Expert: Phil Nemy - 7/24/2009

Question
Hey Phil! : )
my best friend's dream is to be an Actress, but she is 23 and has no previous experience. Is it too late for her to start out on the industry? If it isn't, what advice would you give her on getting started? She really wants to move to LA, but I've heard some really horrible things about it. Also, she has been offered some nude work, but she's worried about being typecast. What is your advice? Thank you SO much phil! Hope you re having a GREAT night!!!

Answer
Laylabeth,

Thanks for writing. In my opinion, it is never too late to begin pursuing an acting career. That said, with no experience, one needs training. She should enroll in the best acting classes, voice classes and movement classes she can find in her area.

As far as Los Angeles, it depends on the individual whether it is a good city or not. I've lived here 20 years and I find a lot of positive things about it. There are certainly negatives, as there are in any major city, but the positives outweigh the negatives. Regardless, over 90% of film and TV is cast in LA, so if you want to be an actor, you MUST be here.

As far as nudity is concerned, that's really up to the actor. I don't think your friend will be typecast, unless the only work she gets cast in is low-budget films where she has to take her clothes off every time. Remember, even the best working actresses today have done nude scenes when they feel it is appropriate. Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Annette Bening, have all done nude scenes and they haven't been typecast. Why? Because they are each damn good actresses and they choose roles where the nudity is not gratuitous but necessary for the emotion or action of the scene. As long as your friend makes smart decisions like these ladies, she won't be typecast.

That said, if your friend is uncomfortable with nudity, she shouldn't do it. No one should do anything they don't agree with.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil