Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/17/2006

Question
Hey! Ok so my whole life I've wanted to be an actress. People tell me I'm pretty, skinny, and talented.  They've said that I could become a great movie actress. Someone I know told me you have to have perfect skin, big breasts and perfect hair to ever dream of becoming an actress. This hurt my feelings because I have no hope of having any of those things. I really want to be an actress because I love it so much.  Please I was wondering if what this person said to me is true. Also I was wondering if I could have some advice of where I could go to get some more information on acting and movies and such.  I have a lot of questions.  Thank you so much! -maggie

Answer
That someone who told you that information was incorrect.  To address the perfect skin issue - I believe the current spokesmodels of Proactive (designed to clear problem skin) are Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams, both of whom provide "before" pictures while they were well-known to the public.  I'm sure there are Hollywood dermatologists that can confirm that many actors and celebrities do not have perfect skin.  
The breasts thing is silly. Sarah Michelle Gellar,  
Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Paris Hilton, Rachel McAdams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Mischa Barton, Lucy Liu, Milla Jovovich, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Piper Perabo and Calista Flockhart are just a few of the top actresses here who are not known for their abundant breast size.
Hair is also just about who is doing it.  You don't generally do your own hair, makeup or wardrobe for a film, and you'd most likely not do so for a large event (such as a premier, interview or appearance) either.
Depending on what type of actress you want to be, I would suggest finding classes in your area that teach that type of acting/auditioning.  If you're open to many different types of acting, try out for your local community theater, or put together your own group of performers.  As they say, practice makes perfect - or at least gives you the confidence to present yourself in the best light possible at future auditions.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty