Acting Career FAQ - Are You Too Old To Start Acting?

Acting Career FAQ - Are You Too Old To Start Acting?
by
Bob Fraser
I get several letters a week asking me if I think the writer is too old to start acting. Ages in these letters range from
27 to 60-something.
I always say the same thing: You are never too old to start anything. I've seen octogenarians who take up skydiving - retirees attending Tai Kwan Do classes - and grandmothers racing dragsters ... you probably have too.
An acting career is not just for the young, fresh, hotties
- it's a business that we 'over-the-hill,' experienced, oldies can take up as well. In fact, I have a great example to pass along to you this week.
Let me introduce you to, Dean Welsh ...
Dean is a man who had a long career in real estate and casino management before he decided to pursue his love of acting a few years ago... after he retired.
I met Dean when he was one of the first to get my home- study acting career course, You Must Act! - 16 months ago.
After going through the course on his computer, Dean wrote me a very nice letter:
"Dear Bob, I recently found and bought You Must Act!
... the greatest benefit was reinforcing that which I learned and experienced in 38 years as an executive in the casino business and owner of a rather successful real estate development/marketing company. Thank you for perhaps the first book - and I have read (by conservative estimate)
75 on acting & the business of acting - that truly addresses the basic principals of achieving success."
I was thrilled, naturally, and asked Dean if I could use his letter as a testimonial for You Must Act! on my site.
He agreed ... and you can still see his letter (and his
headshot) there. http://www.youmustact.com
A few months later, Dean sent me another note and had this to say:
"I'm not sure if you remember me. I wrote you a few months ago to tell you how much value I got from You Must Act! and you were kind enough to post my 'review' on your website.
Having just booked a recurring role in a sitcom pilot, I can attest once again to the value it has provided me."
Did you get that? He booked a pilot! He's working. The point here is this: Dean started his acting dream after he retired ... and didn't let his age slow him down at all.
That sitcom pilot is now done and in competition to become a series. In fact, if you'd like to have a look at some clips (and see Dean at work - he's the anchorman) you can go to the TV Guide site and see his new series called – 'Gary Under Crisis.'
Here's the link:
http://online.tvguide.com/special/nytv2005/comedy.asp
BTW, please take a moment to vote for Dean's pilot. I think it looks like a winner.
After you vote, take a moment to think and please don't miss the point of Dean's story: If you ever feel that anything is standing in the way of accomplishing your own dreams, remember those who have started 'late' and managed to make a go of it.
And - keep in mind that you probably can do it too. If you want it badly enough, you will work hard to gain the skills and persevere until you reach your goals.
You youngsters can take a lesson from this, as well. It's just not about how old you are, or your 'sparse resume,'
or your lack of experience - it's all about how hard you are willing to work at your business and your ability to improve your abilities - and stay on task.
You're never too old. Or too young. The only thing that can really slow you down is ... what you think is true.
The truth is: It's never too late.
Have a great one and, as always...
Much Success,
Bob Fraser