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Actors on Acting # 3-- Moving On (Download Word version of #3)
© 2004 Hawk Storm
Before Moving On, let us take a final look at our approach to the future.
We all need to plan for the future and do such things as save money for a rainy day. But, as Sigourney Weaver and Sandra Bullock pointed out in #2 we have no control over success. Consider that Tom Cruise landed Top Gun three months out of high school (IAS), Naomi Watts pounded the pavement for ten years (BSW) and Viggo Mortensen remained below the radar for 21 years (BSW). Consequently, there is no need to obsess over success. That is left to providence.
What is in our control is our determination to work at our craft. Paul Newman said on IAS:
Tenaciousness is the most important characteristic of an actor.
Talent is not enough. You must have a fierce determination
to work at it and take it to the next possible level.
After that we persevere.
Acting is all about perseverance.-- Jessica Lange on IAS
Perseverance is the most important thing to an actor. You must
face the greatest adversity, not working. And yet, it is like a love affair with someone you want to spend the rest of your life with and as such
is something you must care for.--Tom Hanks on IAS
Even if you face a brick wall, keep going. You will make it.
Gabriel Byrne on IAS
So, don’t obsess, persevere.
And, if called and committed, great forces will come to your aid. Goethe.
IAS refers to Inside the Actors Studio. BSW refers to Back Stage West.
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