The following Career Dispatch essay was written by Greg Tarzan Davis, who was working as a grade school teacher before he discovered his passion was acting. He stars opposite Tom Cruise in the A-lister’s next two films: “Top Gun: Maverick,” due in May 2022, and “Mission: Impossible 7,” also premiering sometime next year. He will also appear on “Grey’s Anatomy” beginning Dec. 9.
I will never forget landing my first audition. It was a Wednesday evening, and the casting director called to say they would be able to see me the next day at 11:25 a.m. for a part on “Empire.” I was geeked and agreed that I would see her bright and early the next morning. The only problem was that 1,000 miles stood between me and that opportunity.
7 Stars on the Bankable Behavior That’s Kept Them ActingWhen I received that call, I was at home in New Orleans. I had been submitting myself through various websites for any chance to get in front of casting directors. I was a one-man show, without an agent or manager.
Within an hour of that call, I managed to find a friend to drive with me, packed the car, printed out the script, and jumped on the I-55 heading north to Chicago. I arrived roughly an hour before my audition—just enough time to change clothes in the back seat, brush my teeth using a water bottle, and get mentally prepared. It turned out this would be the first of many journeys I took to Chicago for auditions.
In case you’re wondering, I did not book that role. But I did walk away with representation after telling a little white lie: that I lived in Chicago.
“You have to be willing to think outside the box when your dream isn’t looking you directly in the face.”
I made the journey from New Orleans to Chicago and back two to three times a week for commercial and theatrical auditions, trying to keep up the Chicago residency ruse with my agents. Dealing with the commute and the rejections became both a physical and mental battle.
But guess what? I finally managed to book my first professional role as a day player on “Chicago P.D.” The money that I made on that job put only a dent in the amount of credit card debt I had incurred; but in my eyes, it was the major victory I needed to break the seal on booking jobs.
When I dreamed of becoming an actor, I never thought the journey would begin in the way I just described. To be honest, I figured I would be discovered on the streets by a big-time movie producer and be given a lead role, or selected out of a crowd of extras and given a major monologue to perform.
The reality is, that’s not how it works in this industry. You have to be willing to think outside the box when your dream isn’t looking you directly in the face. I saw those Chicago trips as a test of my willpower—to see how badly I really wanted it.
I share my story with you today because we all have our journeys and challenges to overcome in realizing our dreams. I have learned so much from my peers, and I know that sharing our stories can inspire others and spark new ideas for how to approach this tough career path. In reading this, I hope you’re able to find just a little strength that can help you on your journey.
At the end of the day, just remember: You have big dreams. Don’t get tired.
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