Yes, I’m an actor. I even have a diploma to prove it. But that doesn’t automatically mean they let me act on TV, or anyplace else for that matter (you know how “they” are). In fact, I just auditioned for a role on Chicago PD, and there’s a good chance I won’t get it.
Why? I’m actually a pretty good actor. The problem is that what they’re looking for, what they’re always looking, for is a type. And I’m not a type.
Years ago, when I was making the rounds in Hollywood, a casting director took me aside, and said, “Listen, your audition was terrific. But I can’t cast you, because I’m looking for a leading man and a quirky best buddy. The leading man needs to be Wow! And you’re nice-ish-looking, but you’re not Wow! The best buddy needs to be goofy-looking, but you’re not that, either. You’re somewhere in between. I don’t need in-betweeners, I need types.”
Still, one major agency offered me an audition. The catch? All three owners had to say yes. They loved the audition! But one of them said no. Why? Because (you guessed it) I wasn’t a definite type. “Don’t feel bad,” he told me, “a ways back I turned down another actor for the same reason. His name was Tim Allen. Now he’s a star, but then he was just an in-betweener like you.”
Ironically, a short time later I had an audition for “a Tim Allen type.” I didn’t get the part. Because I’m not a Tim Allen type.
They say there are five stages in an actor’s life:
- Who’s Mitch Teemley?
- I want that…what’s his name…Mitch Teemley guy.
- Get me Mitch Teemley!
- I’m looking for a Mitch Teemley type. (Only younger. And cheaper.)
- Who’s Mitch Teemley?
Am I bitter? Not a bit. I’m at peace with who I am. And amn’t. I mean, yes, I love acting, but first and foremost: I’m a storyteller. I was born to tell stories. So I write and direct. And sometimes I even write a part for a, you know,
Mitch Teemley type.
Humm… well their loss. I mean the creepy type does work for me.
Yes, dark and foreboding, very creepy. Explains the black and white too. 😀
We are types and genres unto ourselves. The retroactive categorizations come into being after someone or something succeeds in being so good, so authentic, so coherent, so fetching that they/it can be imitated and described…and a type is born.
In my opinion, you are plenty goofy enough to be a side-kick, and your bearded self could definitely be a vicar in a BBC drama :).
Bless you, my child.
Rita’s right, Mitch. PBS and Masterpiece could be calling any day now. Better brush up on one of those UK accents. Scottish might work. I see it all now, “The Vicar from Cincinnati”, starring Mitch Teemley as the vicar, and, and, and some sidekick yet to be determined.
… and you’re a wonderful storyteller, Mitch. Here you can be any one you want to be and always know “you got the part.”
Aw, thanks, Mark.
“Amn’t”??? I can’t believe someone else uses that word! Of course, I used it when I was about five, and my family would laugh at me, tell me I was silly, and I’d retort, “NO I AMN’T!!!”
Maybe we’re the same type. 😉
“Ain’t” is improper grammar. “Amn’t” is a proper contraction. You and I have decreed it, and therefore it is so.
I always thought it was so. Thank you. (We are pleased.)
And to think that they laughed and Roget, and Webster too. Well, they’re not, uh … am’t laughing no more! 😀
I like the one where you’re hiding behind a wall….probably holding an axe 😂
“I’m your worst nightmare!”
Well, I totally get this. After all… That’s what happens in our lives too, right? We get sidetracked and ostracized simply because ‘we are different’ or ‘we are not who they want us to be’. Or we can we both and yet are made to choose…
I know it’s kinda ironical, but I still wish you all the very best for your career and may you find a ‘not so stereotype’ crew that gives you the big break that you deserve.
Yeah, Mitch. Maybe a fifteen-minute one instead of only ten. That way you’ll still have time to wash down a sandwich with a bottle of Aquafina or something. It’s not right having to yell, “CUT!” with half a sandwich still in one’s mouth. 😀
Mitch, I thought I saw you on…….oh, never mind. Keep writing and auditioning cuz, who knows !
