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Well, I finally did it. After a 4-month job search, I am now gainfully employed! And the funny thing is that I decided to NOT share the fact that I am an actor (or 50 years old). I hated to delete that major thing about myself but damn, companies really don't like us "Hollywood" people very much, do they? You think they would because we really do have a lot to offer. Plus the motion picture industry did create Los Angeles but whatevs.
I was hired with a decent-sized group along with other actors. The few that I am aware of are younger than me. I IMDb'd them (of course) & despite all the big talk about their careers, they are still developing. Like me, TBH. They all seem nice enough but since they have showed their hand, they will be under a bit of suspicion if they call out and/or show up to work late. That happened at a previous job (also not sharing my true calling). The negativity from my co-workers regarding another actor coming to work late because of an audition was staggering. So until someone recognizes me or I somehow let the cat out of the bag (meow meow!), I will just pretend that I am in an extended episode of "Undercover Boss" and just go with the flow. I will use my great customer service skills along with my awesome improv skills to do the best I can. This is in conjunction with the fact that I actually haven't had a regular job in over 2 years! It's a bit scary to be back in the workforce but I am also glad that I have a reason to get out of bed every day. Hopefully, things will change in the SAG-AFTRA world, especially when it comes to commercial opportunities. Right now, most commercials are non-union and it seems pointless for me to search for a new agent when I will have very few auditions as of now. But if you truly know me, I am an eternal optimist. Hugs, Meli
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So, being 50 has been interesting so far. Like I have shared on this website, I don't mind being 50 because I know I don't look it. Whether it's genetics, staying out of the sun (mostly), spending a small fortune on skincare, I feel a certain confidence. Even living in super self-conscious Los Angeles. Granted, Hollywood in general can be rather ageist but I take that as a challenge to change what people may think of a 50-something.
Customer service in Los Angeles is tricky. I don't have anything against workers who are more than half my age waiting on me. That's all good. I even don't mind when a young man calls me "Miss". I giggle inside a little but honestly, it makes my day. But when someone calls me "Ma'am"...gah!!! Thanks for the reminder that I am old. And yeah, I totally understand why I am called that. It's respectful, courteous, yadda yadda yadda. It's just a reminder that I didn't start my acting career in my 20's. I did that right before my 41st birthday. My plan before that was transferring from my job at Whole Foods Market in Seattle to the original store in Austin, Texas. I probably would have eventually opened up a BBQ joint. But life has a way to direct you into something unexpected. The circumstances that led me to a brand new venture are rather sad (I may address that in a future post). But no matter what caused me to put the brakes on my culinary career, I will always be grateful. The people, the projects, the parties...I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just hope that whatever I blog about, it will ring true to perhaps some of you. If I make you laugh or smile, even better! Please be patient with me. This is all new territory for me :) Hugs, Meli |
AuthorMeli Alexander is an actor & filmmaker based in Los Angeles. For more details, check out melialexander.com ArchivesCategories |