Just seeing this post because Deadline came around to it a couple of weeks late. I'd like to share a story that means a lot to me with you.
I spend a lot of time helping an aunt who has Parkinson's Disease and dementia. It's very difficult for her to retain new memories these days. I watch a lot of movies and shows with her to help her pass the time. Older movies are generally better because she has some memories of them and it's easier to engage with things she's already aware of. I put off S2 of Cobra Kai for awhile and finally decided to resume watching it with her a couple of years ago. To my surprise and glee, she enjoyed watching the show with me. When we were watching the S2 finale and all the wild fighting started happening at the school, she remarked, "All this because Miguel kissed a girl?!?" I was taken aback because it had been about a week since we watched the episode where Miguel kissed Sam, the event that kickstarted the fighting at the school. That stayed in her short term memory, which is highly unusual for someone at her stage of dementia, but she was very engaged in what she was watching and against all odds, she could recall it.
From then on, I made sure to only watch Cobra Kai when I was with her so we could finish it together. I want to thank you for being a big part of something that brought me great joy to watch with a loved one. Whatever you do next in life you will be amazing in.
I literally just downloaded this app to tell you, while your journey is your journey and I respect that, I’m so sad to hear you’re leaving the business. You were without question the best actor on Cobra Kai. I always felt you were underutilized. I was hoping that this gig would have launched you into other, bigger projects, because you deserve them. You were always so authentic and funny and constantly stole whatever scene you were in. I hope you find joy in whatever your next chapter might be, but please know that you undoubtedly left your mark.
I am a lifelong working writer. And, reading this, I'm pretty sure any working artist could relate. Beautifully put. The idea of empty plates and golden geese with a hungry but famished race in between the two. That is truly the life of an artist outside of the 1% of the 1%. Thank you for sharing your experience and for the roles you did bring us. I hope you find peace and ways to still enjoy the thing at the end of the gauntlet. The acting. May you enjoy the stages of your community theaters, and classes with fellow creatives, and indie films by local college students. The golden goose may fly away, but I hope your plate gets filled.
I could not imagine what that grind looked like for that many years. Even when I was stationed in California, we were not immersed in that culture. Often times we ignore that voice, and like you said, even suppress it. I hope your desire to become the Machine works for you. I think you’d be an asset still being involved. Good luck to you!
You were fantastic in Cobra Kai, Courtney!. I loved how you played Amanda. She had it all: heart, soul, and humor. Best wishes to you in the new chapter of your life. You deserve it.
I enjoyed your watching you in Cobra Kai. I think that you are an excellent, relatable actress. I'm sure it was difficult to decide this; however, you've already proved you can do whatever you set your mind to. I like what Father Chip Hines said "prayers you find your next passion..."
I spent 18 years in production and then suddenly (after my last show with Discovery) I called it quits. I achieved bragging rights but not much more, at least of what I wanted. Good for you. Whatever we do next, I hope it brings us happiness.
You are one of the highlights of Cobra Kai. Perfectly cast- great acting-perfect. One less beautiful shining star in front of the screen soon a beautiful shining star behind the screen. Congratulations on your evolution!
you were my favorite “spirit” on Cobra Kai! if you are to end your acting career here, I’d say you left on a really high note! although a glimmer of hope in me hopes to see you elsewhere, I absolutely hope to still see you on the socials! :)
I joined this app just to comment on this post.
Just remember, you were brilliant in those Chekhov scenes in college…
And a fantastic scene partner even then.
I applaud all you have said here.
I just wanted to say heck yeah, Courtney.
You speak the truth
I really appreciate you Mr Goffman. And your questionable memory of my Chekhov abilities. Thank you❤️
Just seeing this post because Deadline came around to it a couple of weeks late. I'd like to share a story that means a lot to me with you.
I spend a lot of time helping an aunt who has Parkinson's Disease and dementia. It's very difficult for her to retain new memories these days. I watch a lot of movies and shows with her to help her pass the time. Older movies are generally better because she has some memories of them and it's easier to engage with things she's already aware of. I put off S2 of Cobra Kai for awhile and finally decided to resume watching it with her a couple of years ago. To my surprise and glee, she enjoyed watching the show with me. When we were watching the S2 finale and all the wild fighting started happening at the school, she remarked, "All this because Miguel kissed a girl?!?" I was taken aback because it had been about a week since we watched the episode where Miguel kissed Sam, the event that kickstarted the fighting at the school. That stayed in her short term memory, which is highly unusual for someone at her stage of dementia, but she was very engaged in what she was watching and against all odds, she could recall it.
From then on, I made sure to only watch Cobra Kai when I was with her so we could finish it together. I want to thank you for being a big part of something that brought me great joy to watch with a loved one. Whatever you do next in life you will be amazing in.
Awesome story…thanks for sharing that
I literally just downloaded this app to tell you, while your journey is your journey and I respect that, I’m so sad to hear you’re leaving the business. You were without question the best actor on Cobra Kai. I always felt you were underutilized. I was hoping that this gig would have launched you into other, bigger projects, because you deserve them. You were always so authentic and funny and constantly stole whatever scene you were in. I hope you find joy in whatever your next chapter might be, but please know that you undoubtedly left your mark.
I am a lifelong working writer. And, reading this, I'm pretty sure any working artist could relate. Beautifully put. The idea of empty plates and golden geese with a hungry but famished race in between the two. That is truly the life of an artist outside of the 1% of the 1%. Thank you for sharing your experience and for the roles you did bring us. I hope you find peace and ways to still enjoy the thing at the end of the gauntlet. The acting. May you enjoy the stages of your community theaters, and classes with fellow creatives, and indie films by local college students. The golden goose may fly away, but I hope your plate gets filled.
I could not imagine what that grind looked like for that many years. Even when I was stationed in California, we were not immersed in that culture. Often times we ignore that voice, and like you said, even suppress it. I hope your desire to become the Machine works for you. I think you’d be an asset still being involved. Good luck to you!
Excited to see your next adventure!
You were fantastic in Cobra Kai, Courtney!. I loved how you played Amanda. She had it all: heart, soul, and humor. Best wishes to you in the new chapter of your life. You deserve it.
Enjoy life outside the box. Whatever you are without it, spread your wings and fly x
Really enjoyed this depiction of you reclaiming your power, Courtney. Glad to have found you on Substack and looking forward to your future here :)
Yep, at some point one must take charge of your own destiny and day to day happiness. The fork in the road will help you. All the best 👋🌟💯👌
I enjoyed your watching you in Cobra Kai. I think that you are an excellent, relatable actress. I'm sure it was difficult to decide this; however, you've already proved you can do whatever you set your mind to. I like what Father Chip Hines said "prayers you find your next passion..."
I pray you find your next passion and thanks for your good work. Cobra Kai was such a great journey
I spent 18 years in production and then suddenly (after my last show with Discovery) I called it quits. I achieved bragging rights but not much more, at least of what I wanted. Good for you. Whatever we do next, I hope it brings us happiness.
You are one of the highlights of Cobra Kai. Perfectly cast- great acting-perfect. One less beautiful shining star in front of the screen soon a beautiful shining star behind the screen. Congratulations on your evolution!
Wishing you all the best on your new adventures.
you were my favorite “spirit” on Cobra Kai! if you are to end your acting career here, I’d say you left on a really high note! although a glimmer of hope in me hopes to see you elsewhere, I absolutely hope to still see you on the socials! :)