When Notoriety Stars, Talent Suffers

The call is from a repeat customer. They want to see me again. I am filled with hesitation, excitement and nervous energy. What will they do with me this time? What will they want me to perform? Will I satisfy them and be asked to come back? I really need this job so I’ll forgo any pride or fright I may have and do whatever I have to. This story is similar to Divine Marie Brown’s (Stella Marie Thompson’s) story, but the difference is I’m an actor and she’s not. Don’t try telling this to the Ruth Webb Agency or to the media outlets that make celebrities out of people who have achieved notoriety.

The recent mention that Brown is being hotly pursued by at least one talent agency really annoyed me (“Hollywood’s Talking About Grant’s Big Adventure,” Calendar, June 29). I have been working in this business since I was 17. The last two years have been great for me, having worked on everything from “Sisters” to small roles in features including Clive Barker’s “Lord of Illusions” and the upcoming “Dangerous Minds.” However, these parts this last year did not come easily for me, and for every part I got this year I had 100 auditions that I didn’t get.

So pardon my frustrations when every day we are bombarded with instant celebrities taking work from others, such as Brian (Kato) Kaelin and Paula Barbieri on “The Watcher.” What bothers me is that I work regularly in this industry and that the casting directors for those shows have yet to call me in. And I do audition for and work with some pretty talented people. Is the message that I am being told to get arrested or be some actress’s love child in order for me to work and get in to see these power brokers of the industry?

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Like everything else society tells us, this message is one of mixed signals. Not only are we telling people to do the wrong thing, we as a whole are more concerned about the media darling of the moment as opposed to finding and nurturing talent that has been honed and worked on for years. I also am not ignorant enough to believe that this is not a business. You do go with people who have some name recognition, but enough is enough.

It’s funny that true performers such as Roseanne and Barbra Streisand are criticized constantly for having a voice in what’s going on in the world while others are making millions and enticing not only the public but the industry only because they happened to be involved in sleazy situations. I for one would rather have Roseanne and Streisand tell me their take on things not only because they are intelligent and insightful but because they worked to get to a place of power.

My heart goes out to Brown because she truly is a victim of our society. However, to the Kaelins and Joey Buttafuocos of the world I have one thing to say: Step aside and move out of our way. You may be known right now--so enjoy it while you can, because I’m coming fast on your heels. If it takes me my entire life to do, I’ll be in for the long haul. . . . Hell, I could be the next Jason Priestly or the next Tom Hanks. It doesn’t really matter to me.