How Many Actors Can Truly Quit Their 9-to-5 Jobs to Focus on Acting?
The number of actors successful enough to no longer hold down a 9-to-5 job is relatively small. While many aspire to achieve such success, a vast majority struggle to make it in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
Factors Contributing to Success
Market Size: The entertainment industry is incredibly competitive, with thousands of actors vying for limited prominent roles. Career Longevity: Even those who find initial success may struggle to maintain a steady income over the long term. Diverse Income Sources: Successful actors often diversify their income through endorsements, production roles, and other ventures which can help ensure they don't need a traditional job. Recognition and Awards: Winning significant awards, such as Oscars or Emmys, can significantly boost an actor's career and earning potential.While it's difficult to quantify an exact number, it is generally understood that only a small percentage of actors—perhaps around 5-10%—achieve this level of success. However, some actors never fully leave their 9-to-5 jobs because the acting world alone does not provide enough financial security.
The Reality for Many Actors
Many actors continue to work full-time jobs outside of acting to support their careers. For instance, one actor noted that they are still a full-time NASA Mission Manager despite their aspirations in the entertainment industry. These individuals are the extras in the industry, working on various projects but never securing the level of success needed to quit their day jobs.
Impact of Fair Wages in Theater
The theater industry faces similar challenges, but some organizations are trying to make a difference. DC Theatre Scene recently announced that only productions that paid their actors a living wage were eligible for nomination in the Helen Hayes Awards. This demonstrates the importance of fair wages in ensuring actors can support themselves without relying on second jobs.
Even in larger theater towns like New York City and Los Angeles, actors often supplement their income with other jobs, such as waiter work or personal training. These jobs offer flexible schedules that align with the demanding schedules of rehearsals and performances.
Other Career Paths for Actors
Besides acting, many actors find work in related fields to pay the bills. Voice-over work, recording books, and educational roles at theaters are just a few examples. Some actors may also become directors or take on staff positions at theaters, which can provide a semblance of full-time acting work.
Put more simply: If you are watching a movie or TV show and recognize an actor from their other work, they are likely not working another job. If you can name them, they almost certainly aren't working another job. If the same actor is a stage actor, they either have another job, a family situation that allows them to not have another job, or they live very simply.
Conclusion: The path to becoming a full-time actor is challenging, and the majority of actors must balance their careers with other jobs to achieve financial stability.