Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 2/6/2009

Question
Dear, Mr. Sheppard

I am 20 yrs old and an aspiring actor, Acting has been my dream since I can remember. I am willing to go to school and educate myself about the acting industry. However the only setback that I have is that during my teen years I had gain and lost alot of weight which caused alot of stretch marks to the point where I never get shirtless infront of anyone. How can I overcome my fears in order to try and pursue an acting career?
I really hope you can answer my question because it will influence me lot and prevent me from pursuing my parents expectations which are far beyond mines.

Answer
Hi Wilson,

Congrats on getting in control of your weight. A lot of people don't get that a diet and YOUR DIET are 2 different things.

A diet is a temporary measure to lose weight that ultimately fails and in most cases, leads to gaining back the original weight and more. Why?
Because YOUR DIET is simply, what you always eat, every day, day in, day out, all year, every year! Temporary measures give temporary results.
People can wish they could have bodies like other people who can eat whatever they want, but wishes are pretty worthless. Life isn't fair and you must deal with the hand you are dealt!

Now, to your question: Can you be an actor with stretch marks?

How often do you think you will need to be shirtless? I NEVER have as an actor yet, although I modeled in my 20's and 30's and had to twice.

They can fix things in film. They can use body doubles, filters, film digitizing to "photoshop" out wrinkles and blemishes, and even paint your body with spray makeup. Don't look for reasons to hold back, just learn to realize that very few people are born perfect or stay perfect long.

I worked with a beautiful older actress once and she had serious varicose veins on her legs that they had to hand-paint out with cosmetics as it was before the sprays were developed. She looked great. I worked on another movie that they painted abs on the guys. When I worked on "D.O.A." Dennis Quaid had crows feet drawn on his eyes to look ten years older. Didn't look real in life, but on film it looks real.

I have thinning hair. Do I care? Not so much. I used to freak on it, but if they want me with more they will fix it just like they do all the other guys. If the ladies or whoever don't approve, well...BLEEP!...them! I DON'T CARE! Lol!

Get on with it!

Best,

Taylor