EL MONTE – Mountain View High School (MVHS) students packed the school’s cafetorium to hear three-time Golden Globe and seven-time Primetime Emmy nominee Jane Kaczmarek share her expertise and experiences in the entertainment industry during a recording of the school’s “The Art of Talking” podcast on Sept. 4.

Kaczmarek, best known for her role as the sharp-witted mother on “Malcolm in the Middle,” brought her on-screen passion and intensity to “The Art of Talking’s” first episode of the 2024-25 season. The podcast is produced entirely by Mountain View students in the Viking Informational Systems Technology Academy (VISTA) and was recorded in front of a live audience of eager Mountain View High yearbook and journalism course students, along with fans spanning generations.

During the event, Kaczmarek answered questions about her time on “Malcolm in the Middle,” how she got started acting, the audition process, and filming for television. The special podcast segment started with a compilation of clips from “Malcolm in the Middle’s” first season playing on screen, which led to Kaczmarek laughing and occasionally leaning over to connect with “The Art of Talking” hosts.

Kaczmarek encouraged students to pursue their passions and share their talents, whether in a choir, acting troupe, or local theater. She expressed interest in returning to MVHS to work with theater students and share more wisdom on the art of acting.

“You have to want to act more than you want to be an actor,” Kaczmarek said. “Acting is about storytelling – whether it’s in front of a camera or in a church basement for a school play – it’s a true passion for telling a story. The joy of acting comes from working with others to share that story with an audience.”

Founded in 1995, Mountain View’s career technical education VISTA Academy pathway forges a path to higher education and careers for students in their sophomore to senior years where they can discover the expansive fields of communications and technology.

Mountain View High VISTA Coordinator Scott Bier leads the Academy, while the podcast production is led by film, video production, and graphic arts teacher John Mann. The podcast team consists of five hosts, including three seniors and two juniors, and camera, audio, and lighting crews.

Podcast hosts guided the 40-minute discussion, as Kaczmarek talked about her current work at the Pasadena Playhouse and with local theater groups, along with her charity and volunteer work. She also offered advice to aspiring actors on memorizing lines and annunciating, and shared her perspective on where the entertainment industry is now for actors.

“This was an incredible experience,” said senior Jesus Castillo, host of the VISTA podcast. “Sitting alongside Jane Kaczmarek to discuss her career and get advice was both fun and inspiring.”

Before the event ended, Kaczmarek answered audience questions and then took part in a meet and greet with students who lined up for a hug or a photo with the actor.

“This was an unbelievable opportunity for our students at Mountain View and it would not be possible without the dedicated, hard-working educators and staff who go above and beyond to make these once-in-a-lifetime moments happen,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Jane Kaczmarek brought laughter and valuable insights to El Monte Union, serving as a shining example of an artist who mentors future generations.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_MVHS VISTA PODCAST_1: Jane Kaczmarek, a three-time Golden Globe and seven-time Primetime Emmy nominee known for her role on “Malcolm in the Middle,” appeared on Mountain View High School’s VISTA podcast, “The Art of Talking,” on Sept. 4. Kaczmarek shared advice, along with her insights and experiences, on the entertainment industry for students.

EMUHSD_MVHS VISTA PODCAST_2: Mountain View High School’s VISTA podcast hosts and Jane Kaczmarek, a three-time Golden Globe and seven-time Primetime Emmy nominee, reflect on her role in “Malcolm in the Middle” while viewing clips from the show’s first season.