Erwin woman nominated for Hollywood SAG award

Erwin native and Unicoi County High School graduate Allison Guinn has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award along with Steve Martin, Martin Short and Meryl Streep in the category of "Comedy Series Ensemble" for their work in the Hulu television show "Only Murders in the Building."Guinn, who has also appeared on Broadway in "Hair" and Leonard Bernstein's "On the Town," told The Erwin Record that working with her acting heroes Martin, Short and Streep "was reward enough, and the rest is gilding the lily."Guinn is new to "Only Murders in the Building," guest starring on the current season three."I play the role of KT, the stage manager of Oliver Putnam's (played by Short) crazy musical "Death Rattle Dazzle" on Broadway."Guinn has appeared in other television shows."I've had the good luck of having recurring roles on 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and 'Inside Amy Schumer,' as well as small parts in 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'The Knick' and 'The Divorce.'"Guinn toured with the National Tour of "Les Miserables" as Madame Thenardier for two years.While growing up in Erwin, Quinn said she had support from family and teachers."My mother, Karen Sherrill Crowder, was very encouraging and fully supported me to be creative and go where my heart led," she said. She also noted that her high school drama teacher Tracy Hoilman was extremely supportive and offered her a glimpse into what has now become a lifelong dream realized."I wouldn't be who I am today without my Granny Daisy Dean Erwin Sherrill," Guinn said.Not only does Guinn act, but she is also part of the folk duo Cormack & Guinn, with her friend, singer/actor Amelia Cormack. Guinn said the duo combines her love of true crime and her love of all the old scary songs from Appalachia and beyond.The duo sings original ballads and then tells the true story behind the songs. Guinn explained that they rewrite the ballad from a modern perspective to give the victims a bit of justice."That should be available soon wherever you listen to podcasts, so be on the lookout," she said. "We sure could use the support."The SAG Awards will stream on Netflix on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California.