Tik Tok star Libby Amber Walker went viral for a quarantine project inspired by her mom. The Knockturnal spoke with the Rising Tik Tok Star Jewish Mom on her Tik Tok experience and upcoming projects.
The Knockturnal: Tell us about your past entertainment experience?
Libby Walker: I recently graduated from University at Buffalo with a Theatre Performance BFA. At UB, I completed both Meisner and Method training, honed my skills in audition technique and directing, and created an opportunity to assist the Theater Performance BFA director with the audition process and selection of this past year’s incoming class. That experience strengthened my abilities to identify talent and provide valuable feedback outside the classroom. I was also appointed to organize, coordinate, and direct the 24- Hour Play Festival – an annual event for acting and musical theater majors. Occupying that role for three years, taught me what it takes to coordinate and assemble on a tight deadline.
Following a rewarding experience of serving as teacher’s assistant for Maria Horne’s Method 2 class, I had the opportunity to attend her Winter Break London Theater Performance and Appreciation intensive program this past December. The program consisted of two weeks and thirteen shows in London; it was an eye-opening experience, which taught me how much I love to observe and critique performances. After going to London, for my last semester, I had the pleasure of working with Alan Zweibel, original SNL writer. Even though the class transferred online, I was able to learn valuable skills through his comedy workshops and acquire him as a career mentor.
This summer, I interned with a Talent Management Company and casting office. As an intern, I had the opportunity to watch various showcases, sit in on client meetings, and recommend talent based on showcase performances. helped out with administrative tasks, research, backstage, and even got the opportunity to be part of zoom casting sessions!
While I was freelancing, I realized it was hard to land full-time roles. I unintentionally developed a Jewish mom persona inspired by Alan Zweibel’s comedy courses, named Sheryl Cohen. In less than 10 months, I landed over 19.4K TikTok followers and was featured on the Tiktok Instagram page! I have enjoyed flexing my creativity and creating content throughout the quarantine, and continue to do so with multiple promotional deals weekly!
My Tiktok Reel of my best moments:
The Knockturnal: What inspired The Jewish Mother character?
Libby Walker: Of course my mom! My mom called me to tell me that I had to set up a zoom for the family for the seders and being the theater person I was, I imitated the conversation and posted a video and thus Sheryl was born!
The Knockturnal: How excited were you when you began to go viral?
Libby Walker: I was so thrilled! I was so caught off guard when TikTok shared my video on their Instagram which then caused a larger audience. I had no intention of it going anywhere more so as a quarantine project but was so happy to see people appreciate it!
The Knockturnal: What does your mom think of the character?
Libby Walker: My mom is thrilled that I was able to make a quarantine project especially one who was inspired by her! She is very happy that I am monetizing it.
The Knockturnal: Tell us about the new show you’re working on!
Libby Walker: My show Jewish Mom-Approved has Sheryl bits in it as well as me interviewing different people doing cool things in the Jewish community! It is the most Jewish mother kosher show! I never expected all of this to become a show but extremely excited to see it come to life!
The Knockturnal: What’s next for you?
Libby Walker: My Tiktok persona is currently turning to a Twitch show with Lost Tribe Esports launching today March 24 at 5pm! I am also working as a Hillel International Tiktok Ambassador, Tailor Made TikTok ambassador and Aish TikTok ambassador.
