room she’s in.
This one’s for you if…
You’re an actor curious about what casting directors actually look for.
You want to build a creative career that lasts longer than a “hot moment.”
You’ve ever second-guessed your timeline, your instincts, or your place in this industry.
You’re navigating self-tapes and wondering what truly makes one stand out.
You've been craving grounded wisdom from someone who’s been there.
You want to redefine success on your own terms - and stay soul-aligned while doing it.
About Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Boykewich is a powerhouse producer and former senior casting executive whose nearly 30-year career has helped shape a generation of television. Known for casting iconic shows like Pretty Little Liars, Grown-ish, and The Bold Type during her time as SVP of Casting & Talent at ABC Family/Freeform, building stories that deeply resonated with millennial and Gen-Z audiences. Known for her ability to spot rising stars and create cultural phenomena, her work has garnered accolades from the NAACP, GLAAD, Teen Choice, and People’s Choice Awards.
Today, she brings her casting expertise into producing, overseeing every aspect of development from talent deals to multiplatform strategy. Her recent projects include the sold-out run and upcoming film adaptation of SHARD and the award-wining short OWNERSHIP for LaGralane Productions. A passionate mentor and respected industry leader, Boykewich continues to nurture emerging talent through her work with Element 8, Women in Film, The Television Academy, CSA, and InHouse Theatre Company. As a theater director focused on world premieres - most recently Blake Shields’ Seventh Breath - she remains a driving force in storytelling across mediums.
For Boykewich, entertainment is not just about finding talent - it’s about defining an era.
You’ve had a hand in launching the careers of so many now-household names - do you have a favorite discovery, full-circle moment, or behind-the-scenes casting memory from your time at The Walt Disney Company that still makes you smile?
I’ve been fortunate to help launch so many careers that it’s hard to just pick one favorite story. The first major studio film I worked on was the remake of The Parent Trap. I adored the Hayley Mills original as a child, so being part of the new version was thrilling. I was hired to lead the New York casting search alongside Ilene Starger in Los Angeles, and we cast a wide net - searching across the U.S. and London. Lindsay Lohan came out of my search. We tested several girls opposite Dennis Quaid, but I just had a feeling about Lindsay. She was spunky, natural, magnetic - her energy matched perfectly with Dennis and Natasha Richardson. I’ll never forget when a higher-up said, “Of all the girls, I don’t think Lindsay will get it.” I knew better.
Soon after, I worked on the very first X-Men - the film that launched the Marvel movie universe. We conducted exhaustive searches for every role, stretching the casting process to three times longer than a typical feature at the time. That’s how Hugh Jackman was introduced to American audiences. I still remember watching his VHS self-tape from Australia with Roger Mussenden; the excitement in the room was palpable, and for good reason.
There are so many other moments that make me smile: discovering America Ferrera in Gotta Kick It Up!; casting Dylan and Cole Sprouse opposite Adam Sandler in Big Daddy; attaching Lucy Hale to Pretty Little Liars and then building the cast around her, watching all four leads break out. And Shailene Woodley - who booked an Alexander Payne film while starring in The Secret Life of the American Teenager. We moved heaven and earth to make both projects possible. That series became an incredible launching pad for her, and I so admire the choices she’s made since. Her work in Three Women this year was just stunning.
What’s one decision in your career that felt like a risk at the time but turned out to be deeply aligned?
Taking the job to head casting at ABC Family felt like a real leap. At the time, the network was brand new - there was nothing on the air yet, no proven audience, and no guarantee that it would succeed. It could have easily failed. But I chose to trust the vision, and in the end, we build something resonant and deeply beloved by viewers. It turned out to be one of the most aligned and rewarding decisions of my career.
Having watched countless actors rise and grow throughout the years, what separates those who burn out from those who build sustainable, soul-aligned careers?
The ones who build sustainable careers understand that this is a marathon, not a sprint. They stay rooted in the work - commitment to their craft, open to direction, finding joy in every opportunity - and they don’t get distracted by the noise that has nothing to do with the vocation itself.
An artistic career is really a reflection of life. And in life, we don’t feel extraordinary every day: a third is wonderful, a third is just okay, and a third is hard. The actors who come in expecting nonstop glamour are often the ones who burn out quickly. The truth is, it’s an inside job. Longevity comes from how you support and care for yourself, how you nurture joy, friendship, and your home life alongside the work. Balance isn’t static - it’s not something you achieve once and keep. It’s an ongoing practice of recalibration.
Another common mistake I’ve seen is when actors taste a bit of success and then let their ego take the wheel. Tom Hardy has spoken about how, early in his career, he made a few films and then spent a year and a half partying, convinced that once they were released he’d be a star. When the movies didn’t land, he realized he had squandered valuable time - and had to start over. I’ve seen this happen often with actors: by the time they realize they’ve stepped on toes or burned bridges - and that the cachet they once had was fleeting - it’s already too late.