Well, I only know you as smiley type, of course. But suave type should definitely be on the screen!! Meanwhile, story teller is more than fine with me.
Ha ha ha!!!! This made me smile. My best friend in high school, her dad worked at PBS in Boston from 1960-2001 in experimental TV then he branched out and became a director and producer. Heck you might even know him? Trust you are right where you need to be! God has a plan for you Mitch!!!
Amen, BG!
I think you are a handsome devil, Mike. I wouldn’t feel bad about not getting a part in the movies or on TV. You rarely find anything worthwhile in either genres. You seem ethical and grounded in your faith. Draw on your acting skills to create rich characters in your stories. You can make a difference with your experiences😃
Aw, thanks (all this time and I’m afraid I still don’t know your name). I don’t feel bad about it at it all; it’s just the way it is. Writing is my main thing. So a few acting roles here and there are fine.
My name is Kathy. I’m an old lady who spent the greater portion of my life teaching drama to young people. My acting is sparse these days but im and n a show right now which may be my last. I prefer writing too. I love your stories. You
Thanks, Kathy!
Love this message, Mitch. Trust God. He’ll put each of us where we need to be. God bless!
Yep. Thanks, Nancy.
☀
Mitch,
But you found your place of influence. That is the important thing.
Gary
Such a great post about “the world of acting.” I hope it encourages actors and other people full of creativity to keep trying and not give up! Thanks!
Don’t give up, Mitch, at some point in your life you’ll fit the type they need. Hey, if you here there’s going to be a remake of “Weekend at Bernie’s,” I’m available to play Bernie 🙂
Dark humor, my friend. ;>) Seriously, you’re one of the most alive people I know, Bill.
Oh wow once I was going to say that you reminded me of an actor I’ve seen before. It’s that so amazing. Good for you. I think you are perfectly Mitch Teemley. That perfectly You 🙂
;>)
“All the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players.”
Who said that? Who said that? Some “type” of Elizabethan I bet!
Nice story Mitch.
;>) The Elizabethan arky type himself! Thanks, old buddy.
An excellent reflection on the Hollyweird—Hollywood game.
Now there’s some truth. I talk about stars from movies when I was a kid and my kids say “Who?”
And you are a great storyteller. 🙂
Aw, thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
Very revealing Mitch. You would be great acting in anything I would produce. Unfortunately, I am not planning any projects. Keep trying. The best to you.
Mitch, if I might ask, how do you find the balance between God and Hollywood? Both seem so much at odds these days, I wonder how it is you pull it off.
How does anyone find the balance between God and any industry or work environment? There are thousands of believers in the filmmaking world. Some make faith-based movies, some work on secular films but with standards as to what they will or won’t do.
Fair enough. The question occurred to me, and I was curious. I work in healthcare fulltime, but also serve in the National Guard. There are aspects of my service that I somehow have to find a balance with. Most of the time I simply seek to avoid anything that goes against the faith, though it does put me at odds with some of my fellow Soldiers.
I’ll bet. Each field has its challenges for the true disciple.
Truth.
People ask me what kind of a photographer I am. I am always tempted to tell them not to put me in a box until I die. ( and even then I won’t stay there. )
Not to worry Mitch, someday they’ll make a remake of Tootsie. If Dustin Hoffman could play against type, so can you! Now, if only there were someone who could play the Bill Murry type because … “That’s one nutty hospital.” Wait a tick, my phone’s ringing. I’ll be right back. 😀
Not that Bill Murry, the other Bill Murray. Yeah, that Bill Murray … the one with an A. Whoops. 😀
Also, not tic with a K. That’s just wrong! 😀
Who needs auto-correct when they can “Reply and correct,” right, Paul? ;>)
LOL, Yes indeed. 😀 😀 :D. Boy am I having one of those days, Mitch! Just not multitasking well at all here today, but I’ll not stop because I’m stupid that way. Just give me a dozen more projects—bring it on world! 😀
But no one can take away the fact that you got double portions of God’s blessings in both acting and writing. You’re awesome.
Aw, thank you, Christian.
