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Question:

2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think Danny Aiello (sp?) started acting until well into his fifties.  Wasn’t he nominated for an Oscar or a Tony or something?

Response:

Here comes your typical "I’ve always wanted to be an actor, since I was little" crap! 1.  Is 28 to old to start thinking about a serious career in the acting profession?  (By the way, even if everyone says yes, I’ll try anyway, I’m stubborn like that!!)

It better not be. I have started seriously pursuing the idea in my late 40’s. 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

Well, I am sure there are others, but John Houseman comes to mind. Born in 1902, writing and producing from 1941 on, acting starting in 1956, Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1974. Can’t get too awfully much higher achievement than that. — Background! – The club for Actors and Background Performers in Calgary Don’t miss my website, http://www.spots.ab.ca/~jimbrawn

Response:

And John Houseman, though involved in theatre in a non-performing capacity for most of his life, made his screen debut at the age of 62 (!) and then made his second film over ten years after that. Lane Wright

Actually, IMDb shows his first film as Ill Met By Moonlight (1956) – he was then 54. Second film Seven Days in May (1964) 8 years later and then The Paper Chase (1973) – 9 years later which gave him Golden Globe and Academy awards. — — Background! – The club for Actors and Background Performers in Calgary Don’t miss my website, http://www.spots.ab.ca/~jimbrawn

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Both the sources I looked at (Ephriam Katz’s The Film Encyclopedia and Halliwell’s Filmgoer’s Companion)gave Seven Days in May as his first film as an actor, but even so, 54 is fairly late in life to make a screen debut, which was the whole point. Lane Wright – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually, IMDb shows his [John Houseman's] first film as Ill Met By Moonlight (1956) – he was then 54. Second film Seven Days in May (1964) 8 years later and then The Paper Chase (1973) – 9 years later which gave him Golden Globe and Academy awards.

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2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life? I believe Wilford Brimley (SP?) started in his fifties.  (Cocoon, The Firm, Athespian writes:

I remember seeing Wilford Brimley in some commercials long before Cocoon.  I am not sure of what they were for but he has such a memorable face that I somehow remembered him.  Did he do anything before cocoon? Athespian

Response:

He did the Quaker Oats commercials. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life? I believe Wilford Brimley (SP?) started in his fifties.  (Cocoon, The Firm, Athespian writes: I remember seeing Wilford Brimley in some commercials long before Cocoon. I am not sure of what they were for but he has such a memorable face that I somehow remembered him.  Did he do anything before cocoon? Athespian

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He did the Quaker Oats commercials.

Yeah! That’s it.  I never did eat Quaker Oat either.  But I remember Wilford. <g

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life? I believe Wilford Brimley (SP?) started in his fifties.  (Cocoon, The Firm, Athespian writes: I remember seeing Wilford Brimley in some commercials long before Cocoon.  I am not sure of what they were for but he has such a memorable face that I somehow remembered him.  Did he do anything before cocoon?

John Carpenter’s "The Thing", about eight years earlier, IIRC. I know he did several films before Cocoon, but I cannot remember them off hand.  But Cocoon is his "breakthrough" film.  The Quaker Oats commercials came AFTER Cocoon. — ** NOTE: address is spamblocked – }:-)       Christopher Jahn

{:-(         Dionysian Reveler "It’s fun, isn’t it?"                     Charles Nelson Reilly

Response:

Brimley also had a memorable role in "Absence of Malice" four years before "Cocoon."  That’s where I first remember seeing him. Lane Wright

Response:

 Did he do anything before cocoon? Yes, he did. According to IMDb: Wilford Brimley Date of Birth: 27 September 1934, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Other works: * TV commercials for Quaker Instant Oatmeal (circa 1990) * _"Kung Fu" (1972)_ (qv), as [unknown] (ep. ‘One STep into Darkness (1975)’) Filmography as Actor:   The Wild Wild West Revisited (TV) (1979) [6.7]  President Grover Cleveland   Roughnecks (TV) (1980)   The Big Black Pill (TV) (1981)   …aka Joe Dancer (TV)   The Hotel New Hampshire  (1984) [6.3] ……. Iowa Bob   Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (TV) (1985) [6.1]  Noa   Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins…  (1985) [6.2]  Harold Smith   …aka Remo: Unarmed and Dangerous as well as many other films and tv roles since. For more information about this person, please check out the WWW-page: http://www.imdb.com/M/person-exact?Brimley,+Wilford — Background! – The club for Actors and Background Performers in Calgary Don’t miss my website, http://www.spots.ab.ca/~jimbrawn

Response:

Yes! I remember seeing him in The Natural. Thanks for the great info! Athespian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did he do anything before cocoon? Yes, he did. According to IMDb: Wilford Brimley Other works: * TV commercials for Quaker Instant Oatmeal (circa 1990) * _"Kung Fu" (1972)_ (qv), as [unknown] (ep. ‘One STep into Darkness (1975)’) Filmography as Actor:  The Wild Wild West Revisited (TV) (1979) [6.7]  President Grover Cleveland  Roughnecks (TV) (1980)  The Big Black Pill (TV) (1981)  …aka Joe Dancer (TV)  The Hotel New Hampshire  (1984) [6.3] ……. Iowa Bob  Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (TV) (1985) [6.1]  Noa  Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins…  (1985) [6.2]  Harold Smith  …aka Remo: Unarmed and Dangerous

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1.  Is 28 to old to start thinking about a serious career in the acting profession?  

