Following Your Dreams
I have decided to veer off a bit and talk about my acting life. I guess we can also call it entrepreneurship because I am rather in business for myself or by myself. A corporation of one. I knew from a very early age that acting was what I wanted to do. I was very single minded about it. Foolishly I wouldn’t even take typing in high school for the fear that I would end up in an office somewhere. I suppose I thought if I knew how to do nothing else I would stick to my dream. A little convoluted I know, but luckily it worked out for me. Truthfully it wasn’t really my lack of alternative skills, it was my drive, my will not take no for an answer. If I didn’t get a part it was because “they didn’t see what I’ve got” and that is truly what I believed. That fire and drive helped me to land various guest star spots on night time series, movies of the week, features, plays and eventually 24 years on daytime TV. It has been a pretty good run so far. I feel one of the crowning benefits is I have provided health insurance for my family all these years. I am very proud of that.
I have been asked if I would ever retire. I say from what? Even when there have been lulls of unemployment, I remain optimistic. I know that things can turn on a dime. I look for things that might further my growth as an actor, even if there is little or no pay…to keep my chops up.
Just yesterday I learned I got a part in a play in Hollywood. I am very excited about it. Even the audition was exciting. Doing theatre is certainly a sacrifice for your family. In this case it is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights which interferes with my date nights with my husband. He works hard at his job during the week and really likes to spend time with me on Friday and Saturdays. I knew going into the audition that this might be a problem but I pushed forward, putting my trepidation aside for my allotted time. I think that expression “the show must go on” is true in all of our work life. Our personal problems, issues, and distractions must be put aside in order to push forward professionally. After the call back for the play, I sat down with my husband and had a “personal growth” conversation. I mentioned a few Hollywood restaurants we could meet at after the show if I got the part. I gave him the script to read and involved him in the process. I think he liked that. When I actually got the call that I had gotten the part, he said “congratulations, good job.” And I knew he really meant it.
I guess my real point is, keep following your dreams. Side step the obstacles. People endlessly told me acting was a profession you really couldn’t count on and my chances of ever making a living were slim. I never listened. As I said, I was single minded with fire and determination. I need to remind myself to be that way from time to time, but it makes all the difference in the world!
Recent Posts By Mary Beth Evans
- Big Transitions - September 2nd, 2010
- My Baby Update - August 26th, 2010
- Having a Vision - The Finished Product - August 19th, 2010
- Hopes and Dreams - August 12th, 2010
- Ancestral Family Favorite Recipe - August 5th, 2010
Great Blog Mary Beth!
Most of us do know you from your acting days and it is kinda ironic that you would post this today because just this week a few of us have been watching your older stuff. It’s been fun seeing you though the years.
I would love to see you again regularly on a television show somewhere, but it is so great to see you are still keeping that fire lit in your acting career with theater. Sounds like you are excited about it. NEVER retire!
Please keep us posted on the when and where, would love to come out and see it!
Congratulations on the play gig! That’s awesome.
It’s great to read of perseverance, persistence and belief in self. Often times we choose to listen to the negativism of others. We blaze our own trail, choose our paths and fights. With family involved it is imperative to include them in the decision making process just as much as it is in understanding your “why” as well as theirs.
If someone tells me “never gonna happen” or there is minimal possibility it drives me even more.
Kudos to you as your actions are a wonderful example for your kids and others who read this to embrace.
It’s easy to quit, it’s hard to fail, it’s strength to stand up and carry on with your passion.
Be well.
Congratulations, Mary Beth, on getting the part, as well as on your constant search for personal growth. That is inspiring!
I’m really excited to read you’ll be doing some theatre, and I look forward to seeing you onstage.
Congrats on your new acting adventure!!! Your perserverance is an inspiration to us all!! Keep up the great blogging!!!
Congratulations Mary Beth! I’m very happy for you. Could you let us know the name of the play? We miss seeing you on Daytime TV daily.(Thank goodness for vcrs & dvd players) You always make me smile.
You make me want to keep thriving for my dreams and hopefully one day find my happiness. I know I say this everytime I leave a comment. But, you’re the best. You always think of others. You’re so unselfish.
Gina
It is so exciting that you are doing a play. One thing that has always stood out about your acting to me is how versatile your abilities are as an actress. I saw you peform what I consider to be the best dramatic scene of all time on a Days epiosde. Also, you have wonderful comedic talents and very naturally play complex characters. Therefore, I love you talking about acting on the blog. I am so excited to hear more about your new play. It is very good advice about putting distractions aside and moving forward professionally. It is something my husband has been encouraging me to do lately. Thanks
Glad you got the play and from seeing you on TV and particularly Days Of Our Lives and General Hospital I totally agree with you if you don’t get a part then they just don’t see what you got and you got it in spades! Great attitude, and I hope you don’t retire I just wish you could get a continual role on a TV show but I enjoyed your guest spot on Monk and look forward to seeing you on Nip and Tuck.
Congratulations Mary Beth on the theatre job!
Thats exciting news Mary Beth.. I can’t wait to see you on stage .I’ve never had the privledge… SO this news is indeed music to my ears..You truly are an inspiration to us all.
Mary Beth, so happy to see you continuing to follow your dreams!
I truly love and agree with never giving up. Fire and determination not only make us super successful entrepreneurs, but it also makes us phenomenal mothers and role models for our children. Thanks Mary Beth!