“In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” is quite the prophetic statement from Andy Warhol—even if he didn’t actually say it. Either way, thanks to the rise of reality TV and social media, the pathway to fame is more accessible—and competitive—than ever. Building an acting career isn’t just about overnight success, freebies, or getting your photo plastered all over the internet; developing your talent will put you in good stead to reach your goal. That said, it can seem daunting to pick a starting point, whether you are an actor, model, or influencer—or a triple threat.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to getting discovered, but going viral once can be a short-term solution. There are also different levels of celebrity, from getting recognized by Broadway fans on the B train to achieving Beyoncé’s legendary status. Regardless of how notable you want to become, here are some tips for getting out there—and keeping your feet on the ground.
Know your brand
“To thine own self be true” is solid advice from Polonius in “Hamlet.” It applies to all kinds of things, including a career in acting. Taking on different personas is part of the job, but discovering your type and establishing a solid identity to project to the broader world will give you something to build on. For example, knowing the audience you want to cultivate is one step toward growing a fanbase. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t evolve as a performer or branch out, much like Toni Collette weaves between character-driven comedies and A24 thrillers. Multi-hyphenates like Kelly Clarkson and Drew Barrymore have also honed an identity and built a following across multiple platforms. The key is authenticity without giving everything of yourself away.
Expand and grow your talent
Of course, you don’t necessarily have to be talented to become famous. (We won’t name names.) However, developing your skills will give you a leg up on the competition. Here are some to try:
- Take acting classes
- Practice at home whenever you can
- Join a theater or improv group
- Research different techniques
- Learn a special skill like horseback riding or stage combat
- Work on self-taping and auditioning
- Make the internet your playground by educating yourself on SEO and algorithms
Know how to use TikTok
TikTok isn’t the only social media platform you should learn, but the fact that it has 1.1 billion users worldwide (and 220 million in the U.S.) makes it a crucial weapon in your arsenal. Just ask Addison Rae, who grew an 88 million follower audience before leaping to acting roles in the Netflix rom-com “He’s All That” and Eli Roth’s slasher “Thanksgiving.” Plus, you can always cross-post to Instagram, YouTube, or X (formerly known as Twitter). Here are a few more tips:
- Understand the TikTok algorithm: Learn how engagement, video information, and device and account settings can impact video ranking
- Cultivate a niche
- Post often and stick to a consistent routine
- Come up with fresh ideas
- Follow trends and put your own spin on them
- Write clear and accurate hashtags
- Use automated captions to make your content accessible
- Interact with your audience
- Collaborate with other content creators
- Switch to a pro account
Work hard
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, of course. “Maestro” actor-director Bradley Cooper’s path included studying at the Actors Studio, TV roles in “Sex and the City” and “Alias,” a comedy movie career, and finally a foray into directing.
Everyone’s journey is different, but never underestimate the power of working hard. At the outset, no role is too small; get your foot in the door with background gigs, student films, and shorts. Becoming an overnight success is a myth; even those who make it look easy on the surface have hustled to get to where they are. Going viral might seem like the quickest way to get your face out there, but commitment to your career and cultivating your craft rather than simply monitoring your follower count will put you in the best position in the long term.
Bradley Cooper, Matthew Libatique, and Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre on the set of “Maestro” Credit: Jason McDonald/Netflix
Keep your survival job (for now)
Putting all your eggs in one basket might show how committed you are, but financial security and health insurance are vital to the pursuit. Take “Somebody Somewhere” star Bridget Everett, who waited tables while doing cabaret performances and booking TV jobs. Flexible survival jobs like shift work and side hustles give you the chance to chase your dreams without it being a life-or-death scenario. Plus, when you tally up a community of coworkers—especially in entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, New York, or London—you never know who might open a door down the road. Speaking of…
Network, network, network
Look around the sea of other performers who also want to become the next big thing to find future collaborators. Not everyone should be viewed as competition; teaming up is another way to reach a wider audience and get the creative juices flowing. Just look at Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, who went from taking classes at UCB together to creating the widely adored and critically acclaimed “Broad City.”
There are various methods for networking with your peers, whether joining performing groups, attending film festivals, or simply reaching out (respectfully) online. The more people you know in the industry, the more opportunities will come your way. If nothing else, you gain a support system. According to Oscar winner Emma Stone, “It’s about finding those people and finding those avenues where you feel safe and you feel like you can break down and cry and celebrate—and there are people who can celebrate with you. Your people are going to save your life,” she says.
Keep updating your materials
When the doors do finally start opening for you, you’ll need to have the right tools handy. Professional headshots, a demo reel, and a résumé will be your portfolio and calling cards. Make sure they are consistently updated to reflect your growing experience, which will help catch the eye of talent agents. “Many agents won’t see you without [a reel],” warns audition coach and working actor Philip Hernández. Finding and maintaining a great agent is essentially the next level of networking; they are committed to your personal and professional development.
Be professional
Diva-like behavior isn’t cute; it’s a one-way ticket to a bad reputation, and a bad rep is hard to shake—especially at the beginning of your career. Professionalism in any arena goes a long way.
Similarly, when you put yourself out there, expect opinions, not all of which will be positive. Reading the comments might boost your ego, but negative remarks can dent your confidence. Be mindful of the downside of this business.
Advises director Patricia Riggen (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” “Law & Order: SVU”), “Be nice and friendly to everyone, because everyone is always under so much stress. Learn as much as [you] can, observe, and then [you’ll] be called again,” she says. “That’s something to always keep in mind: If you’re generous with your time, with your willingness to do things, people remember that and people acknowledge that.”
Don’t give up
The road to stardom is paved with rejection and setbacks. The key is not giving up after you don’t get the job. Taking big swings without falling into a creative rut will keep you fulfilled. Not every project you pour yourself into will lead to instant success, but you will learn from the process. And remember, missing out on a gig is not a personal failing.
“The thing I would say to [my] younger self—and therefore any younger actor—is not to take [rejection] personally,” says Martin Short. “It wasn’t until I sat on the other side of the auditioning table that I realized how much it was tied to: “He’s too tall” or “He’s too short” or “I don’t buy him as a cop.”... You’ve probably done way better than you thought; there are just so many other elements of why you didn’t get that job.”
A long and successful career has multiple highs and lows. Focusing on delivering something exciting and innovative, rather than fame, as the end goal will only make the endeavor more rewarding.
