When she accepted her much-deserved Golden Globe, überhottie Charlize Theron thanked the director of Monster, and said, “There’s only so much you can do, but if somebody doesn’t give you a chance there is nothing you can do.”
. . . if somebody doesn’t give you a chance there is nothing you can do.
That sums up — perfectly — why it’s so goddamned hard to be a working actor.
74 thoughts on “passion chokes the flower”
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Great site!@ 1`st comment!
Once that someone gives you that chance and prove you are that someone, recognition follows. Oscar speech ahead…
I was going to comment, but then I realized it was inflamatory. I’ll go drink some cold water now.
Thanks.
-Mike
Uberhottie? You’re a strange one, Mr. Wheaton.
Hey, I’ll agree with the hottie part. She’s a hottie, yes. And as far as being a working actor being difficult, well, sometimes they see the ‘typecasting’ thing a little too much. A lot of people see the amazing Wil as ‘Let’s see if I can save the universe by pulling the answer out of my 15-year-old sphincter’ Wesley Crusher. It sucks, because you’re not the roles you play.
Chin up, li’l camper. You kick ass where it counts — in your wife’s mind, in your stepkids’ minds, and in the minds of the you gajillions of loyal fans.
Okay, I’ll stop being all fanboy now. 🙂
Actually that sums up perfectly why it’s so hard trying to get started in *any* profession.
I think it sums up pretty much any one’s effort at rising to the occassion – in almost all occupations.
Education helps to a point, being willing to work hard helps to a point, and keeping one’s motivation helps to a point.
But if management won’t even let you try, then it is not just the applicant who loses. You never know who will be “the one” who will make all the difference.
I think that’s the thing with everything arti-related. It’s so difficult in a art field to get out there unless you get a chance.
I’m noticing that here, at my school, where the same students are cast over and over again for the shows. But then, the problem is that other theatre majors aren’t being given the chance and therefore aren’t going to fill their practicum requirements.
As much as I’d love to act, I’m much more of a writer. Still, that puts me in the same position. Really, all it takes is one person to see your talent and give you that chance.
*G* Thanks for sharing the thought.
I’ve been resisting the urge to do anything but surf this groovy site, but this just feels like the perfect time to officially go from lurker to addict I guess, so here I am posting my comment.. heh.
Her quote might sum it up, but I’m personally thankful that when you got that chance, you took it.
Otherwise, my young-adulthood may have been ruined, and I wouldn’t now be visiting this site every sinle day since I’ve found it, just to see what you’ve been up to* -imagine an exclamation point or two, blaster shifer is on the fritz, hehe-
Here’s to many more chances*
Charlize deserved that Golden Globe, and yes acting is hard work and cut throat at that!
That goes for just about any job you know how to do but aren’t “qualified” to do. That’s why I’m stuck working in a pizza place at 25 years old.
*pats your hand*
Some day, we’ll all get our revenge.
….
*has to say it*
Until then, there’s MTV
I don’t know if thats exactly true, I mean it obviously is true but its not only about getting a chance… its about making the most of your chance. Everytime you have an audition or job interview or whatever that is a “chance.” Everyone gets plenty of chances all the time, its just all about capitalizing on them.
What MD said. It goes for Producing as well. Sometimes I wake and look in the mirror and think to myself… I haven’t been kicked enough. Lets go for another round.
I hear ya!
Wil,
Just remember that someone did give you a chance for Dancing Barefoot and JAG. Now go show the world what you can do…you’ve already shown all of us that are loyal WWDN fans.
=^)
Aint it true…aint it true…
Ain’t it the truth Wil. I think the same goes for any artistic pursuit. All we can do is just keep plugging away. 🙂
Well just remember you aren’t alone Mr. Wheaton. Its been hard for a lot of people to get work these days. As a matter of fact I’ve applied to so many jobs that I’m overly qualified for and they never call me to give me a chance. So I think that quote sums things up perfectly for a lot of people these days. Thanks for that…now I don’t feel like I’m the only one anymore 🙂
I’m gonna get flamed for this, but PUH-LEEEZE!! “So goddamned hard to be a working actor…?” How is it that celebrities are so grossly out of touch with the overwhelming majority of their fellow humans, and simultaneously so incredibly self-centered about it? I really have a hard time summoning up any sympathy for a successful actor when I think of how “god damned hard it is to be a working” waitress, or assembly line worker or maid. I know people in their 50’s making six bucks an hour and trying to support a wife and kids. Jeezus, get a sense of perspective!
matt daemon
ben afflicted
am I wrong, or do these guys deserve some credit for making their career happen?
I think it’s tough to rise to the top in any profession. But if you have ‘lower’ expectations, is it reasonable to think that a great many *can* be working actors? Is it a matter of not being picky? Or proud?
