Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/4/2006

Question
I was just wondering what were the chances of anyone getting big in show business. I always here stories about thousands of people going to LA every year to realize their failure. I'm pretty excited about starting in the show business but is it a realistic goal to try and achieve (without starving :]) I'd like to be a fashion model and an actor. I read somewhere that Ashton Kutcher was a model before he broke into acting, so thought that might give me a better chance. Thanks :)

Answer
There are many well-known actors who started out in modeling.  You're right about the thousands of people who come to LA every year to try and make it big.  Whether or not they do, depends on many factors - not the least of which is how hard they work at it.

Of course what you look like, your age, your natural talent, whether or not you're photogenic, your resume/training, your agent/manager, your business/networking skills and luck are also a factor.

While it is true that many of the top actors in Hollywood have 'connections' (they are related to someone already working, or someone famous) - it's not that difficult to at least earn a living in the entertainment industry.  Many people do work regularly as character actors, in commercials, in voiceover, in independent films or even as extras.

Certainly you can progress beyond any of those to bigger and better things by being in the right place at the right time, and prepared.  The rest is just hard work and determination.  And of course, a little luck.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty