I thought being an actor meant being famous. But most actors aren’t recognizable. It’s funny — I watch TV in a whole new way now. Like, I watch a show and I see the person who has three lines on Law & Order and I think, “Their family is gathered around the TV flipping out right now. I bet that was a huge deal for that person!” There are so many actors who make a living by doing support work on shows. I was that person for many years. For me to stay in this business, it had to be OK if I was never recognized. I learned that I loved the craft of acting more than the idea of being famous.My first piece of advice to someone who is serious about being a professional television or film actor is this: Move to Los Angeles. Moving to Los Angeles can be difficult, but it is the only city that doesn’t put a ceiling on where you can go with your career. New York is the place to go if you want to do theater, but if you want to be in film and television, move to L.A.
I had a college professor who said, “If you can think of anything else you are passionate about besides acting, do that. Your life will be better for it.” I actually think that might be good advice. I couldn’t come up with anything so, after graduation, I moved to L.A.
Tags: showbiz