I think you are or can be an actor anytime and anywhere! Ignore them. Try auditioning in Bollywood or China…Hollywood maybe overrated as India and China is a big film market!
Next time wear an eye patch. Ask “them’ if they are looking for the pirate type. If they are leave it on, if not, take it off.
Maybe you were born in the wrong era — you could have acted alongside Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. 😉
Seriously though, I love your headshots almost as much as I love your stories!
Aw, thanks, CJ. We’ll see if the beard (current look) makes me more of a “type.” To act alongside Stewart and Fonda — how amazing would that have been?
The title of this wise and funny post reminds me of the Liar Paradox in philosophy of language.
In what sense, Barry? (Not that the Liar’s Paradox is ever easy to explain ;>)
The actual wording
«I’m Not an Actor, I Just Play One on TV»
says pretty much the same thing as a somewhat clunky rewording
«I do not play roles; I just play the role of someone who plays roles.»
that reminds me of
«This statement is false.»
🙂
Ah, gotcha. I didn’t realize you were talking about the title. I see your point!
Well told Mitch. I remember an acting school years back in LA that didn’t even really teach acting, but how to find your true self and how to market that self.
There’s something to that notion.
Hey Mitch, great post! Wishing you all the very best in your endeavors. Keep the great stories coming. I’m sure you have already, and please link if you have, but I’d love to know your opinion on what it’s ‘really’ like to work in Hollywood? Has it changed over the years? Thanks!
I assume you mean for actors? It’s super-competitive since at any given time only a tiny percentage of actors in Hollywood are actually working; that’s always been true. But there are also some kind souls out there, and some true geniuses..
Yes, I should have clarified! Actors.
I enjoyed your sense of humor here. You infuse your writings with great insight. Just what I needed to lighten my load on a day that had become miserably overburdened. Thank you, Mitch!
Pretty funny. I like your sense of humor!
Good sense of humor type. 🙂
– casting directors are types too, with probably less humor. 😀
Mitch I think it is amazing how God moves our lives! I thought I was a business manager of people and he gave me granola! So I started selling granola! Opened a small store added a coffee bar to offset sales of granola while we developed a market! God then sent me these kids 23 years old who roasted coffee so God said help these children allow them to roast their coffee under our certified kitchen license! Oh and charge them 200 dollars a month! So I did! Those children grew their business because they worked hard with two little babies under the age of 3 and grew right out of our store to there own! So God made you an actor and so much more! God bless you Mitch the actor writer & inspirer
Good to hear a bit about your parallel journey, Mindy. And good to meet you!
Mitch I always enjoy reading your blog. I have been so busy building a company that I have not had time to write. I need to reclaim my writing time.
Thanks first off for visiting my blog, I hope you found something interesting or helpful in it. I’m glad you are at peace and know who and what you are. Blogging and writing take up so much time, I don’t know how you’d fit acting in, lol. I’m sure you do, and probably have help since your blog seems widely read and responded to. Good luck and nice to meet you!
Likewise, Kim!
This is really interesting, Mitch! I love your writing – it’s like we’re in the same room. The mark of a good storyteller. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, and for finding my blog.
Blessings,
Debbie
My pleasure, and good to meet you, Debblie.
In the US the film industry is too concerned with looks. I am betting there are a lot of talented actors who never get a chance because of that. In England they are not. Look at the TV show the Detectorists or Doc Martin and you will see what I mean. Maybe you should try to auditions in England.
I love how you described the five stages of an actor’s life. I feel that’s true for every role we have to play throughout our lives. Through your posts I feel you have mastered the art of storytelling! Keep going!😊
Aw, thank you, my friend.
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This was so great…especially because you are at peace with it. That’s beautiful. You are the only Mitch Teemley I know, and a treasure you are! Your stories are amazing and, as I recall, so is your acting. 🤩 Either way, you bless so many… So thank you for persevering and using your gifts wherever the Lord leads you! 👍🏻
You’re too kind, Dori. And likewise, btw!
Aw, thank you, my friend! 😊
Don’t be the dyed hair type. They are always the first to get knocked off.