Guardians of the Galaxy actor reveals what it is really like to be a working actor in Hollywood.
You would think that after you get cast in a feature film as big as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, or working on an Academy Award winning movie like 12 Years a Slave, you would never have to work again. However, as Hollywood character actor Tom Proctor shared on his Facebook page, that is a Hollywood myth.
Proctor is best known for such films and television series as Lawless, Justified, the role of Biddee in 12 Years a Slave, Django Unchained, Looper, Touched by an Angel and the role of Horuz in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Last night, Tom Proctor took to Instagram to shed some light on his acting career and in the process he reveals his life is far from glamorous. He still drives a 2001 Nissan and has a regular day job.
Proctor basically argues that even though the money can be good, as an actor in Hollywood you have to save every check because you never know when or where the next gig is coming from. In fact, he says “I make sure I can live as cheap as possible and survive until the next job.”
Proctor continues by explaining “If you think your first big role or tv series mean you have it made. Wow I don’t want to be there when the wake up hits you.”
Check out what he said (emphasis my own):
“Do you want reality? People keep asking me how to get where I am. and saying things like it must be nice to not have to work a day job and not worry about were you next job is coming from. I am here to tell you it don’t work like that. I try to bank money while the money is good. I have no idea where or if my next gig is coming from. I drive a 2001 Nissan because it is paid off. My Harley is a 2004 fat boy that gets me many auditions and enough commercial gigs so far to pay for it.
I have a day job and that is getting ready for my next gig. I spend 40% of what I make on being who I am , staying in the public eye and getting the next job. I make sure I can live as cheap as possible and survive until the next job. If you think your first big role or tv series mean you have it made. Wow I don’t want to be there when the wake up hits you.
I am an actor because my heart won’t let me do anything else. If you are in this to get rich get out. This business is a fickle high maintenance girl friend that will only break your heart. if you are so in love with her you don’t care what she takes from you or how bad she hurts you then welcome to my world.”
That is some real advice from a real working actor.
Related:
- Margot Robbie: I Thought ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Would Ruin My Acting Career
- Jonah Hill Reveals His Secret Acting Technique [VIDEO]
- Jonah Hill Reveals How Martin Scorsese Used Psychology on Him [VIDEO]
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