I've been reflecting a lot on my journey as an actor lately. Some of you may have seen my earlier reels, and I’ve submitted for roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve received some constructive criticism, which I openly welcome. It takes courage to be transparent, but that's the only way to grow in this industry—through honest feedback.
Acting is about stepping out of your comfort zone. It has to be believable and authentic. If you go to the theater and pay $20 for a ticket, you expect to be moved by what you see. The same goes for us as actors in front of casting directors, network producers, or anyone in the industry. Our performances need to be flawless, and that level of mastery doesn’t happen overnight.
Just like becoming a certified cybersecurity professional (from my experience), it takes time. For example, when you want to earn a certification like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), you have to pass a tough exam. I remember when I took it, the pass rate was about 30% the first time around. But I passed the first time because I put in the work—studying, practicing scenario-based questions, and getting good at my craft. Acting is no different. You have to study, learn from others, and constantly refine your skills.
Whether it’s watching YouTube videos, monologues, or scenes, and observing how others bring their characters to life, you’ve got to do the work. But at the end of the day, it has to come from you. One thing I’ve learned in this industry is not to try to be somebody else. You have to bring your own experiences and authenticity into every role.
For those who don’t know, I had my first production back in August, where I got to dive into an 1880s businessman role in Tombstone, Arizona. It was an improv-based project, and I’ll share more about that experience later. For now, I just want to say, I’m a part-time actor—balancing this with a full-time job, family, and my background as a retired US Army veteran. So, for those who are feeling stuck or like they’re not progressing, remember that everything worth doing takes time.
If you want to be on TV or the big screen, it’s not something that happens overnight or by luck for most of us. You have to work for it. Nothing in my life has come on a silver platter. At 60 years old, retired from the US Army after 33 years of service, I’ve had to work hard for everything. Even in the military, I had to adjust my personality and leadership style to fit the role I was in and the unique dynamics of each unit I commanded.
That’s why I see a lot of parallels between acting and my time in the Army. In both, you have to understand your character—or in the military, your role—and balance that with the reality of the situation you're in. Whether it’s on set or in command, you need to adapt, know your audience, and bring your own truth to the table. For me, acting feels like an extension of the role-playing I did throughout my military career. It’s about adjusting based on your experiences while staying true to the character or leadership role you’re taking on.
Now, if you're an actor and you're really good at your craft, you need to share your knowledge. I understand that some people are making money from this, and I get that—we all need to make a living. But for a lot of us actors, we don’t have the funds to pay for constant coaching or advice. I know for me, I’m fortunate to have my Army retirement, but I’ve still got other expenses and a full-time job to manage. That’s why when I make it big in this, I’m going to give back and not charge a thing for helping others.
As a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, I already do that in my own way by helping transitioning veterans with their resumes and job interview skills—for free. It’s my way of giving back. And honestly, interviews are a lot like acting. You’re stepping into a role, presenting yourself, and trying to convey why you’re right for the part. It’s the same skillset in both. I think that experience translates really well into the acting world.
I’m still new at this, but I’m gaining a lot of wisdom as I go along and learning from others. I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far, in the hopes that it resonates with you. If you’re feeling discouraged, welcome to the club—but don’t let that discouragement make you quit. Actor Morgan Freeman once said, "You only fail in this industry if you quit." And I believe that. All the Best, Glenn in Arizona
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Great points, Glenn Axelrod! Like "In both, you have to understand your character—or in the military, your role—and balance that with the reality of the situation you're in." I remember a while back Anthony Mackie said he likes to know five things about each character he plays. I think he was talking about five things that help him understand each character.
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Maurice Vaughan thank you so much!
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You're welcome, Glenn Axelrod.