Fans of CBS’s hit series Ghosts know Utkarsh Ambudkar as Jay, the up-and-coming chef who buys an old mansion and turns it into a bed-and-breakfast—only to learn that ghosts live there too. While Jay can’t see or communicate with the spirited specters in his house, Ambudkar is known for having a personal haunt of his own.
The actor-comedian-rapper—also known for his roles in Pitch Perfect, The Mindy Project, and Free Guy—has long identified as an every-Wednesday-at-the-comic-book-store kind of guy. (After all, that’s the day of the week when new comics or graphic novels tend to be released.) He’s even recently co-written a spy-thriller series for Dark Horse Comics called The Guy in the Chair.
Here, the Los Angeles–based multi-hyphenate shares his favorite local comic shops, and opens up about his favorite places to go with his wife and kids throughout the Golden State.
Where do you live? The Valley.
Why there? ‘Cause we got kids!
Who or what is your greatest California love? California summer sunsets are something to behold. The sky is exceptional. The Lakes… Carmel… Monterey Bay…Bolinas [in Marin County]… Disneyland… there’s SO much to love.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Lakers tickets. And Disneyland.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’m probably taking my family up to Yosemite… or we can do the redwoods, stop in Carmel… hit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and drive down the coast so we can see the seals et al.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Taco trucks … or those bacon-wrapped hot dogs they make on the streets. Those have a special place in our hearts.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? We’re old-school. We love a good mall experience. In L.A. we have The Americana in Glendale and The Grove. I also love to find local comic book shops and spend my money there, like at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach, Collector’s Paradise in North Hollywood, and DJ’s Universal Comics in Studio City.
Best California song? “California Love” by Tupac is self-explanatory. But an unsung Calfornia hero would be “Make You Feel That Way” by Blackalicious. It’s just 100% California. Also (not for the kids) but anything Too Short has ever made.
How would your California dream day unfold? Wake up on the beach, go to Disneyland and do Space Mountain, eat a late lunch and then drive downtown to sit courtside at a Lakers game (it’s a dream day!).