How much did that “where’s the beef” lady earn anyway?
OOOOOO…That’s Deep!
been reading you for about a year now.
Just hoping you see yourself as a touch more than just a working actor, from what i read there is a little more going on than that.
I know it’s juvenile, and I respect her as an actress and as a woman, etc., so why when I was watching her accept her “Golden Globe” could I only think about her Golden Globes
(*)(*)
… I really don’t think I’ll ever grow up…. sigh
Um, Darth, he’s talking about being a working actor because that’s what he knows best. He’s not going to talk about being 50 years old and supporting seventeen kids because that’s not his life. How hard is that to understand?
her…Golden…lol…Golden…LOL…Globes…
ROTFLMAO…oooo now THAT’S deep 🙂
I understand it perfectly well. Acting is what Wil knows. But it’s still hard to swallow. If acting, is so hard, just think about all the shit jobs us non-celebrities have.why can’t celebs show some understanding of average people now and then? Oprah asks for donations to charity while every faucet fixture in her house is gold plated. (Really.) Ben Affleck gives J-lo a 3 million dollar ring and then breaks the engagement. Christ.
I’m not saying wil has Oprah’s money, but a little perspective would be nice. If acting is “so hard” can you imagine what working two jobs at minimum wage is like? With no hope of ever escaping that trap?
And spare me the conservative B.S. about the poor deserving their life’s lot as a punishment for being stupid.
I know more people who would trade their jobs for one that required them to act in front of a camera all day then I know people actually acting. The huge majority of people are working more hours than Wil at a tiny fraction of the pay,and it would be refreshing for an actor to once get about the world.
same applies to you and your book, Wil.
yes, you self published.
But people gave you the chance at their book stores.
BECAUSE you’re Wil Wheaton.
Let me put it to you this way, I self published a book too.
I can’t get anyone to sell it.
I can’t even get them to read it.
Because I’m a nobody.
I could be the next friggin Hemingway, but no one will give me the chance.
Things are tough all over.
Not sure if I’m mad at you, me, or the world. I’ll stop talking now.
PS, I actually think Theron is average, leaning towards unattractive.
Go figure!
If no one gives you a chance, you make it happen for yourself…hence some of the truly awesome independent movies, independent publishers, and garage bands hawking their own CDs, creating a following.
It’s rarely chance–it’s freaking hard work and gut deep desire. While on the surface I agree with what Theron said and understand it, deep down I know you make your own success. I think you must, too, Wil, or else you would have that 3 book deal now. You ~made~ that happen–doesn’t matter that you’re already a celebrity, if your work sucked, you wouldn’t have the deal. But you might not have even that if you hadn’t laid your guts out there and done it yourself first.
Well, Darth, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but you’ve made some pretty big assumptions.
I am not rich, or anywhere close to it. I live paycheck to paycheck just like most Americans. I’m struggling to pay next month’s bills, too.
I am not, by any stretch, a “celebrity.” I’m a “used-to-be-a-celebrity.” That’s more of a liability than an asset in Hollywood, unless you’re trying for a job on the surreal life.
But I am not the reason I quoted her.
I was moved by this statement that she made, because she’s super famous and super wealthy, yet she still struggles to convince Hollywood that she’s more than just an überhottie. I for one am glad that she did.
I suppose that what she said can be applied to any artistic person, as a prior commenter said.
Hey,Darth Moby..curious question…did you live in New Mexico? and work at a McDonald’s once?
I’ve seen and heard your “Handle” before
Actor? Forget actin’, boy, you’re a heck of a writer (also hard work).
Besides, you’re not washed up yet — you’re not on “The Surreal Life”.
Keep up the good work. Your blog is on my daily “must read” list.
I most certainly have NOT made big assumptions. There is a massive difference between being a guy who “once was a celebrity” and one who never has been, never will be, and has no chance of ever making celebrity money, even if only for a decade (as in your case.) The fact that you don’t see the difference is saddening. The fact that you really bought that phony self-deprecating bullshit from Charlize Theron is even more disappointing. (It’s always interesting to watch how humble celebs get when accepting awards. If Theron had the face of a horse’s rear end, she would have never even been given the opportunity to make that speech in the first place. As for her upcoming Oscar win, there are two ways to win an Oscar (pay attention, Wil): play a mentally challenged person, or be beautiful and put on thirty pounds. Whomever does both at the same time will be made Pope.)
I know from reading your otherwise great blog that you are not in the Theron range of money (as I indicated.) But you’re a far cry away from the real hard-working people who CAN’T pay their rent, and CAN’T live in California, and CAN’T afford to go a week without a paycheck, never mind waiting for the next acting gig.
