Expert: Kitty Kavey - 9/19/2006

Question
Hi, I have been teetering most of my life of becoming an actor/model. I would like to enter now even at 36 years(I look 27). My adult life has been daily statements of my similarities to Tom Cruise. People say I look like him but, better. I'm much taller and not quite the large nose if I may say. Is there a market for someone my age and looks in either the modeling/actor bussiness? What extra steps must I take to enter? will agents even talk to me? Thank you for any help.

Answer
There is no age requirement (other than those set by the individual agencies) for either commercial print modeling or acting.  I have had the opportunity to meet senior citizens who were just getting into the modeling/acting industry for the first time.
There is also work as a celebrity impersonator, lookalike or perhaps even a body double, although you did mention you were much taller than Mr. Cruise.  
I enjoy being in front of and behind the camera so much, that I would encourage you to at least give it a try.  These days you can submit your information directly to clients, and are not required to have an agent to work.  Since you only submit a modeling composite card and cover letter to agents for consideration, and then they use just the comp card to submit to clients, they don't know how much experience you've had in the industry.  Acting they do require a resume for, unless you are going to do background work - for which quite often they don't even use headshots.
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty