Why do most actors struggle with self-confidence?

Question

my AP psych teacher stated this today, but she wouldn't go into why. Care to explain?

I'm not talking about people who act for a living, I'm talking about people who have the talent of being able to act. Sorry, I should have made that more clear.

Answer 1

Well most people would probably believe that if they want to be 100% happy, they must be 100% perfect. And if they have a talent to act, this is where it kicks in. The more they try to act "perfect", the more they come to realize how unperfect they are. True self-confidence is accepting and liking one's self despite all flaws, so you see why actors can be so insecure. Hope this helps!

- Adam N

Answer 2

1. There are more and more actors/ celebrities who are coming out of the closet and sharing their "Mental Health" problems. From Jim Carey, to Brook Sheilds, and highly animated icons we all love. The thread that ties the one's who will talk about issues seems to be "Bi-Polar" in mentality. This means that when it's going good they can move mountains and capture the moon. This is when we (the public) see them on film. For each height they reach, they also have to fall to the same level of lowness, and despair. Medications are available; however, most bi-polars tend to wrongfully concider themselves "Cured" and go off the medication creating a wider shift in personality moods (happy to sad ... blissful to anger).

2. Vainity is concidered one of the "Seven Deadly Sins." Those who are compelled to look good often find that they iscolate themselves and often can get a unhealthy perception of what beauty is.

3. It's lonly at the Top. "Scareface" (movie) was originally intended to show the folly of getting to the top. How the Cuban immigrant came from nothing with love, family, and became drug lord to find iscolation and lack of finding anyone who would tell him the truth. However, culture did the opposite of the directors intentions and now uses this movie as a rebell cry for material living.

Answer 3

Because actors are in the number profession (next to singers) who are always being critized.... Think about it, every movie they do, or episode they appear on, is being scrutinized by critics, the public, etc. They could become a huge celebrity one moment for positive feedback from one performance, and then become the "laughing stalk" of the public for the next performance. Every time they get a "gig" they have to audition, and are being judged. Directors are always yelling "cut. re-do it. not good enough. be more like this/that. don't do this/that." Makes since doesn't it?

I can't believe you couldn't figure this one out! Are you sure you are qualified for AP PSYCH????

Answer 4

B/c 20,000 people graduate with acting major, and Hollywood hires 200, broadway - 100, TV - 1000 and the remaining actors sit around and wish they did take up economics as a minor.

Answer 5

Because they want to be something they are not! They want to live in a dream world where they are accepted by others. Money, prestige, glamor, basically an unrealistic world. Just look at all the law issues that sports players, musicians, actors, and all the others that want to pretend they are something, they are not!!!

Answer 6

I'm not sure that most actors do struggle with self-confidence, but I wonder if your teacher was maybe implying that people whose income, acceptance, fame, etc. relies on pretending to be someone else might have some issues with their own sense of identity. I don't know whether I agree with that, but I would guess that might be what your teacher was referring to.