On the road with Actress Debi Mazar

Old Hollywood Glamour meets Italian Chic and the New York City subway

When Debi Mazar was cast to play Ava Gardner in the Spanish series Arde Madrid she learned Castilian Spanish, studied the details of Gardner’s dynamic biography, and moved to Madrid for a season, where the series is set in 1961 Francoist Spain. For her portrayal of Gardner, she earned a Feroz Award for best supporting actress in a series, the Spanish equivalent of the Golden Globes. The series is now available on MHz Choice in the US. Mazar also stars as Maggie Amato in the cult TV Land hit Younger, which is due to start filming season 7. She has appeared in over 50 films and 30 televisions shows since first being cast in Goodfellas 40 years ago. 

Mazar, a renaissance woman, is student of culture. She and her husband Gabriele Corcos, a Tuscan chef and Italian knight have made a cookbook Recipes & Love From Our Tuscan Kitchen and helmed two scripted shows on the Cooking Channel, Extra Virgin and Extra Virgin Americana. 

Mazar is a collector, from vintage jewelry to clothing. She is also fascinated by car culture. Her taste ranges from vintage Cadillacs and lowriders, to glamorous Aston Martins and chic Italian sports cars. But when it comes to getting around her native New York City on a regular day, Mazar’s preferred mode of travel is the subway. 

Where did you grow up? Were cars a part of your upbringing?

I grew up in Queens New York, upstate New York, Long Island, and Brooklyn. In my adult life I’ve lived in Los Angeles, and also NYC, and Italy. Cars to me have always been something that I’ve loved! Being a New Yorker and mostly taking public transportation, cars fascinated me! My Mom had me at 15, and used to STEAL cars, according to her stories (1963) with her boyfriend who later became my father. That didn’t last long. She then went on to have boyfriends that had COOL cars! 1960’s Cadillacs,1950’s T-Birds, Porsches, Kharmann Ghias, VW Bugs. Her second husband had a VW shop and was car obsessed.

What is your preferred method of getting around town and why?

Well…depending where I lived, I have different needs. I am an avid New York City subway transit girl, as I like the theater of the subway.

I love graffiti, and “back in the day” the trains were a work of art. I find the subway efficient and faster than driving, and economical. When I lived in the city, I found the bus system relaxing, and I could look out the window and see people walking, and observe. When I lived in Los Angeles, I was obsessed with the car culture of the lowriders, and also growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, I learned to appreciate via film and TV-muscle cars, and also cars of past eras, that were grand and a work of art. I always have a car, as I love driving. It relaxes me, and I love the power of a good engine. Now, as a mother, I’ve needed a car to get around. I’ve vacillated between a Cadillac Touring sedan or an SUV. My current is a cream Dodge Durango SRT with red leather interior and black rims. Sexy. In lieu of New York City Covid-19, I don’t want to be on the subway right now. 

Tell us about something memorable or crazy that happened to you in a car.

I’ve had many crazy things happen with cars. My earliest memory was when we moved upstate and I was about 11 years old, I wanted to drive, but wasn’t allowed to so I grabbed the keys of my parents VW Bug with stick shift, and drove the car in whatever gear (grinded them) and drove through the field, until I was chased down to stop.🤣🤣🤣

My first car ever was a Ford Fairmont (1980s)in Brooklyn. Bought it from Eric Johnson. I remember getting on the Belt Parkway, or the FDR Drive, and going SO slow! People hated me, as I was nervous and still learning how to drive.

When I got to Los Angeles due to my acting career, my second car was a 1965 cream Chevy Impala Super Sport with glass packs. I’d drive it onto the Warner Brothers studio lot, and the transportation guys were like “glass packs need to go, you’re interrupting the sound on the stages during filming!” I listed that car, and it was bought up in one hour of listing by lowriders.

Do you think we should give up our cars? Why/why not?

I personally cannot stop driving. It’s a passion, and a necessity as I’m moving to Italy, where I will have to have one. I’m sizing down and cognizant of gas emissions and will eventually graduate to electric.

What do you do while you travel?

Depending on where I travel, I generally take taxis or trains. IF I have to rent a car, I try new things… usually small and fun, since I’m not with my kids.

What is your dream car?

I don’t have a dream car. I love vintage cars, but they break down and I don’t know how to fix them. I can’t afford what I want, and maintain.  One day I want a vintage Cadillac, or maybe an Aston Martin. I also love to try new cars often, as I love the power of an engine and the aerodynamics. The GIULIA Alfa Romeo lux sport car is sexy, but knowing me, I’ll end up with a vintage Cinquecento.

What is your dream destination?

Any destination is good as I’m a gypsy, and I like to travel constantly and drag my family. Right now I want to go to Seville, Spain, Marbella, and tour Spain.

What is your favorite road?

I loved driving in Ireland. So lush, but I had a driver as I can’t drive on the opposite driver’s side... yet. I loved driving most in Los Angeles, as the highways are wonderful and going on PCH or Highway 1 is magical.

What is the best color for a car?

I love a cream car with slight pearl in paint. It looks sleek. It stays cool in warm weather.

When you are driving or riding or flying what do you listen to?

Depends on what mood I’m in…driving I love my disco, trap, house, OR I go salsa, Afro Cuban, samba, fado, jazz, Motown, Durwood...and occasional classical.

Do you see yourself in an electric vehicle some day? Why or why not?

Sure! Save the planet. BUT… they don’t have electric plug in stations everywhere, so I’d like to see more of that. I also wish electric cars made noise!!! I hate the quiet factor. One time I was in a parking lot, loading up my car, and a Prius next to me pulled out and came close to running over my foot. I did not hear the car when it moved.

Finally, when we can all move freely again, where do you want to go?

I’m moving to Italy, and I’m going to go everywhere! 💋