Auditions

I've only had to audition once as an actor in a high school play. It was for a director who was about 80 years old. So naturally she thought I was right as a 6ft. 4" Aryan playboy. I love her moxie.

I am begging all actors out there to listen to Illeana Douglas's podcast "I Blame Dennis Hopper" Because the reality of it is tougher than you probably realize or are too deluded about. Or have faith in. And this will smooth over the bump that you shouldn't despair when it happens.

She tells the story of auditioning for a role in movie for director Alan Parker. He was the genius behind "Mississippi Burning". A tough Englishman who also directed "Fame"
At the audition, illeana was brought in by casting director Howard Feuer...whom if memory serves...also casted "Silence of The Lambs" As Illeana does her reading in front of Alan and his assistants...he stops her and bellows "she is completely wrong for this role!! Who brought her in?! Howard! Howard!!" To which Feuer pops his head in and gets an earful. Followed by "get Frances on the line" referring to Frances McDormand. All this in FRONT of Illeana. To which she does the only thing she possibly can, she says "I can read it again if you want." Alan just stares at her wondering why she was still just standing around.
Heartbreaking and funny.

She laughs about it today. But these are the stories in the trenches. More than likely as an actor you tend to sidestep these horrific anecdotes wanting never to get a shot at the ego like that. Fuck, I couldn't do it. But this is the reality if you choose this as a profession.