I don’t mean to start a class war here, but c’mon. Actors talking about how “hard working” they are sets off my BS bells. Sure, it’s hard work, but the pay is so off the charts compared to others who even work HARDER it’s a stupid comment.
Sorry, I now return you to your ordinary positivity. I will go now….
Nah…trying to be a working actor is one of the most difficult things in the world…more so than most professions…there are so manyout of work actors…so many (myself included)…
Does this now mean that Renee Zellweger will get an Oscar next year after the sequel to Bridget Jones comes out? After all, she has gained about thirty pounds (again) for the role. I don’t remember much about her speech on the Golden Globes, but I do recall that all those so-called “extra” pounds looked good on her. She was a curvy girl, in the style of Marilyn. If only someone would tell Hollywood women they could keep a few pounds and look great…Anyway, sorry to interrupt the class war going on here. I am both employed (in an office) and unemployed (as an actor – well, most of the time). I agree with Wil’s assessment – it takes something for famous people to say that stuff and I don’t think it’s all fake when they do. (As for “never being famous and never will be”…well, with that defeatist attitude, who could possibly make it? )Many professions are honourable, but it doesn’t follow that we should blame actors just because some of them make decent money at their art. Besides, most actors are the “working poor”, doing all kinds of low paying jobs while they audition and try to find acting work.
Interesting comments. There are good points on each side. However, I will defend Mr. Wheaton on several issues. First, would he have gotten a book deal without the prior celebrity? Possibly. However, it does no good if he had not taken advantage of it. Write like crap, no sell books. Law of supply and demand. It is that simple. Should we fault those who were given the opportunity to become celebrities? No. Got the chance and took it. Good for you/them. I don’t feel that Mr. Wheaton is in anyway whining about how tough it is. He is apparently using his God given talents (best personal website I have ever seen). He is maximizing potential. Good for him.
I do, however, agree that most of the whiney, rich actors/actresses need to get slapped with the iron clad fist of reality. Life sucks. I think that the disparity of incomes for actors, sports figures, television personalities, and politicians leans toward the obscene. I watch VH1 and see the spending habits of the still-teething bubble gum pop star (Britney, Christina, Justin,…) and I become enraged. Sure, they must have had hard work, but what does that mean? What is hard work to them? I have worked 16-18 hours a day for five days out of the week. On top of that I am on call 24/7. I was never off duty. I got paid rather well, 55,000, but that was very hard work. The responsibility that if I didn’t do my job, the company failed and 250 people would be out of work was overwhelming. Is this the “hard work” that celebrities talk about? I really don’t know and would like an answer.
Our society is based on free enterprise and Darwinian philosophy. My point is this: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
I agree with Jeremy. It sums up pretty much any profession. I would assume that’s a big part of the reason why I haven’t been able to find a new job in two years.
Well, that and Shrub.
(And it’s not that I’ve been unemployed, so much as not being able to live on my own or afford health insurance… oh yeah, thank you again Bush.)
I think that Charlize has really done well for herself!
In her speech, she mentioned that this was crazy.. she was a farmgirl from South Africa.
Well, I don’t know if there are any other “Seth-Efricans” here but I can tell you that for her to make it from Benoni to Hollywood is one hell of an achievement and I hope she wins the oscar!
Wil, keep doing what you do!
I totally agree with you Wil. So many talented people out there that will never be seen/heard/read about. Yet you see so many crappy bands, movies, and books out there.
some interesting posts so far on this one…
Darth Moby’s mostly, i suppose…
and i couldn’t agree LESS with him..
i think the easiest thing in the world must be to be a critic…to stand in the aisles
and throw in a lofty opinion or two, rather than ACTUALLY doing the thing you’re talking about..
i remember once in art class listening to my teacher go on and on about modern art, showing examples and so forth..i remember sniggering and laughing..right up until he called me on it…
i said, ahhhh that shit is lame…a child could do it…some paing daubs here and there, some splashing around..it’s useless….
did i understand it?
no.
had i even made the atempt to figure out how difficult it could be to actually do?
no.
he taught me a valuable lesson that day, and that was, that it’s easy to snear at something, but it takes years and years of hard work and slaving away as a nobody before you can do it yourself and be half way succesful at it..
think it’s obscene how much money charline or wil can make doing acting?
try this….
try going to several auditions a week and being told you’re not right..or not good enough…or to young or too old..
try doing that, day in, day out
try waking up and looking in the mirror and trying to drum up just an ounce of courage and self respect in order to go out, face the world and be rejected yet again..
now do that for a few years…
if you make it,
actors EARN their fucking money.
believe it.
and if you think ‘oh, anyone can do it..it’s just playing pretend blah blah blah’
then fine..
i encourage you to go out and become an actor…
find out for yourself.
