You may not know this, but back in the early ’70s, the Chinese invaded this country. No, I’m not talking about an actual army. I’m talking about karate movies.
In an attempt to widen their audience, Chinese distributors like Golden Harvest and the Shaw Brothers landed on our shores with an onslaught of action movies that featured fighting styles Americans had never seen before. The actors were quick. They used their feet. They had exotic weapons. We were hooked!
One actor in particular caught our attention. He was handsome, he was faster, and he liked to fight with two sticks linked by a chain. That man’s name was Bruce Lee.
I was born right after the martial arts craze but that doesn’t mean I’m not a fan. Bruce came into my life years later thanks to home video and cable TV, and I’ve been an admirer ever since.
The thing you have to know about this fighting legend is that he was also a philosopher. The guy studied at the University of Seattle and, over the years, he published several books that explained his views on life; that’s why I’m writing about him this week. His way of thinking had a very positive effect on me and I believe he can help you, too.
For example, I always meet actors who have been studying with the same teacher for years. They think they’re getting better but they’re not. And when I ask why they haven’t tried a new school, they always respond that they like their class and don’t see any reason to change.
Here’s what Bruce Lee had to say about change: “Life is never stagnation. It is constant movement, as well as constant change. Things live by moving and gain strength as they go.”
I couldn’t agree more. You have to keep moving forward, trying new things. That’s how you grow and improve.
He also said: “Be pliable. When a man is living, he is soft and pliable; when he is dead, he becomes rigid. Pliability is life; rigidity is death.”
As an actor, it’s not just about making changes. You also have to be open to new ways of thinking. A lot of you tend to be set in your ways. Maybe that’s a form of self-imposed security, but I would argue that creative people should always explore fresh approaches to their craft.
So if you’re a Method actor, try Meisner. If improv scares you, sign up for a class. And if you love modern writers like Mamet and Sorkin, try learning a Shakespearean sonnet. (Hint: They’re the same thing!)
Now let’s discuss adversity. The life of an actor is difficult. Agents drop you. Auditions go badly. Adversity is everywhere. But if you learn to find the positive in every negative, you might have a chance at staying sane in this crazy business.
Consider Master Lee’s take on hard times: “Adversity causes the mind to think properly. In a time when everything goes well, my mind is pampered with enjoyment…. Only in times of adversity does my mind function and think properly of my state. This close examination of self tends to strengthen my mind and leads me to understand and be understood.”
And if you have time, check out one of his films. They’re amazing!
Like this advice? Check out more from Secret Agent Man!