The one thing you do have control over in this business is how you conduct yourself and how you treat others. I like to say behave like the person your grandmother would be proud of. Which is to say: be a respectful and kind human.
What’s something you wish more actors understood about the audition or self-tape process - from the other side of the table or camera?
I wish more actors understood how crucial it is to make smart, specific choices rooted in the character. I watch a lot of auditions, and too often I see work that feels unconsidered - where the actor hasn’t really sat with the material. The strongest auditions show decisions around physicality, voice, energy, and connection. What are you doing? What do you want? How are you trying to get it? It’s not about being off-book or on-book; it’s about immersing yourself in the world of the piece, embodying your character, and building a universe for yourself inside that self-tape.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about casting and the industry you wish you could learn up - especially for actors trying to “get it right”?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if you “get it right,” you’ll automatically book the role - as though there’s always some magic adjustment you could have made to change the outcome. The truth is, an audition isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing your interpretation of the character, demonstrating your craft, and reminding casting directors of the unique qualities you bring to the table.
The second reality actors often underestimate is just how competitive this industry is. For a single guest star role, we might see seven to nine thousand submissions. I also teach and Industry Prep course at a conservatory, and there’s always one student who sines in a crowd of others who undermine themselves through excuses or lack of preparation. The ones who stand out are the ones who truly do the work and commit.
How has your training in spiritual psychology shifted the way you relate to your purpose, your work, and your own self trust?
As I was learning to support others on their journey, I discovered how to support myself. Most of us don’t grow up in families that model or teach us how to do that, and it can take years to figure out. Earning my Master’s in Spiritual Psychology, with an emphasis on Counseling & Facilitation, about ten years ago completely unleveled how I relate to my purpose, my work, and my own self-trust. It reinforced that personal growth is ongoing - you continually examine your patterns, confront your blind spots, and find new ways to expand and evolve. The truth is, we never arrive at a fixed point or “have it all together.” There is always more room to grow, and that’s the beauty of it.
What’s a favorite book (or two) or something you’re currently reading that’s inspiring you?
I love reading. Right now, I’m deep into Ann Patchett’s newest novel, Tom Lake. I bought it simply because I adore her work, not even knowing what it was about - and it’s been such a rich surprise. The story follows Lara, a mother quarantining with her three daughters on their Michigan cherry farm during the pandemic, as she tells them about her youthful romance with a famous actor in the 1980s. It’s a beautifully layered exploration of family, love, secrets, and the ways children come to see their parents as full human beings.
On a completely different note, I also had great fun with Tart: Misadventures of an Anonymous Chef. It’s a sharp, funny memoir by the anonymous British food columnist known as Slutty Cheff, chronicling her leap from corporate life into the brutal world of fine dining. It’s raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving - a story about food, sexuality, and carving out a voice in a male-dominated industry.
What would you tell your younger self who was just beginning their journey as a creative in Los Angeles?
I’d tell my younger self: you’ll get there. Take more time to rest, travel even more, and savor the world around you - those experiences will feed your creativity in ways nothing else can. Stay curious, stay open, and stay soft; the ability to notice, listen, and adapt is as important as any skill you’ll learn. Your journey isn’t just about reaching the destination - it’s about learning, growing, and finding joy along the way.
Are you currently offering any coaching, classes, or group programs? Where can people connect with you?
Yes! I’m currently offering coaching, classes, and group programs designed to help creatives navigate the industry while building sustainable, fulfilling careers. One of my favorite things is to get the text or call “I booked the job!” from my acting clients.
Brianna Brown Keen and I built a program for female creatives called THRIVING Community. It’s all about helping actors, writers, and other creatives align their craft with their lives - finding balance, clarity, and confidence in a highly competitive field. It’s not just about “getting the job;” it’s about showing up fully as yourself, developing tools to sustain your career, and creating space for joy and growth along the way. It’s been so exciting to see what each person has created for themselves with the support of our community.
What’s one product, potion, or practice you’re loving right now? Something that’s bringing you joy, grounding, or a little luxe delight.
I love love love massages at The Raven Spa in Los Feliz, and breath work classes with Bree VanZupten at Kinship Yoga. And caffeine-free Egyptian licorice tea - it’s delicious!
CONNECT + COACH WITH ELIZABETH!
With nearly three decades in casting, Elizabeth is also a leadership and life coach, theatre director and producer, and recently, a short film director. Her latest work appeared at the Fringe Festival this summer, and the show she produced, SHARD, after two sold-out Los Angeles runs, is premiering in Dublin this October. Elizabeth continues to expand her creative work across mediums as a producer with Element 8 Productions, blending storytelling, mentorship, and industry expertise in every project.
Connect with Elizabeth: Website, Instagram, THRIVING Community, Podcast
