Acting: It’s Never Too Late

It’s never too late to become an actor. I get lots of messages asking if it’s too old at 24, 27 or 30. One of my favourite actors is the British actor (born in Britain) and Steppenwolf member, John Mahoney. He played Frasier’s father in the long running series about the Seattle Radio Shrink.

Mahoney began acting in his late 30s after a career as an editor and English teacher. He became close friends with David Mamet who nurtured the actor’s fledgling career. It’s never too late. However, something that Mamet says is really important on this topic. Whilst it’s never too late, it will take you many years to discipline yourself and learn the lessons of the business. For those of us who were lucky to be brought up in the theatre, it’s in our blood or in our bones. It’s first nature to us to know the way things work. It will take you some time. Meisner says it will take you 20 years to become a master actor. Well that’s good enough for me, it will be worth the effort.

I teach classes with many mature members. One of my advanced students and a good friend is in his 50s but young in spirit when it comes to performing. It’s never too late if you’re willing to learn the lessons of the stage. They’re not always pleasant, they’re not always rewarding, but if it’s what you want, it is never too late to become the actor you wanted to be.

Characters come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Sure it can take a long time to get acting into your bones, but it’s worth the wait.