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People who become famous are usually extraordinary in some way. Chances are, they’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into getting to the very top, and yet we never see that. We only see part; the public persona.
This is why I’ve always loved to hear the responses when Hollywood A-Listers are asked, “What advice would you give to new or aspiring actors?” The answer seems to point to something truly personal and we get a glimpse into their passions or struggles.
Here are 10 famous tips to inspire and encourage from some of Hollywood’s top actors.
Bonus: Click to watch the interview too!
Denzel Washington
Set goals. “Dreams without goals are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment. Goals are on the road to achievement cannot be achieved without discipline and consistency.”
Harrison Ford
Do your own thing. “The only advice I’ve ever offered young actors is to try and figure out how to do it for yourself. Never be caught with the idea that you can imitate someone else’s success. As much as you might admire what someone else does, don’t try and imitate that. Find your own way. Find your own voice. Find your own feelings. And that will give you a unique opportunity.”
Millie Bobby Brown
Be authentic. “It has to come from within, it has to be real, it has to be authentic. As long as you have those three main factors, you’re going to find the passion. And nothing is ridiculous nowadays. You can actually be anything that you like, and everyone accepts who you are.”
Will Smith
Be vulnerable. “You have to clear your own personal blocks. You have to be able to be vulnerable in front of anybody. You have to be comfortable looking silly, you have to be comfortable making mistakes, and you have to break the thing inside of you that doesn’t want people to see, right? Because as soon as you allow people to see, all of a sudden you get access to things that you didn’t realize you have access to.”
Vivica A. Fox
Become a triple threat. “My advice to any young actress starting out? Well to become a triple threat. To be able to sing, dance, act because you never know what the role may call for, you know what I mean? You may have to do action, you may have to sing, you may have to dance—you never know. And just be true to yourself. Do things that make you happy. Don’t force things. If it doesn’t feel like it’s a good fit for you, don’t force it and don’t do it.”
Zendaya
Learn to say “No” to stay happy . “You have to focus on what makes you happy and make decisions in your career and in your life that make you happy. Say no to things that are negative. Say no to things you don’t want to do.”
Bryan Cranston
Create compelling characters, always. “Know what your job is. About 18 years ago, I had this cognition that I realized that I was going into auditions trying to get a job … And that wasn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. An actor is supposed to create a compelling, interesting character that serves the text, you present it in the environment where your audition happens, then you walk away. And that’s it. Everything else is out of your control, so don’t focus on that.”
Tom Hanks
“Act wherever you can … If you are in a circumstance where no one is paying you or offering you the chance to perform, make it yourself. You can make a theater in an empty gas station or the basement of a church. You can go off and find a place to perform. There’s this tendency to think, ‘I’d like to be an actor. How do I get the chance to act?’ If no one’s asking you, create it yourself. And never ever ever turn down the opportunity to go somewhere and perform.”
Alan Rickman
Nurture your creativity and be courageous. “Forget about acting … because whatever you do as an actor is cumulative. So I say go to art galleries, listen to music, know what’s happening on the news, in the world, and form opinions. Develop your taste in judgment so that when a quality piece of writing is put in front of you, your imagination which you’ve nurtured has something to bounce off of. And then you have to start learning about courage. You have to be courageous with yourself on stage emotionally.”
Henry Winkler
Cultivate tenacity and gratitude. “If someone is sitting at home and thinking about being an actor, I would be honest about my ability, I would train my ability, I would make sure that I have worked on my tenacity and my gratitude because, I’ve said this before, tenacity gets you where you want to go; gratitude doesn’t allow you to be angry on the journey. And then when the time is right, I would get up and grab life by the horns.”
Christopher Plummer
“Go do plays. Go to the theater. You can make money but always go back to the theater where you can learn your craft. [What] you learn there is just as important for the camera as the theater. It gives you such confidence, because if you can play and be heard in front of a live audience, then there’s nothing to scare you in front of a camera. So do that because then it will change your whole body. It’s not just looking at you in a close-up, it’s your whole body and your whole voice and your projection.”
Beyonce´ once said, “Never let success go to your head, and never let failure go to your heart.” What wonderful words from a true Queen! As actors, and sensitive beings, we tend to do both.
I hope these words help you take a step back and get a fresh perspective, and maybe even a little inspiration and motivation. Keep reaching for the stars and following your dreams!
What resonated with you the most? What did your really need to hear today? Share it in the comments below!
Like this post or love it? Tweet it. Post it. Pin it. Share it with actor friends! It’s a tough business and we could all use a little help!
* Please Note: I am not an agent, manager, or casting director. I do not procure work for actors. All information, workshops and coaching are for educational purposes only and are not a guarantee or promise of employment. Thank you for being here!
