In a concise interview segment, the seasoned performer (Speaker B) answers the question, “If you could go back 20 years, what three things would you advise an aspiring actor, singer, or dancer?” He outlines three pillars of success: (1) Discipline – cultivated through rigorous training, consistent work habits, and thorough preparation (knowing lines, character history, making choices) before stepping into a rehearsal or audition; (2) Physical and emotional self‑care – staying hydrated, exercising, avoiding excessive alcohol or drugs, and building a supportive network to vent and maintain emotional sobriety; (3) Mindset of non‑comparison – recognizing that competition is internal, avoiding “mind games” with peers, and understanding that even top‑level artists (e.g., Halle Berry, Sharon Stone) continue to compete with themselves. The advice is delivered in a conversational, mentor‑like tone, emphasizing realistic expectations and encouraging a sustainable, self‑compassionate approach to a performing‑arts career.
Chapters
For an aspiring actor, singer, dancer that 20 years ago was you coming to this city, what are 3 things that you would advise them on?
The first thing that comes to my mind is discipline. What I find, and I sound like the people that came before me, is that we were really disciplined going through school. Like when I went through school, it wasn't necessarily emotionally healthy, but if you didn't perform, you were out. Like you got kicked out. That was it. And having that threat really helped me develop a discipline. And that means really going to class, really doing your work as an actor, as a singer, and as a dancer. You know, not just getting by. Really having a great work ethic. You know, being prepared. You should know what you're doing before you even walk in. You should have done the character history, you should have made choices, and then you can get even deeper with the director. You know, kids come in today and they don't even know their lines. They don't know their music. They've got, you know, their music's all crumpled up. Doing those things like making your bed every day, you just start to do them and then you— it will make it easier. It's like training a puppy, you know, puppies like to be trained, they like to know what to do. And if you do that for yourself, then it makes this career so much easier today. The second thing is to take care of yourself physically. And that means like really, you know, not being out in loud bars at night, making sure you get enough water, making sure you exercise, you know, not drinking every single night of the week, Certainly no drugs. You know, taking care of yourself emotionally, and that means like having a support system around you where you can vent, because being in this business is very difficult. I mean, I always say to people, you know, Halle Berry still competes with Sharon Stone. Like, even at the highest level, you never stop. So realizing that this is about a journey and being where you're at and knowing that you're supposed to be where you're at, because people get really restless comparing themselves to other people. So discipline Emotional sobriety, physical sobriety. I would say no compare and despair, you know, and don't play those stupid mind games. I see girls at auditions just like playing games with each other, you know, like, oh, you're gonna sing that, you know, like, I'm like, are you serious? You know, like, that there's enough for everybody. It doesn't seem like there is, but there's enough for everybody, that we're in competition with ourselves, not with other people.
