Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 1/30/2010

Question
Is it true that you have to be super skinny in order to be a pro actress? I'm 5"1.5 inches and 107 pounds... am I too fat to get professional acting work? Could my size get in the way of getting certain kinds of roles?

Answer
Hi Tracy,

No, you are not to heavy to be an actor!

Look on tv...really look. If you are looking at everyone, you will see all types: fat, thin, strange, great looking, hard bodied, not so hard bodied, short, tall...etc.

Film reflects life, and there are all types!

Now, a lot of stars you see have flaws, but it is wonderful how they can make someone look better.

Should you as an actor, not try to be in touch with your body and try? Of course not! But you also need to be able to accept yourself too. A casting person told me once that you need to take a hard, honest look at yourself and realize what you are. If you are short and curvy, you may be able to lose some pounds and be a cute, shorter, dark haired woman (to match many short male actors) but you are never going to be a tall, natural blond. But don't let that dissuade you from trying or mentally handicapping yourself. Many look for reasons to not try and to not take opportunities to. That way, they can self-fulfill their belief that they are not "good enough". Yes, some roles will not come your way because the want a blond surfer girl type, but I really don't see many of those who come to much consequence.

While you need to try to be in shape, don't fall for fad diets and crazy weigh loss schemes. Just learn to eat right, EXERCISE (essential to being an actor)and when you are looking at eating something unhealthy, ask yourself: "Is the short term reward of eating this worth losing what I want in the long run?" Also keep in mind that as a young person, your life is not set yet, and there are scores of people who started out looking one way and blossomed later in life, got taller if guys, grew boobs as women, etc. Sometimes it takes time.

While all of this is important, above all, take classes and work on your craft! The people in charge are more likely to be interested in you and give you some slack if you become incredibly talented!


Best,

Taylor