Jenna Fischer shares amazing tips for aspiring actors.
Before landing the career-making role of Pan on The Office, Jenna Fischer spent eight long years trying to make a living as an actress in Los Angeles. Fischer remembers very well the work it took to make it in Hollywood and land a major acting job.
Now Fischer has penned The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide (BenBella Books), a roadmap of sorts for prospective actors, to pass on what she’s learned from two decades in Hollywood. In the book, Fischer shares milestones (good and bad) from her own storied career along with plenty of practical advice for up-and-comers.
“There aren’t enough cheerleaders and supportive voices for the struggling artist, and I really wanted to be one,” Fischer told Parade.
In the book, she shares some great advice for aspiring actors.
She explains how it felt to not be able to afford a wedding gift for her friend’s wedding and explains that as an aspiring actor you have to deal with a flood of rejection, doubts, and hurdles. She says, “. I wish there was an easy answer. All I can say is, “I’ve been there.” Every artist has a different journey, and you’ll have to figure out yours—you’ll have to determine how much you can endure. Because the roadblocks, doubts, and insecurity are all part of living an artistic life.”
She adds the following three steps to make it in Hollywood.
Step One: Give yourself permission to be an actor. Don’t apologize for being weird. Live an unashamed artistic life.
Step Two: Create your own work.
Step Three: Never give up.
Ultimately, you have to find your own way. And you will. So be patient with yourself. Try to embrace the journey. And, maybe try to stay out of Pottery Barn until you book your first big job.
Related:
- Jenna Fischer Reveals: “My First Acting Job Was in a Sexual Education Video”
- NBC is Considering Reviving ‘The Office’
- 20 Actors that Became Famous Later in Life
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