Life on set has been a mixed bag of challenges, lessons, and moments of pride. At one point, I was in a world of pain you wouldn’t believe-emotionally and physically-but the show must go on, right? Bill Grefé cast me in a starring role, and I gave it everything I had. Fast forward to today: I’m 51 years old and still standing. Time flies-ten years feels like a blink, and suddenly it’s 30.
One thing I’ve learned: don’t ever let anyone convince you that you’re less than amazing. Over the years, I’ve faced people who thrive on bringing others down. Would I handle certain situations differently now? Maybe. But people like that rarely change. On sets, I’ve dealt with extras who’ve hidden my pay stubs, put dirt in my food, and said things no one should ever have to hear. Once, they even taunted me with my private medical information. How they accessed it, I’ll never know, but their cruelty was relentless.
On the set of R.I.P.D., I worked alongside younger extras who couldn’t stand the fact that I, at 43, was cast for a role alongside men half my age. Their pettiness was next-level-hiding keys while tow trucks loomed, sabotaging food, and whispering insults. After one incident, I was ill for two weeks and had a tooth damaged. I reported it all to SAG-AFTRA, names included, and kept moving forward.
Let me tell you something about background acting: there’s nothing more ruthless than an extra with no particular talent, pushing 30, and hoping the director will somehow spot their stardom. Newsflash: CG and good lighting can’t fake charisma or work ethic.
When I shifted focus to Shakespeare and stage work, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Acting for camera is great, but the stage demands discipline and respect-qualities often missing on some sets. I’ll never forget the Hachiko shoot, where someone hacked IMDb to list me as the dog in the film. The assistant director even asked me about it. All I could do was laugh and say, “No idea how that happened.” SAG gave the hacker a warning, but their identity remains a mystery.
Despite it all, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible professionals. The more experienced the actor, the more respect they show. Those with lines to learn and scenes to deliver don’t have time for petty games. When you’re focused on the craft, you’re too busy to play childish games.
For anyone starting out: know that SAG-AFTRA has your back, but you need to stand up for yourself too. Report misconduct promptly and professionally. There’s no shame in speaking out. Treat everyone with respect on set, from the caterers to the crew, and don’t mess with an actor who writes-we’ll remember.
After 32 years, I’m still in the game. Still Union. Still available to work. Oh, and by the way, that acne in one scene? It looked more like freckles. Boo-ya!
