The reason I make "Never Give Up" #1 in my rule book for actors is because it is SIMPLE and full of MOXIE! The full story behind "Never Give Up" is from late actress Ruth Gordon (star of "Rosemary's Baby" and "Harold and Maude"). She got kicked out of "acting school" and this is what happened: Mr. Franklin Sargent, founder of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts told Ruth after completing one year in their program: "Mr. Jehlinger says you listen and try to execute what you are taught. When all that takes place and the result is colorless, we must consider what to do about it. After much thought, we feel you are not suited to acting. You show no promise. We will not put your name down for the senior year." Ruth thought: I hadn't said I could act; they'd said they could teach. ...I hadn't failed; they had. Fifty three years later the Academy honored me with a crystal trophy. RUTH GORDON 1968. I told the graduating class "Never give up! Does that seem funny to tell you, who haven't got started? That's when you have to be warned. I can't give up; I have too big an investment. The last time I was here the president said: We feel you're not suited to acting; don't come back. Well, see who's standing here. And on that awful day when someone says you're not suited, when they say you're too tall, you're not pretty, you're no good, think of me and don't give up!"
Acting : More on my "Never Give Up!" approach to acting. by Stephen Foster
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I guess that is what I need to do as well.
Never Give Up. keep working. keep submitting. keep reading plays, keep at it anyway you can!
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Awesome little piece! Thanks for the inspiration Stephen! Harold and Maude has been a favorite film of mine for so many years!
This story about Ruth Gordon was interesting on many levels, Harold and Maude was one of the character based dramas (70s n 80s films) on the curriculum in my first drama school, along with Shakespeare. Its a sad fact of life that condescending people often find themselves in a petty position of power, and speak down to students who are a bit outside their particular way of thinking. Its great she rose above it and eventually got her award. Ha ha "Moxie" a good word Ive just read on this thread. Kinda the opposite to "Poxy." Keeping on going is the key and don't let anyone drag you down. Psychic vampires are there at every turn in the road and more often than not they Don't have the guts to get on Stage themselves. Happy Friday All.
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I keep trying but it seems I don't get anywhere.
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HOORA!!! OUTSTANDING!!! Excellent example of intentionally diligent persistence. It's very important to find a very healthy and loyal support system to help keep our inner harmony nourished. It's only called "The mean time" if we give it that authority.
Yeah Gary guess that's all I can do.
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Where's the broken heart option? :( You seemed to be quite open to to all the positive advice earlier today, Ms. Remsen. There are plenty of highly successful actors that didn't get their break until well after our age. Sure, there's plenty of truth in keeping your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground, but please rise above and , "Never give up!" :) Focus on what you can do for the present to "Pay It Forward" to your future. "YOU- CAN- DO- IT!!!"
Please? :)