Thanks to her lovably quirky portrayal of The Big Bang Theory’s Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, Melissa Rauch’s popularity exploded with the show’s audience throughout her 10-season run, earning her nominations for the People’s Choice Awards, the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and more. The talented writer-producer has also appeared on The Office and True Blood, and she’s given voice to numerous characters in animated shows and films.
These days she’s starring as Judge Abby Stone, presiding over NBC’s Night Court, which returns for its third season in November. While she routinely faces all sorts of comical disorder in her fictional courtroom, Rauch has zero objections to the peace, calm, and fun that await her back home in Southern California. Here, she shares some of her favorite ways to enjoy the Golden State.
Where do you live? Los Angeles.
Why there? I originally moved out to L.A. from the East Coast for work... or in the hopes of work. I had plans to just check it out and see if there were more opportunities out here. I have to admit, I came out to Los Angeles begrudgingly in search of a job and as much as I tried not to love it, I couldn’t help myself and now I call it home.
Who or what is your greatest California love? I love the consistency of the sunshine... as a chronic planner, knowing that you can count on the fact that most days will be beautiful, walkable weather is such a bonus for me.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That we all ride around in convertibles with our hair blowing in the wind, looking perfect while drinking $900 smoothies. I’ve never once been in a convertible and I make my own smoothies... that usually end up dribbled somewhere on my shirt.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? I do think people are really friendly out here. Shortly after moving from NYC, the first time a stranger said “hello” as they walked by, I was baffled, trying to place if I knew the person. It took a while to get used to it, but now I love it and I’m the one freaking out other East Coast transplants with random “hellos.”
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I would have to say Disneyland. When I first moved to L.A., I was struggling to find work and there were some days I felt extremely down. So, to give me something to love about being here, my husband and I saved up our money to buy SoCal Resident Disneyland season passes and it was such a great decision. It’s impossible not to be happy there. Going on Space Mountain was like an antidepressant in ride form. We still love to go when we can and it’s always so special.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? One of the many things I love about California are the road trip possibilities. There are so many amazing places to go. San Diego is a huge favorite. Endless things to experience and explore there. I love Coronado... it feels like you’re stepping back into another time when you walk into the Hotel del Coronado or bike around the cute little town. La Jolla is also so beautiful. I always look forward to hitting up The Taco Stand for some fantastic guacamole.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? When I first had sushi in L.A., my mind was blown. It was very different from what I had experienced prior. Spicy tuna on crispy rice... what is this deliciousness, I thought? I love Katsuya. It’s consistently great.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I love hitting up a beach. Breathing in the fresh sea air. Walking on a pier. Flying kites. Riding bikes. I had never gone hiking before moving to California. The closest I came in New Jersey (where I grew up) was walking up a broken escalator at the mall, but I fell in love with hiking in California instantly. One of my favorite trails I have ever been on was Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve near Half Moon Bay. It’s absolutely breathtaking and so peaceful.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? An outlet store is my jam, so I would have to say the Carlsbad outlets. Love me some deals and steals!
Best California song? “California” by Joni Mitchell. I remember listening to it before I had ever stepped foot on the West Coast and thinking how cool it would be to live there one day. I was in high school the first time I visited California and I remember playing it on my Discman (boy, am I dating myself) on the plane ride to L.A.
How would your California dream day unfold? OK, here we go... starting off by sleeping in with the family and beginning the morning with all the kid cuddles. Oh, and I want us to be waking up at the Ojai Valley Inn please, one of the most magical places on Earth. It’s pure relaxation at its finest there. Everything about it is just perfection. Have a delicious breakfast with the family at The Oak. Then again, since we’re dreaming here… I’m going to snap my fingers and end up seven hours away in Yountville near Napa to do some bike riding and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then another snap of the fingers would take me to Laguna Beach for some walks on the beach and sandcastle building at the Montage. It’s instant joy and happiness walking onto that property. And hey, why not beam the family to watch the sunset in Half Moon Bay, cozied up with some blankets in Adirondack chairs. Then I am heading back to Yountville to have dinner at The French Laundry... I’ve never been, but it’s a major dream of mine. We’d end the day at Disneyland going on some favorite rides... and since we’re California dreamin’... sharing a churro with Mickey and Minnie as we watch the fireworks.
