No Excuses (not even having a small chest)

I am an actor.

But I live in Oregon. I have never lived in LA or NYC or even Chicago. I have 3 kids. Yes, 3. I am short. I have no boobs.

All the things that you would think would be important (or at least helpful) to be successful at acting are so not true for me.

You can make a million excuses. You can be too tall. Too short. Too fat. Too ethnic. Too old. Too smart. You can live in the wrong town, have the wrong agent, drive the wrong car*. A million excuses. (*I have heard all excuses listed)

The minute you start to worry that you are not ‘right’ to be an actor you focus on all the wrong stuff. If you want to find an excuse not to try or a parachute in case you don’t succeed to the level you think you will, go for it. But it all comes down to fear. Either you are afraid to fail. Or you are afraid to succeed. Too harsh? Sorry. Scardy cat.

True, being tall and young and beautiful with a good rack would have certainly changed the direction of my career. I doubt I would have played so many nurse roles.

True, the big cities have more opportunities to be seen. But you are being seen with hundreds of other talented beautiful people as well. Give me a small pond and a chance to be a big fish any day.

There will always be someone more beautiful, smarter, funnier, nicer or better smelling then you. But there is only one you. And what you bring into the auditioning room, onto the set and up on the stage or screen is unique. Be you. Even when you are acting. Be your true authentic self. Flaws and all.

Or as Kiersey Clemons recently posted on Twitter: “Looks might get you through the door but what's gonna keep you in the room?” Out of the mouths of babes.

Not that it wouldn’t be far easier if I was 5’9 and a C cup…

-- Mercedes Rose

 

(photo from BTS of Will courtesy of Lyon Films)

Comments

[K.Mack]

I Love this!

[Silverscrn]

Thanks for this! I have a small rack, too, but no one cares 'cause I'm a writer....by far the biggest fear I have is that Ill never make it as a screenwriter because I can't move to L.A. It doesn't stop me, it just really scares me.

[Ben (@actingnodrama)]

Love it! Excuses are for wusses. And yes, I have, on occasion, been a wuss.

[Mara Junot]

Mercedes,

You're simply fantastic! From one no-boobed sister working in a small pond to another, this is a great inspiration! Authenticity is the key! :)

Cheers!

[Jess]

Loved this!! Thank you so much

[Lori Kupferberg]

Im on the opposite side of the spectrum. I have a 40H cup. I am also self conscious about my size.

Lori:)

[Mercedes Rose]

Thank you all for supporting me...flat chest and all.

[moncler jacket swinter]

I "like" you on Facebook. Would love these for my oldest boy!