Well then, in that case:
IT’S TIME TO ANNOUNCE THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2004 NERDIES: AWARDS GIVEN TO AWESOME GEEKY PEOPLE WHO KICK MORE ASS THAN THOSE WHO WIN LAME ASS, OVERRATED AWARDS!
This year’s nominees are:
Wil Wheaton for “Getting A Sweet Book Deal With O’Riley”
Wil Wheaton for “Most Photoshopped Geek On Fark.com”
Wil Wheaton for “Geek Who Scored The Hottest Wife”
and finally,
William Shatner for “I’m The… Biggest… Asshole Geek On The Planet… Though… I Won’t… Admit To Being A… Geek”
And the winner is:
WIL WHEATON!
To hell with those asshats in Hollywood. They don’t know what they’re missing…
Tyson: right on… totally agree with your comment.
Anyone who thinks it’s easy to be an artist in any aspect is either lying to themself or is unwilling to see depth in the human experience.
I’m a writer and I acted in small Children’s Theatre productions. You may think that you’re perfect for a role, or that your novel is the greatest piece of literature since cavemen first started scribbling on walls, but unless that director or publisher takes that risk you will still remain the same person pounding the pavement to auditions and writing on napkins.
Amen! I had the exact same thought at the time.
I have to agree with quite a few people here, Wil..you don’t have to worry about being ‘a working actor’..your writing talents and yes, even your *gasp* acting talents prove you’re more than that.
If you could have been swayed to play Jason in Grown/Apart, we could have made some beautiful music together.
You’ll always be our first chance::sniffle:sniffle::, I mean choice.
Be well Wil Wheaton.
first of i am a big fan of yours mr wheaton
and secondly i feel that line is can be applied more to life then just acting
we need a chance given to us every now and then
Well, there’s always jobs in porn.
I think you are a little hard on “Darth Moby”. I do not agree with everything he says, but I do understand where he is coming from. I think we should also remember the phrases “ the grass is always greener on the other side” and “don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”.
If things aren’t going the way we would wish it is easy to blame someone else, but it is also true that we all need help at some point in our lives.
Remember, that in a lot of cases, people only earn what others will allow them to earn.
Why do you buy a pair of “Levy’s” for $XX.XX when it only costs $X.XX to make?, where does all the profit go?.
If you had the chance to see Babe Ruth hit a home run would you go? And what would it be worth for you to see that? And how much of your “Ticket price” should go to Babe and how much to the organiser and stadium?.
How much would you pay to see “John Doe” sing at the London Palladium/Sydney Opera House?, you wouldn’t, so he doesn’t get booked.
So Babe Ruth ends up earning a fortune for swinging a piece of wood at a hunk of leather.
But is was “you” who gave it to him. So if you don’t want Babe Ruth to earn a fortune, don’t go.
Let me ask another question, how many of us think we get paid enough for whatever the work is that we do? And how many of us play the Lottery?.
Respect people for what ever the job is that they are doing however lowly you may feel that job is and remember without the dustmen (that’s garbage collector to most of you), our homes would all be infested with rats.
It cracked me up about how Darth associates anyone who lives in California as having money. If anything, anyone who lives in California has even less money. I make less in California than I did when I lived in Iowa and my rent is more than double, not to mention the price of food, electricity, gas, etc.
That said, I CAN see Darths point of view on celebrities (rich and famous or not or formerly) being a little out of touch with someone who guts hogs at a meat packing plant. THAT is hard work. The hardest work in acting seems to be getting a job in the first place. And avoiding the craft services table when you wear a spandex space suit.
Truly there are hard working actors out there. (How many movies has Michael Caine made?!) But I think you’d be hard pressed to compare the acting profession to working grave yard in a place where if you fall asleep you get killed instead of a knock on the trailer door.
BUT.. Darth… this is Wil’s blog and of course he’s going to speak of the things that relate to his life. And working physical labor is not one of those things. And he should be grateful for that. It’s a reminder to use the gifts he has.
Good actor ? working actor.
Great actor ? celebrity actor.
“becoming” a Celebrity actors means winning some sort of industry lottery overseen by a masonic cabal that meets in the under-basement of Mortons.
hey dude, somebody in the biz must have respected you, because check this out.
dunno if you knew it, but the guy who played the cheif of police of malibu in “the big lebowski” also played a guest character by the name of “william wheaton” on the show “nash bridges” in the episode ‘resurrection.’ (number 15 under notable tv guest appearances).
just caught that as i was scrolling through imdb and thought it was pretty cool. i’m a dork, what can i say.