God, I hope not…I’m starting at 36!! 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

Has to be "someone" out there somewhere 3.  Since I want to do film and/or TV, do I need to concentrate on getting roles in plays, and local theater?

Yes 4. If stage performance isn’t really a complete necessity for getting into film/TV, what can I possibly put on a resume?  Should I take acting classes? (I already plan on taking movement classes.)

Get on stage and take classes. (Thats what I’m doing)… Just Do It….  Gary

Response:

1.  Is 28 to old to start thinking about a serious career in the acting profession?

Absolutely not. 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

Yes, a ton. I’m sorry that I can’t remember any names off the top of my head, but yes. Many of the ones I’ve heard of even started at like 35 or 45. 3.  Since I want to do film and/or TV, do I need to concentrate on getting roles in plays, and local theater, or seek out some sort of behind the camera roles right off the bat, which, in my albeit newbie mind, are two completely different forms of acting?

If possible, both. Although stage roles don’t *directly* lead to screen roles, the stage is an excellent and exciting place to gain valuable experience and exposure. 4. If stage performance isn’t really a complete necessity for getting into film/TV, what can I possibly put on a resume?  Should I take acting classes? (I already plan on taking movement classes.)

Yes yes yes take classes. Also, try to get on file w/ casting directors for extra work. While extra work really has nothing to do with acting (& shouldn’t be put on a resume), doing extra work is useful as a learning tool (learn by watching), and being on file w/ one of those CDs can sometimes lead to featured parts. Good luck! –Amir Talai, Berkeley, CA

Response:

Since no one has offered a name yet in regards to question two, I’ll point out that John Mahoney, who plays Frasier’s father Martin Crane on "Frazier" didn’t start acting until he was in his thirties.  And John Houseman, though involved in theatre in a non-performing capacity for most of his life, made his screen debut at the age of 62 (!) and then made his second film over ten years after that. Lane Wright – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life? jak fearon

Response:

You’ll get lots of good advice to get you started, so I’ll answer your second question. Dennis Farina spent 20 years as a police officer before starting on his film and television career. — ** NOTE: address is spamblocked – }:-)       Christopher Jahn

{:-(         Dionysian Reveler "Why, you’re more than realistic –    you’re nearly grotesque!!"         Charles Busch, ‘Vampire Lesbians of Sodom’

Response:

Sorry I’m not quoting here, but it’s a reply to Christopher Jahn’s post. If you want to be on tv and film sets, take classes specifically designed to teach that kind of technique by people who have access to that kind of life. Theatre and stage will take time away, if the sets of holllywood are your ambition. A high school dropout with no acting experience and average looks has a better shot at an audition than a man of beauty who is studied and degreed in the art of acting for his entire life, if the girl had one class with Howard Fine and the guy had only theatre and academe on his ten page resume. We’re not talking acting as art here, but how to make it to the bank, am I right?  If not please correct me and I’ll advise accordingly. http://www.mysignature.D.Lollar.notreallyyourbiz.com

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2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

I believe Wilford Brimley (SP?) started in his fifties.  (Cocoon, The Firm, more….)

Response:

Jak:  I’ll try to answer your questions in part.  I only have a few minutes this afternoon and I’m sure others will jump in. 1.  Is 28 to old to start thinking about a serious career in the acting profession?

Definately not, unless you want to be a young leading man type <BG  I got back into acting full time at 32. 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life?

Can’t think of any right off the top of my head but I’m sure someone will remembr some. 3.  Since I want to do film and/or TV, do I need to concentrate on getting roles in plays, and local theater, or seek out some sort of behind the camera roles right off the bat, which, in my albeit newbie mind, are two completely different forms of acting?

Familiarity with both types of acting won’t hurt you.  I’d suggest you find some legitimate film acting classes, read some good books etc.  Around here (Dallas) if you work behind the camera, the chances to work in front of the camera are minimized.  What part of the country (world) are you in?  It can make a difference. 4. If stage performance isn’t really a complete necessity for getting into film/TV, what can I possibly put on a resume?  Should I take acting classes? (I already plan on taking movement classes.)

