Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 2/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Okay, my name is Erin. I am a 13-year-old girl from Runnemede, New Jersey. I could easily go to Philadelphia or New York for auditions. But I just wanna know honestly... do I need to be a size 2 skinny girl to fulfill my dream of becoming an actress? I know I am big. Thats just how I am. I am trying to lose some weight. Its going kinda slow though. I just want to know if you believe i need to be like a stick figure to become an actress. Just be honest. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Erin,

I answered a similar question to this some time ago, but it is worth repeating: No! You don't have to be a styk-gurl to be an actress!
However, if you want to be a leading lady, probably so. Generally, if you are amazing looking (above average) you will be a star, if you are unusual looking or easily recognizable, or perhaps have an unusual look (huge nose, huge ears, bug eyes....etc.)

No 1 weight loss plan works for everyone, because people are different in what their bodies respond to. I respond to low-carb, but not others. Low fat doesn't cut it for me. Sometimes it's a matter of getting counseling to dig deeper for the root of an emotional cause. Sometimes it is genetic (but even then, you can improve.) Just don't do wacky and potentially harmful things to do so. No diet works well without exercise. If you hate exercise, make it a game...or go walk in interesting places. I also reccommend weight training for women. Muscles burn lots of calories and you wont end up looking like a gorilla unless you take steroids, being a woman. It looks really nasty to see an emaciated body without muscle tone.

Don't let body concerns stop you! If you love acting, just go for it!

Best,

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay.You see my picture. Do i look "unusual"? Honestly? and just be honest cause im not looking for encouragement im looking for the truth.

Answer
Hi Erin,

I took a long look at your picture and I don't see unusual in a bad way, I see someone who is young and whose path is not set yet.

It is very possible that you could grow up and be a knockout!
It just depends on you.

I worked on a movie as an extra a half a million years ago called: "True Women". There was a woman that I barely remember on the show.
I mean, I REALLY had to dig hard to even remember her. I remember Dana Delaney well, but not this girl. You know who she was/is?

Well, she turned into Angelina Jolie! Seriously. Angelina was one of those girls who had a baby face and until she matured, you couldn't see her bone structure. Some people start off and catch up late. Kevin Costner wasn't confident, was fairly short and awkward in high school...hadn't bloomed yet...when he got a date with this pretty brunette in school, he actually took her by his folks on the first date because he was so proud that he was able to get her to go out with him! (he later married her and had kids with her: Cindy Costner. Sadly, they didn't last forever, but I met her at a football game in Anaheim once and she really was sweet and amazing.) Dustin Hoffman's late teen pictures would make you laugh, -short, pimply and braces, if I remember right.

The point is, you have a very beautiful face and a very poor image of yourself. I hope you won't go the easy route and give up on yourself. In this business and this world you can't wait around for others to prop you up and believe in you -they are too busy with themselves and their own insecurities- you have to have blind faith in yourself. I have noticed that many adults hit a point where they give up on themselves and don't nurture themselves, just because they maybe didn't get the dream they had hoped for.

Don't concern yourself with things you can't control, just be good to yourself and take care of yourself. OK?

Best to you,

Taylor