Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Weight Problems

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/14/2008


Question
I'm 19 years old and I love to act, but I am overweight.  My question is before I head down to Cali, which I do plan on doing, would it be better for me to lose weight before going there?

Answer
Hi Emily,

God, I see trouble written all over this.

I'm dealing with a lot of unknowns, so I will go with my instincts.

Overweight? Like a stick-girl who thinks she needs to have her ribs out, or average or obese? I'm going to go with somewhere between the first two.
It's a very hyper conscious place in LA. It's true, you're look has high importance, depending on things. It can mean being chosen, true. Are you trying to be something you're not? Are you more an average girl type, or trying to be Pam Anderson, who I think ruined herself with plastic, bleach and ink? Notice that natural beauty endures: Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, and others. Actresses don't all have perfect figures. Doesn't mean they don't try, but even J-Lo has done ok with her behind. There are lots of things they do to get them in the best light, but that is not an excuse to not worry about it. There are many women who are actors who are a few pounds bigger and get work.

Thing is, successful weight loss has to be motivated, but it should be about you, first and foremost, before the journey to Hollywood. Otherwise it is temporary. Neither do you want to pull an anorexia gig. That is sick. Tara Reid used to be pretty and natural, (In "American Pie" -she looked great. )
Get unbiased people to tell you what you look like. No family, no friends..maybe a gym trainer. Get an accurate idea what you are. Margaret Cho, was goaded to lose weight for her sitcom and almost destroyed her kidneys on a bad diet. Get help to determine what you should eat from an expert.

It's never a good idea to wait to get to your destination unprepared. You get ready first, then go. You take classes, you get at your peak form, then make that first impression!

Best, Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Taylor Sheppard

Expertise

I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.

Experience

I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.

Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).

Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.

Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.