EMGWORLD SPEAKS WITH JOURNEYMAN ACTOR MICHAEL BEACH ON THE CHALLENGES AND CHANGES WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
From a heartbreaking husband in Waiting to Exhale to the role of Reverend Brown in the latest version of Sparkle, Michael Beach has managed to entertain audiences throughout the world in some of the industry’s most pivotal supporting roles. The long-time actor takes a moment to discuss with EMGWorld the training and relentless attitude required to be a working actor in Hollywood.
Background: Professional Actor/ Acting Coach
EMGWorld: At what point in your journey did you officially know that acting was truly what you wanted to pursue?
Michael Beach: When I first started I immediately knew this was what I wanted to do. I didn't think about what success was or when I would achieve it. I just knew that I loved it. That was all that was important. I never expected to do movies or TV. I always thought I would stick with the stage. The theater is what I fell in love with.
EMGWorld: In the beginning most actors usually hit a wall and are forced to consider other alternatives to support themselves financially. How did you overcome those hard times that so many entertainers go through?
MB: I've been fortunate to be one of those guys that have been able to work for 30 plus years as an actor without having another job. Things happened pretty quickly coming out of college and I just rolled with it. I've supported quite a few people from doing what I do.
EMGWorld: What’s been the most difficult challenge you’ve faced in your pursuit of acting?
MB: I’d say having to earn my position. I still have to audition from time to time, but I like having to constantly PROVE MYSELF on the bigger films with the bigger people. I like the idea of knowing I have to earn my way and knowing this role wasn't given to me because I'm super hot right now. I don't have to question whether or not people think I'm talented and using me just because I have 5 million twitter followers or involved in some public scandal. I like having to earn the jobs I get.
EMGWorld: What would you say is the most common obstacle all actors will have to face at some point in their career?
MB: Rejection will come at you constantly. If you can't deal with rejection then you're in the wrong business. You're constantly being rejected on personal levels. Someone's always saying, "you're too fat, too short, not handsome enough, not talented enough." Each job you don't get could be viewed as a SLAP in the face.
EMGWorld: What advice would you offer to newcomers that have yet to earn the opportunity to display their talent as an actor due to rejection?
MB: Learn to deal with rejection. Athletes say that training is 10% physical and 90% mental. This is true even in our business. I'm sure rejection has destroyed alot of people. If you put yourself in a trap and allow the business to dictate your happiness then you're doing yourself a big disservice. You have to learn how to put rejection in its proper place. I've been able to make rejection make sense and not allow it to affect other areas of my life. I work hard at my auditions. Once I leave that room I can leave and not second guess myself.
EMGWorld: Throughout your journey in this industry what would you say has been the biggest change?
MB: Technology has been the biggest change since I've been around. So much time was spent using and reloading one camera when I started out. Today they're often using multiple cameras on even small projects. There's no reason today why you should spend a complete day on one scene. That was torturous when I started out. Another big change has been the audition process. The director will look at a VIDEO audition. You can audition yourself by self-taping with an iPhone because the quality is good enough. Technology has really put us in a place to where so much could be done that couldn't be done in the 80's.
EMGWorld: What would you say is the best way for a newcomer to seek representation?
MB: It's always been a catch 22 because people want representation, but an agent wants to know what have you done? It's usually a relationship where you bring value to them and they bring value to you. When you're just starting out you don't really bring any business value to agents. The problem is you have no credits and you can't get any until you have someone sending you out to auditions. All I can say is you must be PREPARED for the moment. Make sure you're in class where you're learning and honing for that moment. Most people are sending out headshots and resumes to agents and casting directors. That's what you have to do.
EMGWorld: Can you elaborate on what you mean by “being prepared for the moment?”
MB: When you finally go in to see someone you have to make sure you've done the work required so you can take advantage of that opportunity. If you're asked to do a scene you have to know how to break it down. You have to TRAIN and prepare yourself for the moment you complain you're not getting. So many people put so much energy into finding it but not enough into being prepared for when that time finally happens. You can't redo a first impression. If they ask you to do a scene and you lay an egg they won't be interested in seeing you again. The main thing I tell people is that you have to be prepared.
EMGWorld: Is there any one movie or project in your catalog that you would say stands out to you as the most memorable?
MB: Not really. When I look back on those projects I can see where my acting problems were and what I wish I had done. That's why I teach acting now because it's about improvement. It's about inching my way to become a better and better actor. I'm as excited about what's going to happen in the future as I am with what happened in the past.
EMGWorld: One of your most notable film roles took place in the iconic movie Waiting to Exhale, in which you played a husband that left his wife and family for another woman. Did you receive any public backlash in the black community?
MB: After that role I was hated. People would curse me out on the street. A couple of women literally PUSHED me. People were very upset. I left Angela Basset, but I left her for a white woman. That white woman was played by Kelly Preston, who's actually John Travolta's wife. Waiting to Exhale was a landmark film for black women. The hatred died down after a while, but ramped up once the movie hit DVD. Then it ramped up again when the movie hit TV.
EMGWorld: Did you receive the same reaction from movie goers when Soul Food hit theaters?
MB: Over the years I've definitely had to put up with some angry sistahs. When Soul Food came out it was bad for me again since I messed around on Vanessa Williams with her cousin.
EMGWorld: As an acting instructor, is there any one common mistake you see in young actors?
MB: A lot of young actors worry too much about the wrong things. Young actors worry about what the character is wearing or the character's emotions. So much time is wasted on things that have nothing to do with the basic three. There are THREE things you have to focus on when breaking down a scene. What your character wants and needs, the obstacles in the way of getting them, and the actions and tactics you take in getting through those obstacles to get what you want. So many people don't spend enough time figuring those three things out. You have to spend time on the fundamentals and foundation of your character.
EMGWorld: What would you say is the best way to network as a newcomer to the industry?
MB: Honestly, networking has never been a strength of mine. I don't go to parties, clubs, movie premieres or even do interviews. I'm doing this one of course. Networking is really not something I'm knowledgeable about. One thing I would say is that when you go into auditions try to know who you're meeting. If you don't know them before the audition try to know them afterwards. Those relationships will be important if you do have a long career.
EMGWorld: What would you say separates you from so many other working actors who have been in this industry as long as you?
MB: With me it's more about comfort. I have a nice home and love my regular life. My everyday life is being with my wife and kids, seeing my friends and being at the gym. Alot of people have images of actors living in lavish homes and knowing everyone. That's cool if you're comfortable with being in magazines and all that. I just like doing regular things just like other people.
EMGWorld: What advice do you have for those aspiring entertainers out there moving to LA in search of fame and popularity?
MB: If your purpose is to be famous and loved by everyone then I feel bad for you. It's not for me to say what your goals should be. There are so many more actors who are more recognizable and make more money than I do, but I don't care. I'm happy with the choices I've made and the fact I'm still around and will be around for another 30 years. It's about the EFFORT you put into your journey. To me that's what keeps you happy and makes life more fulfilling.
EMGWorld: Any last words to those newcomers out there heartbroken over the grind and struggle this industry has put them through?
MB: Get your HUSTLE on. I have no time for listening to people's sob stories or complaints. If you choose to do something then you have to stand by it. Don't bitch and moan about what someone's not doing for you. This is life. Welcome to the party.
“Rejection will come at you constantly. If you can't deal with rejection then you're in the wrong business.” – Michael Beach, Blackboard Spotlight
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