Johnny Whitworth’s Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles

It’s hard to forget Johnny Whitworth as a boy adorably besotted by Liv Tyler in the 1995 cult classic Empire Records or as the villain Blackout in 2012’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. In 2016, Whitworth, now 40, will tackle yet another juicy role, transforming himself into ‘Kent Kendall’, a Gulf War Veteran suffering from PTSD and addiction, coping with the trauma of post-war life in the drama Bad Hurt. The critically-acclaimed film from the producer of The Wolf of Wall Street hits theaters on February 12th. It is a slice-of-life story that follows the struggles of the Kendall family (Karen Allen, Michael Harney, Theo Rossi and Iris Gilad) as a secret from the past is revealed that threatens to tear them apart. You can also see him on in The 100 as Cage Wallace, on the breakout TV series Blindspot and in the upcoming film Finding Her. Here, this 25-year LA resident shares his haute secrets to the City of Angels. 

Where were you born: Charleston, South Carolina

How long in LA: Wow – almost 25 years.

Neighborhood: I’ve been around, but I call Hollywood home. Skulking around here allows for some great people watching and character study.

Occupation: Artist. Player. Thespian. Actor.

Favorite Restaurant: Colori Kitchen

Best Sushi: Katsu-Ya’s new place Kiwami

Best Italian: Scopa in Venice. Tell Mario Guddemi I sent you!

Best Pizza: Delicious Pizza on West Adams – hip-hop pizza shop, family owned. If you like music and pizza, this is your place. The ‘Varry White’ is a MUST.

Best dessert: Porto’s Bakery Burbank. The Napoleon dulce de leche – the best!

Best place for a romantic date: Almost any place can be romantic given the right circumstances, but definitely try Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon. Request a seat outside overlooking the creek.

Best dessert: The Chocolate Pizza at Craig’s. It off the menu. You’re welcome.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Shinola in Silver Lake. I love their watches.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Sunset Marquis. Inside is an oasis with a magical patio for dinner and a dimly-lit bar for drinks.

Favorite Charity Event: The Art of Elysium does amazing things.

Favorite Cultural Institution: Any one of our museums.

Best Steakhouse: Morton’s Steakhouse. It’s classic, consistent, and they save my favorite table for me.

Best Sunday brunch: Quality Cafe – best biscuits!

Best Lunch: Franklin & Company

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Definitely Horsepower CrossFit in Studio City Also, best personal trainer in LA – Mike Vaccarella. See @MikeVacCF on Twitter

Best Massage: Nuch Thai Massage in Los Feliz

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Limos are done. Lyft over Uber any and every day.

Best Museum/Exhibit: Love the Rain Room at LACMA. Also, street art has made our city a museum. Talk a walk around and enjoy!

Describe your city in three words: Historic. Tragic. Legendary.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: All over Hollywood. The Watts Towers are definitely worth checking out.

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Griffith Park Observatory

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: I can drive an hour one way and put my feet in the sand – an hour and a half the other way and put my feet in the snow. Oh, and there’s also the weather.

Additional photos courtesy of Adam Fedderly

Follow Johnny on Twitter @johnnywhitworth