Actors, cut it out right now.
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I’m talking about your ego, of course. There’s no place in show business for arrogant actors.
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While I admit having an ego is fun, it will be disruptive to your career. So instead of thinking “in the now”, or actually not thinking at all, you may want to park it if you want a long-term career in the entertainment field.
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FAME AND FORTUNE:
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Life is good, you’re getting meaty roles that challenge you, you’re making a lot of money, you’re on top of the world. Don’t let these types of riches make you think you’re better than anyone else, because you’re not.
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Even if it’s true, no one wants to hear from YOU how great you are, or how great a Director thinks you are, or how great YOU think a Director thinks you are.
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I’ll put it simply: Stay humble.
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It can be very difficult to behave down-to-earth. Even if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth vs. working your way up the ladder, you need to remember not to let your fame and good fortune get in the way.
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8 WAYS TO KEEP HUMBLE – WITH FAME AND FORTUNE:
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– Be aware of others around you. By listening to people and truly understanding what they’re saying gives you an inside look into what’s important to them.
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– Make an effort. It’s not that difficult to go that extra mile. If someone drops their pen and you’re right there, pick it up. Help a restaurant server clean up your table. Pay for the coffee or toll booth fee for the person behind you.
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– Be selfless. You don’t need to be acknowledged for doing something good. Just do it because it’s the right thing to do.
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– Put others first. Think about how you would want to be treated in a situation, then treat that person the same way times 10.
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– Speak your mind. There’s no need to pussy foot around delicate conversations, yet you should still consider people’s feelings and emotions.
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– Say thank you. There are tons of ways to express gratitude without actually having to say the words “thank you”. You can leave more than a 20% tip; You can handwrite and snail mail a note.
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– Accept criticism. Why not? Even if you don’t want to hear it, take it. In the long run, not only will it perhaps make you a better person, but it may give you insight as to how to play a character. Seek ways to better yourself.
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– Ask for help. Don’t be too good to ask for help. An example you’re probably familiar with is the guy driving around town refusing to ask for directions.
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STILL YOUR AVERAGE JOE:
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You’re at the beginning / middle of your career and things haven’t taken off as much as it should have in your mind. But you know you’re a great actor and you’re going to beat out 100’s of actors and book that over-the-top role any day now.
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Keep your ego in check. It’s always a great feeling when you come out of an audition feeling like you did an amazing job, but keep it to yourself. Last thing you want to do is strut your stuff out of the audition into the waiting room filled with actors waiting their turn.
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When you’re in the waiting room, you’re still being “auditioned” even if you don’t realize it. The person who signs you in is a direct link to the Casting Director. Also, the client themselves might be passing through the waiting room to grab a cup of coffee or use the restroom. You just never know, so it’s best to keep to yourself and leave when it’s time to leave. Do not let your ego overcome you.
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8 WAYS TO KEEP HUMBLE – STILL YOUR AVERAGE JOE:
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Same exact eight ways as “With Fame and Fortune”.
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I get it — how it might be hard to suppress your ego when there’s so much excitement surrounding you. Sometimes you really want to pat yourself on the back. And you can — but do it in private.
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I will not name this actor, but his actions put such a bad taste in my mouth that I remember it as if it was yesterday. This happened in 2009, that’s how long this story has stayed fresh in my head.
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A hot shot green teen actor just booked a huge role in a TV series. Also cast was his on-screen best friend. Hot Shot Green Teen was screaming all over social media how he is the MAN, and on and on… On-screen best friend, on the other hand, didn’t say anything in public about how incredible he is for getting the part. He was very professional, went about his business, and didn’t boast. Guess which one of these actors is no longer acting.
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No one wants to work with someone who is self-centered and hard to get along with. So keep this in mind: Stay humble, be kind, help others. These few little things will get you further in your career as well as in life.
