Personal narrative experiences and reflections

¶ … people suggest that performing is in the blood. That statement certainly seems to make sense when one considers the performing dynasties like the Barrymores or the Redgraves, where multiple generations have been involved in the performing arts. In fact, a quick survey of some of today's most famous stars reveals several that have a family history of some type of performance. Are those who are performers more likely to have children that are themselves performers, or are they merely more likely to encourage and nurture their children when they see those traits emerging? This is a question that I have considered for years. I have been interested in performance since I can remember. I was scouted by the John Roberts Powers Agency in Chicago at the age of 13, and received training in film. I fell in love with acting at that time, and just knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue. However, something held me back, and, instead of immediately seeking to further my education after high school, I actually took some time to find myself. I know that acting can be a tremendous challenge and that no one can really understand the downside to fame and fortune until they have that fame and fortune. Because of this, I wanted to be certain that performing was my dream, and not my way of trying to make others fantasies come true.

I am an only child, and it would be fair to say that, like other children, there have been both burdens and benefits to being an only child. I received my parents' undivided attention and affection. However, all parents, even the most well-intentioned ones, put expectations on their children. All parents, in some ways, want their kids to live opportunities that the parents either ignored or never had. My mother was an actress and a model in her youth, but turned away from performance in order to have a family. One of my family members is a television personality in Chicago. Though I did not feel the pressure to live out either of their dreams, I wanted to be certain that I was pursuing this for my reason and no one else's. That is part of the reason that, though I began acting at 13, I did not aggressively pursue larger roles or any type of youthful fame. Even when families take precautions, such as the Cyrus family, it seems like fame can be difficult for a young actor, and I really shied away from that for fear that my passion for storytelling would consume the rest of my life.

I am very glad that I have waited to pursue my goal. I feel like my travels and my life experience have given me some weight and breadth to my history that will permit me to be a better storyteller. However, I also feel that taking a break from actively pursuing my goal has given me the time to get a firm foundation underneath me. While I may dream of one day winning an Oscar, I understand that being a success in this industry does not mean that one has to be a box office headliner. In fact, in this day and age, actors seem to be gaining merit for being remarkable storytellers, and not simply for having camera-ready Hollywood looks.