Is 40 too old to start acting? Not to be a celeb, duh, but to be in movies?

Question

I've always wanted to learn to act and to be in movies or on TV. I am at a place in my life where I could take some classes to see if I have any talent and then pursue the dream if I want to. Which I do want to. But, a part of me thinks it's just a mid-life crisis mistake waiting to happen... Is it crazy?

wow... thanks for the encouragement! i really thought strangers would tell me I was nuts... LOL

Answer 1

Hurray for you, Juniemoon! Go for it! It's never too late to pursue a new interest. Acting is fun! You'll enjoy it, I'm sure! And don't let anyone stop you. There are a lot of folks out there there teaching acting who are frustrated actors who never got anywhere and take great delight in stomping on the joy of others. Find a class where people are enjoying what there doing not sweating every gesture. Have fun!

Answer 2

lI often think when watching those movies, people were so naive back then, and I guess they reflect the "smaller worlds" that people lived in. The movies appear to be made for a mass audience that hasnt traveled internationally or been exposed to other cultures. An unsophisticated group of people. There was no global community so these movies have very stereotypical usually false cultural roles. You will also notice that Hollywood was a white world, and ethnic characters are played by white actors "made up" to look Chinese or Indian or whatever. Another thing I cant help but notice is the overdramatization of every emotion - I am not sure what the motivation for that was. Its something I have often pondered - I believe they were made for a society that loved the high drama. But were also based on the way roles were played in the theatre, vaudville, and opera - all stage productions as if it took them time to realize the movie camera can pick up more subtle expressions and actions. While the actual content and acting doesnt necessarily reflect the way life was back then I believe that in this case the media is most definitely the message and it is very revealing about how society during those times. The one thing in the actual story line I believe does reflect society of those eras is they were made when men were men and women looked pretty and swooned a lot and clung to the arm of a virile tall dark and handsome man as often as possible. Definitely men ruled and women followed unless the female lead was a devious and evil person. You will also notice there were "good girls" and "bad girls" and nothing in between --

Answer 3

Oh I definitely don't think you're too old. In fact, the BEST roles are for older actors. Definitely take some classes, get some head shots, and get yourself out there. I recommend "Breaking into Acting for Dummies" (not saying you're a dummy, it's a good book) and reading "Audition" by Michael Shurtleff

You biggest regret will be not trying at all, so you really have nothing to lose. Don't get discouraged if you don't parts, rejection is like 90-percent of the business. But after awhile, luck and perseverance will pay off.

Good Luck

Answer 4

I would say if you want to try acting and never have before, you should start out trying to do some stage work. It's very different from film, but it will teach you all you need to know. If you have the means and the desire to take some acting classes and go to some auditions, you absolutely should, but the notion of acting should not necessitate movies and TV; that is a misconception that will make your chances of getting any real experience much more slight.

Answer 5

I think it would probably be a mistake to quit your job and hop the next bus to LA and EXPECT to BECOME a STAR, but what you are describing seems perfectly *doable*... :)

*Acting* is not some mysterious, unknowable art, it is just an art of BEING, of DOING, which I think is a factor you are grasping. Like anything in life, you will never know you can achieve wonderful accomplishment until you TRY wonderful accomplishment.

[As you can probably tell from my choice of avatar] I have something of an acting background, I even had Garry Marshall ask me to send him my photo based upon my voice so he could work me into a project, VERY kind of him but simply not where I myself am *at*...but for you, it sounds like you could find a lot more than just *education* in an acting class.

In midlife, maybe in a different way than in youth, acting is a form of figuring life out, sorting things through, THERAPY, if you will. So long as you are not TOTALLY TERRORIZED by appearing on stage, you have the opportunity to try on new shoes, *live* the life you have imagined, Dream out loud! ;)

Best wishes, I don't see where you have anything to lose, even if you DON'T run off to Hollywood you WILL LEARN things that are KEY to life, like better communication and coping skills, that will make your investment of time, money, and life-energy WORTH it! :D

Answer 6

I think the best part of you wanting to act is that you have 40 years of experiences to draw from. People you know, things you've experienced... Knowing yourself well- The thing is at 40, when it comes to acting- you really don't have to lie- You've probably felt the way any character could be feeling- much more so than the 18 year old actor playing a character who's had it so rough etc...

Good luck!

Answer 7

Don't feel that 40 is old! Its the "new 20"! Take some acting lessons and go from there! Its never too late to pursue a dream!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 8

Absolutely not! You are never too old to chase your dream!!!!!! Some of the best actors and actresses are the older ones. Look at Kathy Bates she isn't old but she's no spring chicken. I believe if you want it bad enough, then go for it. The only one stopping you is you. I say dare to live the life you want to live, and may you prosper at it :-) And remember whether you fly or fail, at least you know you tried and you won't have the regret of "What if"

Answer 9

You're never too old, I know someone who started as an extra at age 65 and now has had several small speaking roles in film and TV.

Just know that it's a *very* competitive business you're getting into, so be prepared for 10 (or 100) knock-backs for every success.

Answer 10

You are never too old to persue a dream. There are plenty of roles for people around your age. Have you also considered theater. Many communities have community theaters.

If you want to try acting I say go for it. What do you have lose?

I say go for it. Remember the saying, Shoot for the moon if you miss you are still among stars.

Best of Luck