BEARD Tales

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So I'm shaving off my beard.

I was originally growing it because there were several Civil War projects coming this way but it doesn't appear I will be working on those productions.

One was very specific about who they were looking for:

"We are specifically looking for very thin men (with no tattoos) and male amputees to play soldiers."

"If you are a practical doctor, nurse or orderly..."

Yeah. I don't exactly fit the bill. I haven't been very thin since...well...never. I have tattoos. I have several tattoos. Okay. I have 5 tattoos. None of my face however! I saw what Mike Tyson looked like and figured it just wasn't the way to go. He's ruined it for everyone! Just like Hitler and that little mustache. Right? You see that mustache and you think Hitler. Don't even try and say your first thought was Charlie Chaplin. I won't believe you. Face tattoos and Hitler mustaches are just no-no's for actors. 

I have all my limbs so I can't be cast as an amputee. 
I've played doctor and played a doctor on television, but I have no formal medical training. 

What I'm saying is I'm not going to be working on this production any time soon. Which is a shame because I'm good. I'm talented. I'm professional and reliable. I'm not bragging, just stating a fact. They would have liked me had they given me a chance. Oh well. 'Tis the biz, as they say. 

The other project? Who knows? Maybe for the exact same reasons as the first production. 

It's frustrating living in a region where the majority of productions are historical and you don't fit the historical profile. I've talked about that before and won't go there today. 

So I say break legs to all my skinny, tat-free, amputee doctor friends! Have a wonderful shoot and don't ever change! You're perfect just the way you are. 

So...my beard. It's going away today. After a minutes with clippers and an hour of razor work I will once again be bare faced. 

And I will look completely different! 
Totally different! 
I'm-not-sure-if-that's-him-or-not, Officer different. 
I am a completely different person with a beard. I not only look different but people perceive me differently. It's strange. I'm the same person! I just have facial hair!

Casting directors seem to like me better without a beard although I have been asked to grow a big beard for a part if the project gets approved. I will grow a beard then because it's for a particular part. 

I have to grow a beard in a few months for the second season of a sitcom I worked on in 2014. My character, Frank, is scruffy. Think Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski. 

For now I will remain clean-shaven and see how that impacts my landing work.

Hair. It's a funny thing, isn't it?
Especially when it's on your face. 

Just keeping it reel. 
Copyright 2015
All Rights Reserved


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