Blog #139--Quality Often Goes Unrecognized
Billy Joel’s classic song “Piano Man” mentions a bar owner who thought he could be a movie star if he had the opportunity. Whether he had the talent to excel as an actor or was simply wishful-thinking is debatable. But many of us have a deep need for others to see quality within us. We think we’re special, but others don’t seem to notice.
Consummate actors don’t always become famous and make tons of money. Among those who do, there are a few whose destiny generates great popularity despite only average acting skills. But most aren’t in the profession to become famous. That is simply an outgrowth of the constant work they do to improve their craft. They wish to be the best they can be, whether they become wealthy and famous or not.
Even with all the television networks, movie studios and Broadway productions that compete for viewership, there is a limit to how many actors are needed. Many of those eager to make acting their profession fail in their attempt. Perhaps they lack the attractiveness or unique personality quirks to attract large audiences. Perhaps they can’t compete favorably for the plum roles against the best actors of their generation. Perhaps they simply lack the opportunity to prove themselves or the luck to obtain iconic roles.
The field is littered with the bodies of would-be actors who tried and failed to fulfill their fondest dream. This includes a number of extremely talented individuals who could compete favorably with the famous ones if only they had the chance. But there are many others who make a decent living without receiving the recognition they deserve for their abilities. I’m talking about character actors. They may not have a beautiful countenance, but they can meet the requirements of a wide variety of ancillary roles to support the lead actors.
Like most people, I remember best the most famous actors. It has only been near the end of my life that I’ve begun to recognize vital functions character actors play in their productions. For instance, television shows that last multiple years may use some character actors repeatedly in small but essential roles, and most of us barely notice them. This is especially true of science fiction stories where they can disguise their faces completely as various alien species.
Makeup can help actors transform themselves into other characters, and the best actors may be difficult to recognize from one role to another because they also change their auras to fit the distinctive personalities they play. In one 5-year science fiction series, one secondary actor appeared in 18 shows as 14 different characters. Another played five different characters in 11 shows, while a couple others played 11 characters in 12 shows and 10 roles in 14 shows respectively. They’re anonymous among the general public, but their importance to the story-telling is reflected in their popularity with producers, directors and writers.
Character actors find numerous ways to extend their careers. Some may do voice-overs for animated shows and others that require a voice without a face. Some may also do local plays to help develop their expertise and expand their range, especially when they are waiting for other opportunities to come along. Some may study writing, directing, producing and the like. Some make a nice living doing commercials. Behind-the-scenes work can be fulfilling for those who don’t require fame to feel their life’s work has value.
Robert Pirsig talked about quality in his book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” He described it as going beyond the masters to a new level of awareness and talent. Many non-famous character actors have found that quality in their work. They provide the foundational support necessary for the “stars” to succeed.
If your life’s dream is to become an actor, go for it. But realize it may take many years of hard work and self-sacrifice to achieve your goals. And given the twists and turns most lives require from us, it may be necessary to prefer quality work and a long-term career over short-term fame.
Deep inside each and every one of us is a voice that says we are great. It is the voice of truth, but our egos usually misinterpret the message. We are great because we are one with our creator and the entire universe (capital “I” versus the small, separate “i” of the ego). Frankly, that is much better than being famous in any individual field of endeavor, whether acting, brain surgery or any other profession. We may limit our goals in life to becoming famous in one of those individual fields. But if we accept our true perfection, we are truly blessed every day for eternity.
As we are reminded in “I Sing the Body Electric” (music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford) from the musical “Fame,” we are all stars.
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