This week, my daughter was cast in an indie film—but after reading the scene she’d be part of, she decided to pass. Without going into detail, the content was simply too dark, and she knew in her gut she’d regret it later.
It reminded me how important it is, as creatives, to know our boundaries and trust our instincts. Saying “no” isn’t always easy—but sometimes it’s the most empowering thing we can do for ourselves and our craft.
So I’m curious:
Have you ever had to say no to a part, a job, or an opportunity because it didn’t feel right? How did you handle it—and did it turn out to be the right choice?
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Congratulations to your daughter on getting the role, Leonardo Ramirez 2! Glad she knew her boundaries and trusted her instincts! I've been there. I usually say no to a job or project because of time. It turned out to be the right choice because if I said yes, I would've had way too much on my plate.
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Thanks a bunch Maurice Vaughan. Totally get having too much on your plate! But yeah, this decision was a good one. She came out of it feeling like it was a "test" to see if she'd say no. And she was strong.
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You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez 2. I'm sure she'll get more roles.
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No doubt there Maurice Vaughan. She's good and humble.
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I have turned down roles that require nudity. If just reading the script, makes me uncomfortable, then there is no way I can convince myself I can do it.
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Always good to stay within your comfort zone Suzanne Bronson. Awesome.
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What a powerful and important reminder, Leo. Your daughter showed incredible self-awareness and integrity in that decision, and I think that’s something every creative, especially actors, has to learn at some point.
I’ve seen so many artists wrestle with that same question: “If I say no, will I miss my shot?” But the truth is, protecting your boundaries protects your longevity. Saying no to something that compromises your values or emotional well-being isn’t closing a door; it’s making space for the right opportunities to find you.
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Thanks so much Ashley Renee Smith - nicely said! And I wholeheartedly agree!
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Leonardo Ramirez 2 sounds like your daughter did the right thing and I can totally see what it could be viewed as a test that she passed. I have said 'yes' but then further down the line changed my. mind and said 'no' to a creative project. Like Maurice Vaughan it boiled down to realising that I did not have the resources to give it my best and I needed to focus on other stuff.
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Sometimes an actor has to play a role they dislike. This uncomfortable and unpleasant work can help the actor attract attention and eventually get a bigger, more worthy, and significant role. To reach heaven, one must go through hell. The road to heaven lies through hell… IMHO )
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I'm a big believer in following your intuition. The one time my intuition said "no" to what looked like the perfect opportunity, it was hard to turn down. The next one, the one I said "yes" to, made a wonderful impact on my life.