"In order to be an actor you need to totally commit. You can't put your big toe in." - Bryan Cranston
AMC's Breaking Bad is one of my favorite shows of all time. Simply put, the writing is superb, the plot lines are original, and the performances are outstanding across the board. So when I recently came across this quote from series lead actor Bryan Cranston I couldn't have been less surprised. (To see the full article written by Sean J. Miller at Backstage West, click here.)
Speaking from his own personal experience that spands three decades, Cranston talks about the importance of complete commitment as an actor, understanding the critical components of work ethic and endurance in this industry. If you want it, you must be willing to work tirelessly for it. But beyond that, success as an actor involves more than just working hard. It demands a mindset that is willing to endure the rough road ahead. So while his stellar performance of Walter White may have put Cranston on the map and made him a household name, Cranston knows it didn't come easy, or quick. He's been around steadily pursuing his craft for over 30 years, going on audition after audition after audition. Just take a glimpse at his IMDB page and you'll see a resume full of guest star credits and series dating back to the early 1980's.
So, I know what you might be thinking. "Who wants to wait 30 years before my big break?" First, who said anything about waiting? Certainly it seems the last thing Bryan Cranston has been doing these past 30 years is waiting. He's been much too busy working! And every role he's played, whether large or small, known or unknown, has all gone into the mix of making him the phenomenal performer we know and love today.
So what can we glean from Cranston's message? Let's break it down to a simple concept. And since I'm a fan of acronyms, let's take it back to the ABC's. The following are five key components to finding success as an actor.
Speaking from his own personal experience that spands three decades, Cranston talks about the importance of complete commitment as an actor, understanding the critical components of work ethic and endurance in this industry. If you want it, you must be willing to work tirelessly for it. But beyond that, success as an actor involves more than just working hard. It demands a mindset that is willing to endure the rough road ahead. So while his stellar performance of Walter White may have put Cranston on the map and made him a household name, Cranston knows it didn't come easy, or quick. He's been around steadily pursuing his craft for over 30 years, going on audition after audition after audition. Just take a glimpse at his IMDB page and you'll see a resume full of guest star credits and series dating back to the early 1980's.
So, I know what you might be thinking. "Who wants to wait 30 years before my big break?" First, who said anything about waiting? Certainly it seems the last thing Bryan Cranston has been doing these past 30 years is waiting. He's been much too busy working! And every role he's played, whether large or small, known or unknown, has all gone into the mix of making him the phenomenal performer we know and love today.
So what can we glean from Cranston's message? Let's break it down to a simple concept. And since I'm a fan of acronyms, let's take it back to the ABC's. The following are five key components to finding success as an actor.
is everything! It's been said that the difference between a happy person and an unhappy person is simply a matter of attitude. And in this business, keeping a positive attitude helps you focus, increases your energy and maximizes your overall appeal (not only in the biz and on set, but in life overall).
in yourself. If you don't why should anyone else? This is a tough industry where one minute you're showered with praises and the next minute you're hearing nothing but crickets. You must know your value outside of others' approval and you must have a rock solid belief in your talent, your ability and your worth.
is key. To excel at any skill, sport, or art you must always be working your craft. This is what it means to not wait. You do not need your agent to call with an audition in order to be working your craft. Get in class, do theatre, get together with friends and work scenes, watch quality episodic television and films from a critical standpoint, go to the theatre, write and produce your own stuff! Always be working, always be honing your craft so that when opportunity comes, you're prepared.
yourself to living the life of an actor. Decide that this is what you want to do with the rest of your life, and stick to it. Do not expect it all to happen overnight. It took Bryan Cranston 30 years to land his breakthrough role. Be willing to go the distance, and be willing to sacrifice. The road may be long or it could be shorter if the right opportunities happen to find you. Either way, be willing to commit fully.
This is a business that will test the limits of your endurance. Find a support mechanism to help you withstand the tough times. Develop a close knit group of friends who will love and support you regardless of your resume. Make time for creative activities in your life that fulfill you outside of work to help keep you balanced. Exercise, breathe, find quiet time, eat healthfully, and enjoy your life.
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