Acting is a form of art in which a story is told by means of its enactment by an actor who adopts a character in theater, television and film. Whether you are an A-list actor or a struggling actor waiting tables, actors are always looking to book their next audition. I had the pleasure of interviewing a legendary actor. If he were given a medal for his talent, it would be platinum. Here is my Q&A with the talented, handsome actor, Eric Roberts.
David:
Hello, Eric. Thank you for taking the time out to speak with me and congratulations on the release of your new film, “My Last Best Friend.” Tell me what inspired you to become an actor?
Eric:
I think many things caused me to become an actor. Some I may not even be aware of. But basically, from the time I did the first rehearsal of my first play as a child, I was hooked. Same with watching movies and TV shows. I just knew that was the world I wanted to be part of. I loved and love acting.
David:
You’ve been a successful actor for many years. What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make to fulfill your destiny?
Eric:
All decisions are difficult. You always wonder what would have happened if you made the other choice. I have to think about particularly difficult decisions.
David:
When you look back at all your career achievements, is there anything you regret or would have done differently?
Eric:
I would have taken the multiple picture deals that my early manager insisted I not take. I’d have done several of the movies I was offered that reps influenced me to turn down.
David:
Is there a role you haven’t played yet but would like to? And if so, what would the role be?
Eric:
I’d like to do more comedy. But first, I have to get good at it.
And I’d like to play a role that is closer to myself – moods and all.
David:
You had the opportunity to work with one of the most successful female artists – my favorite, Mariah Carey – on two of her music videos: “We Belong Together“ and “It’s Like That.” How was that experience for you?
Eric:
Doing the Mariah Carey videos was so much fun. I was honored to be there. Brett Ratner is an excellent director. The makeup artist was Kristina Frisch. She is amazing. The cast was incredible. The music is fantastic. And Mariah is a doll. My wife and I had a great time on that beautiful set near AFI. Mariah had a double decker trailer, as I recall. And a parasol to handle the sun. But she wasn’t demanding in the slightest. She was friendly and hardworking and had no need for any type of star treatment.
David:
Is there a particular character that you played that you have connected with more than all the other characters you have played?
Eric:
I used to say that my true character is closest to the guy I played in “Nobody’s Fool” with Rosanna Arquette. But I’ve grown quite a bit personally. And I see that there are common threads between all people. And therefore, all the characters we play represent a particle of ourselves.
David:
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Eric:
Best advice I’ve received is to be kind. Put yourself in other people’s position. And expect to advance yourself artistically at your own hand. Don’t wait for other people to do it.
David:
What is the worst advice you’ve received?
Eric:
Worst advice I have ever received has come in the form of people telling me my grouchiness is OK. I think it’s important to avoid lying to protect people’s negative qualities.
David:
If you could go back in time to your teenage self, what would you tell yourself?
Eric:
I would tell myself not to ever take that first puff of a cigarette, first hit off a joint, first sip of alcohol, even first bite of refined sugar.
David:
If acting didn’t work out for you, what do you think you would have chosen as your Plan B career?
Eric:
I am one of those who does not have a viable Plan B. I think I’d be in trouble. Now I do love teaching, acting, coaching, and playing with my grandchildren. But I was never good at anything other than acting.
David:
What advice do you have for struggling actors trying to make it?
Eric:
Create an Actors Access profile and start submitting yourself relentlessly. It’s a positive addiction.
David:
Thank you for your time. Any words of wisdom to all the readers?
Eric:
Keep reading “The Hollywood Digest.” David asks good questions. Also, follow @KeatonSimons on IG, TikTok and YouTube.
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Look up www.NaturalChild.org