Is It Too Late to Become an Actor?
Let me set your mind at ease: no, it’s not. Over the years, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life who decided to take the leap into acting. Some started in their teens; others didn’t even consider it until after they retired. Regardless of their age, the ones who succeed share one trait: discipline.
One of the biggest misconceptions about acting is that it’s only for the young or naturally gifted. Let me tell you, that’s nonsense. Acting is a skill like any other – it can be learned, honed, and mastered at any stage of life. But many aspiring actors talk themselves out of it before they even start. “I’m too old.” “I’m not expressive enough.” “What if I fail?”
Take Jeanne O’Brien, for example. Jeanne began acting in her 60s after retiring from a successful career in education administration. She didn’t let doubts about her age or experience hold her back. Instead, she brought her decades of organizational skills to the table, quickly finding an agent and booking professional commercial gigs. Jeanne succeeded not because she was the youngest or most trained but because she brought discipline and determination to the table.
If you’re serious about acting, you need more than raw talent. You need discipline, resilience, and, yes, business savvy. Acting isn’t just about memorizing lines or nailing emotional scenes; it’s also about managing your career. Think of yourself as the CEO of you, responsible for marketing, networking, and building your brand.
Ironically, those who start acting later in life often have a leg up in this area. People coming from other industries often bring with them a wealth of transferable skills. They’re organized, goal-oriented, and unafraid of hard work.
Take Raheem Brock, for instance. After retiring from the NFL in his 30s, he didn’t rely on his football fame to book roles. Instead, he worked tirelessly, training in scenes from classics like Hamlet and Death of a Salesman. His athletic discipline and willingness to learn helped him land roles on TV shows like Gotham and Bull. His story shows that success comes from effort, not luck.
Many people assume that acting is all about talent and opportunity, but there’s a harsh truth: the industry is cutthroat, and success requires more than just a good headshot and a killer audition. You need to understand the business side of acting.
Being an actor means managing your career like a small business. This includes building relationships with agents and casting directors, learning how to market yourself, and navigating the financial realities of freelance work.
This is where many younger actors struggle – they’re so focused on the artistic side that they neglect the practicalities. On the other hand, people transitioning into acting later in life often excel here. They’ve already developed the professional skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry.
For example, Jeanne O’Brien’s experience as a school principal gave her a strategic edge when it came to networking. Similarly, professionals from other fields – like real estate mogul Ryan Serhant – often find that their business acumen translates seamlessly into the world of acting.
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring actors make is treating acting like a short-term experiment. They tell themselves, “I’ll try this for a year, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll quit.” But acting isn’t a summer job – it’s a lifelong commitment.
As Bryan Cranston once said, “If you’re only going to give yourself a year to become an actor, let me save you the trouble: don’t do it.” Success in acting doesn’t come from a single “big break.” It’s the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and grow.
So, if you’ve been wondering “how can I be an actor?” or “is it too late to become an actor?” the answer is simple: it’s never too late. The real question is whether you’re willing to put in the work. You’re ready to take the leap, don’t let fear or age hold you back. Find a class, build your network, and start showing up. The stage is waiting
