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a lack of a steady income says nothing about someone’s talent: I know some of the most talented people in the world who have trouble getting acting jobs. It can be very hard to reconcile those two facts, since I think we’d all like to believe that if you’ve got the talent, you’ll get paid to do it. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. I totally get why a parent would want their child to land a weekly paycheck, but if acting is going to make you happier than a reliable income, acting is what you must do!
    Q WHAT’S THE BEST AND WORST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?
    A BEST: Work hard at what you love, and love what you do. If it makes you happy, go for it 100 percent. And, as Audra told me, if you’ve been given a gift, it’s your responsibility to honor it and use it well.
    WORST: To change my appearance. That might have ended my career since not looking like the other girls is what sets me apart!

THE SPOTLIGHT
    These are the tools that have been most helpful in my career. Though I’ve never had a more traditional day job, my friends who aren’t in show business think they apply in the real world, too.
    1. PROFESSIONALISM: While getting a great role is a dream come true, at the end of the day, it’s a job, and it requires hard work. I take professionalism very seriously: I’m always on time, I try my best while I’m there, and I stay until we’re done without complaining.
    2. FOCUS, DETERMINATION, AND DRIVE: Like with any career path where big opportunities and promotions are at stake, there are a lot of ups and downs in show business: You have to be able to take your lumps and still keep your eye on the prize. Whether you get an amazing part or fail to get a callback, whether you get nominated for an award or passed over, you have to stay focused.
    3. AMIABILITY: Just like anyone on an interdependent team at the office, when you’re an actor, you work very closely with other people; it’s crucial that you find ways to relate to them. Long days are much more fun when the atmosphere is friendly. In short, it’s basic office politics: Be genuinely kind to everyone, and they’ll look out for you. Plus, you never know where people are going to end up: The young assistant will very likely be a powerful producer someday; the intern might eventually become your agent; that receptionist might be interviewing you someday. I always treat everyone with respect, in the same way that I would want to be treated.
    4. DEDICATION TO THE CRAFT: I don’t know any great actor who ever feels like they’re as good as they could be. A willingness and interest to learn and grow is crucial: After all, every new role requires you to harness something different. Likewise, my friends who work in the real world are constantly looking to develop their skills. Besides doing the job they currently have, they always grab the initiative to take on any additional work that might teach them something new.
    5. CULTIVATE STRONG CONNECTIONS: This is important both on and off the screen and stage. Just as you need to be able to convey story and emotion to the audience, you need to be able to connect with casting directors and producers backstage. Ultimately, it’s all about being memorable: While the job you’re interviewing for or the role you’re trying to land might not be right, there’s always the chance that the casting director or recruiter will recommend you for something else.
    6. TOUGHNESS: The more people pay attention to you, the more they’ll have to say—and some of the things they’ll say won’t be nice. You have to learn how to focus on what’s important and quiet the doubt inside.
    7. ENERGY: When you’re acting, you’re essentially “on” all the time. This requires a huge amount of energy. Taking proper care of yourself definitely helps in this regard!

When you’re acting, you’re essentially “on” all the time. This requires a huge amount of energy. Taking proper care of yourself definitely helps