Episode Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – “TOVAH!!!!!”

Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Tovah Feldshuh
Date: March 27, 2026
Live from: The Whitby (Totally Booked Live event)
Run Time: ~30 min (excluding ads and non-content)

Overview

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby is a celebratory, vibrant, and heartfelt conversation with iconic actress and author Tovah Feldshuh. Recorded live, the interview covers Tovah’s illustrious stage and screen career, her memoir Lilyville, Jewish identity, the transformative power of kindness in showbiz, reflections on family, and current projects. The atmosphere is warm, comedic, and inspirational, reflecting both women’s personalities and Tovah’s theatrical storytelling approach.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tovah’s Documentary and Reflecting on a Storied Career

Timestamps: [05:32] – [06:44]

• Zibby opens by celebrating Tovah’s appearance at the live event and mentions the world premiere of the documentary "Tova."
• Tovah humorously distances herself:
  “It really isn’t my documentary. It’s David Serra’s. But I was very impressed. No, because I didn’t want it to feel like a total vanity production. This French guy comes up to me and goes, ‘I want to make a documentary about you.’ And I said, ‘Are you talking to me?’ Looked over my shoulder. But he did it, and he did a good job.” (Tovah, [05:35])
• Zibby notes being unaware of much of Tovah’s earlier work, leading Tovah to philosophize on luck, synchronicity, and the role of kindness in her journey.

2. The Importance of Kindness and Luck in the Arts

Timestamps: [06:07] – [06:39]

• “It’s corny as anything, but it’s usually the synchronicity of many other exterior… coincidence is just when God wants to be anonymous, but many other exterior circumstances that conspire to help you on your way or the other way actually. So kindness matters. If I learned anything in my life is that kindness is on the same level as talent.” (Tovah, [06:07])
• Emphasizes that talent and decency are both crucial for success and patronage in the entertainment world.

3. Carnegie Hall, Philanthropy, and Jewish Community

Timestamps: [06:39] – [08:53]

• Tovah describes the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall for a charity supporting Kibbutz Bieri, sharing the stage with major stars and survivor Elie Shirabi.
• Offers a lively comparison of British and American audiences: “When you get a standing ovation in Britain, it’s no joke… Nowadays, people, you know, get up for a salamander.” (Tovah, [08:44])

4. Lilyville – A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters, and Change

Timestamps: [08:58] – [12:10]

• Zibby shifts to Lilyville, highlighting the generational rift, mother-daughter dynamics, and Tovah’s theater-inspired book structure.
• Tovah shares a vivid, comedic summary and several memorable “Lily-isms”:

  “My mother Lily was born on a dining room table in the Bronx in 1911. She lived till she was a robust over 103 years young. And when I told her I wanted to be an actress, she said, ‘Why don’t you just go into the kitchen, get my challah knife, stick it in my heart and twist it.’” (Tovah, [09:41]) “For better or for exasperation, how do a Jewish mother who believes you cannot have it all and a daughter who lives like you can get along? They don’t.” (Tovah, [10:49])

• The memoir is built as a play—three acts, two intermissions, overture and exit music—making Tovah’s literary voice deeply theatrical.

5. How COVID and Community Shaped Her Book Launch

Timestamps: [12:10] – [14:30]

• Due to COVID, Lilyville’s launch was largely virtual, with Tovah personally signing and shipping books with her assistant Sarah Zorn.
• She reflects on the proven mental health benefits of in-person connection—a motif in her memoir and career.

6. Personal Reflections: Longevity, Marriage, and Gratitude

Timestamps: [13:30] – [18:00]

• Touching segment on Tovah’s marriage and celebrating the 50th anniversary of her first kiss ([13:40]):
  “I lean over with my five feet… and I put that leg over my six foot husband… It’s a very different feeling, but very similar to the feeling of the first years of our marriage…”
• Philosophy on the preciousness of numbered days (a Torah reference) and aging in a creative field, with her signature humor: “I said to Patti LuPone, what’s going on? Maybe everybody else is dead, you know, swear to God.” ([14:36])
• Details her arduous writing process (“26th draft!”) and her pride in writing it herself, not using a ghostwriter.

7. On Performing in "Nobody Wants This" and Being Siloed

Timestamps: [20:01] – [24:16]

• Tovah gushes about her role in Nobody Wants This:
  “It’s fantastic. Why is it fantastic? Because the showrunners are kind. And the kingpin, which is Kirsten Bell, is a Michigan kid with her feet on the ground... When the person who gets the final bow is generous, you got it made.” ([20:08]-[22:20])
• Reflects humorously on being cast as “the Jewish mother” for a long string of actors (“If anybody needs a mother, I am here for you…”; [23:39])
• Announces upcoming work (Mia: Missing in Action), her first redhead role, and her adaptability in playing diverse women.

8. The Joy and Drive of Performance

Timestamps: [24:16] – [25:14]

• “I love it. I love being with you. And I’m at a point now in my dotage that I don’t have a quickened pace in terms of my pulse. It’s interesting… I used to speak like Mrs. Maisel. Now I don’t speak so much like Mrs. Maisel.” (Tovah, [24:19])
• Recalls her mother’s critical (and hilarious) assessments and how that fueled her refusal to be defeated.

9. Future Excitement: Travel, Charity, and Adventure

Timestamps: [26:33] – [30:20]

• Upcoming projects: playing a sleeper agent in Mia and ongoing charity galas, especially for women’s health.
• Adventures and wanderlust:
  “I’ve been to 95 countries, and I don’t mean I’ve been to 95 countries—I mean I’ve been to 95 countries because I love to look at stuff.” ([28:32])
  • Most thrilling trip: tracking gorillas in Rwanda and appreciating animal conflict resolution.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Kindness is on the same level as talent… People need to feel seen and heard when you’re with them.” (Tovah, [06:07])
• “For better or for exasperation, how do a Jewish mother who believes you cannot have it all and a daughter who lives like you can get along? They don’t.” ([10:49])
• “If anybody needs a mother, I am here for you.” ([23:39])
• “My motto is, I will not be defeated.” ([25:13])

Special Highlights & Standing Ovation

End of Show ([30:24]):

• The audience is encouraged to give Tovah a standing ovation—reflecting her enduring impact and charisma as a performer and as a person.

Segment Timestamps

• [05:32] – Documentary and early career reflection
• [06:07] – On kindness and luck in her career
• [06:44] – Carnegie Hall and philanthropy
• [08:58] – “Lilyville” memoir excerpt and discussion
• [12:10] – Book tour during COVID / personal gratitude
• [13:30] – Reflections on marriage and aging
• [20:01] – Role in “Nobody Wants This,” being siloed in casting
• [24:16] – Why performing still thrills her
• [26:33] – Future projects and telling new stories
• [28:32] – Love of travel and unforgettable trips
• [30:33] – Live audience standing ovation

Tone & Style

The episode is lively, witty, and irrepressibly honest—much like Tovah herself. Both Zibby and Tovah exchange warmth, jokes, and insights about art, aging, family, and perseverance. Tovah’s stories are peppered with humor, cultural wisdom, and candid reflections, striking a perfect balance between gravitas and lightness.

For Listeners

This episode is a must for:

• Fans of memoir, theater, or Jewish storytelling
• Listeners seeking inspiration
• Those who appreciate infectious humor and wisdom from a showbiz legend

To connect & learn more:

• Find the show at zibbymedia.com and on Instagram @totallybookedwithzibby
• Read Tovah Feldshuh’s memoir Lilyville and keep an eye out for her latest TV work!