Resume: Skills and abilities.  Definately take acting classes.  I suggest getting into theatre just to meet people and learn what that end of the business is all about.  Also, you can pursue community theatre at night without quitting your day job and make sure that following your dream is *really* worth it for you.  Or, maybe the close friend and fledgling director you mentioned would have a part in a project that you could do.  It never hurt to ask and pull every possible string.  The worst he could say is no. ;-] Best of luck. Vandi

Response:

OK, Here comes your typical "I’ve always wanted to be an actor, since I was little" crap! I am a 28 year old computer animator working in the video game field, and have some experience in the TV/film field, graphically speaking. I work for a company which was started by one of the top special effects technicians of our time, and even though technically this has nothing to do with the acting side of things, I feel a warmth just being involved in some way with the magic of it all.  In fact, my close friend (and fledgling film director in his own right) works with me, and we are constantly acting out little impromptu scenes as various characters to the laughter (and sometimes, annoyance!) of our colleagues. I am also a musician, having been lead man for a few local groups, performing in front of large groups of people, having radio and club play, etc. I was raised in a crazy religion, by parents who frowned upon the entertainment field in general, but I did manage to do some acting, and actually get some good parts in some of the (and this sounds funny, I know,) bible plays which were put on by the kids in the group.  I also had to get up in front of the whole church about once a month to give a talk, which I had written, on some bible subjects.  This actually helped me out a lot in the long run by preparing me for public speaking (and humiliation!)  I was not, however, allowed to try out for any plays in elementary school or high school, as they were considered bad. (Needless to say, I am no longer part of this religion.) Here’s the part you’ve all been waiting for… I have forever been enamored with the whole film acting profession, and have always tried to garner employment which is in some way peripherally related to the whole industry, but I never admitted to anyone except my deepest inside that what I really want to do, what I really have felt the calling for all my life, is to be an actor. Now, I finally, the other night, admitted this to my wonderful wife, whom, much to my relief, didn’t laugh in my face.  Actually, she said that she’s known this since she met me, (due to my constant need to be the center of attention–performing dynamo!) and that she would stand behind whatever decision I make. I love to perform for people.  I love to be in the spotlight.  I love Cheezits. (oops, how did that get in there?) My questions then, posed to all who have actually gotten this far in reading this terribly long speech, are the following: 1.  Is 28 to old to start thinking about a serious career in the acting profession?  (By the way, even if everyone says yes, I’ll try anyway, I’m stubborn like that!!) 2.  Are there any actors who have gone on to considerably larger roles who started at such a late stage in life? 3.  Since I want to do film and/or TV, do I need to concentrate on getting roles in plays, and local theater, or seek out some sort of behind the camera roles right off the bat, which, in my albeit newbie mind, are two completely different forms of acting?  (This question is by no means intended to offend all of the wonderfully talented stage actors/actresses out there, or,  for that matter, TV/Film actors/actresses. Really!) 4. If stage performance isn’t really a complete necessity for getting into film/TV, what can I possibly put on a resume?  Should I take acting classes? (I already plan on taking movement classes.) I think that about covers it, sorry to take up so much time, but I like to cover all the bases. Thanks for the read! jak fearon

Response:

Listen up clodette. I have one question and one question alone for you. Why don’t you stop with the phony hacking shit, get a life and get out of this fantasy you have that you are a hacker, an actress, director singer sword swallower and all the other bullshit you drip all over these newsgroups? You are from all evidence, a mentally unstable rapidly aging woman with nothing but your delusions. You are enthralled with a sick stalking vicious individual that you fawn over as if he were some key to your "success". Guess what? You both suck. You have no entries in any entertainment databases worth mentioning and all you do is aid and abet flakes and drunks like yourself. I am telling you this because you make me sad, and you couldn’t cast a spell to clean your toilet let alone harm me or my partners. So fuck off and get a life. Sheeesh I why do I bother with these morons? Your Master, Freddie — User of http://www.foorum.com/. The best tools for usenet searching.

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Sheeesh I why do I bother with these morons?

Because, Daveeeeeeee, we are your gods. Thou shalt have no other gods before us, as you so aptly prove, day in and day out. Tao te Carl

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Hi! I am a teenage girl who is seriously interested in acting. I’ve been in many plays and have found I am good and enjoy it. I’m also a serious dancer and I want to use those two talents as a career as an Actress/Dancer. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to get an early start? Is going to a Performing Arts college a good idea? If you can help me, please reply! Thanks! Tara

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Hi! I am a teenage girl who is seriously interested in acting….. Is going to a Performing Arts college a good idea?..

The best plan is to go on to college, Tara.  Get a good liberal arts degree from a university with a really fine drama department.  NYU is top notch.  UCLA has a good dept.  This is a better approach than going to a drama school such as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts or the Strasberg Institute. Keep doing those plays.  Build your resume.  If you live in an area where good professional-level acting classes are availble, sign up for those.  Audit first.  All acting classes are NOT the same.  You should visit and make sure you are comfortable with the teacher’s methods.   Looking on down the road (this is the same advice I would give to my own daughter), consider grad school.  Yale School of Drama, the Tisch School of Drama at NYU, maybe Julliard in New York.  Graduates of those programs are looked at very, very carefully by top notch talent agents in NYC and Hollywood. Good luck! Ed Hooks author "The Audition Book (Winning Strategies for Breaking into Theatre, Film and TV)"

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Ed is SOOO right! Get an education.  It’s hard to act in a play or movie set in the time of the French Revolution if you don’t know what it was.  : )  FYI — I went to Columbia University (English major) which now from what I understand has a joint BA degree you can get in conjunction with Julliard.  If I were going to college again today, I’d be there in a heartbeat! Caryn

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