An Actor Despairs

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, producer, and entrepreneur Theo Rossi, known for Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage, Emily the Criminal, The Penguin, and Army of the Dead, for an honest conversation about how the entertainment industry has evolved since the pandemic. Theo reflects on how Emily the Criminal reshaped his career, led to opportunities like The Penguin, and renewed his perspective on acting and storytelling.The conversation explores the realities of self-tape auditions, the impact of streaming on Hollywood, why actors need to create and produce their own work, the disappearance of the industry's middle class, the changing relationship between audiences and film, and why great stories will always endure. Theo also shares his philosophy on longevity, taking creative risks, adapting to change, and building a sustainable career in an industry where there are no guarantees.If you enjoyed Part 1, this episode goes even deeper into the future of Hollywood and what it takes to thrive as a working artist today.

Part 1 of 2: Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, producer Theo Rossi, known for Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage, Emily the Criminal, and Army of the Dead, to discuss his journey from growing up in Staten Island to becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors. In this first installment, Theo opens up about his childhood, overcoming addiction, discovering acting by chance, studying the craft with relentless intensity, moving to Los Angeles, hustling through countless jobs while chasing his dream, and the breakthrough moments that changed his life forever. The conversation also explores the realities of rejection, building a sustainable career, navigating the changing entertainment industry, and why success in Hollywood is as much about business, relationships, and perseverance as it is about talent.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Langley Kirkwood, known for Warrior, Banshee, Black Sails, and Generation Kill, to discuss his journey from growing up in apartheid-era Johannesburg to building an international acting career. The conversation explores the formative experiences that inspired him to become an actor, his breakthrough roles in South Africa and Hollywood, working on acclaimed series including Banshee, Warrior, Black Sails, and Generation Kill, and his move to Los Angeles before ultimately returning home. Langley also opens up about his battle with alcoholism, achieving sobriety, the changing realities of today's entertainment industry, and why actors must become storytellers and create their own opportunities in an ever-evolving business.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Thomas Coombes as they discuss growing up in the U.K., discovering the arts at a young age, navigating drama school, and breaking into one of the world’s most competitive industries. Thomas reflects on the realities of training, finding representation, landing his first auditions, and the perseverance it took to build his career.They also dive into his work on BOILING POINT, BABY REINDEER, SLOW HORSES, THE AGENCY, and DEATH OF ENGLAND, collaborating with Stephen Graham, the lasting impact of the pandemic on actors, self-tape auditions, approaching complex roles, overcoming rejection, and the mindset required to sustain a career in the industry.

Join your host Ryan Perez and guest Gretchen Mol as they discuss growing up in Connecticut, discovering acting, moving to New York, landing early roles in THE FUNERAL, DONNIE BRASCO, ROUNDERS, and SPIN CITY, and the lessons that shaped her career. Gretchen also reflects on the changing television landscape, the realities of self-tape auditions, staying true to her artistic compass, and the advice that's guided her through decades in the industry. Please see her new film HORSEGIRLS now in cinemas!

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Brian Geraghty, known for 1923, The Hurt Locker, Flight, and Jarhead, to discuss his journey from growing up in New Jersey to studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and building a career in Hollywood. The conversation explores his early years in New York, the perseverance it took to establish himself as a working actor, collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers including Kathryn Bigelow and Robert Zemeckis, his experiences on The Hurt Locker, Jarhead, Flight, and 1923, and what he's learned about longevity, resilience, and navigating an ever-changing entertainment industry.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, writer, and director Macon Blair, known for Oppenheimer, Blue Ruin, and Green Room, to discuss his journey from growing up in Alexandria, Virginia to building a career as one of independent cinema's most respected storytellers. The conversation explores his lifelong creative partnership with Jeremy Saulnier, making homemade films together as kids, working as a production assistant in New York, writing spec scripts, and the years of persistence that led to the breakthrough success of Blue Ruin at the Cannes Film Festival. Macon also reflects on the making of Green Room, his work on Oppenheimer, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it takes to build a lasting career both in front of and behind the camera.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Kevin Kane, known for Life & Beth and Law & Order: SVU, to discuss his journey from growing up in Philadelphia and Myrtle Beach to building an acting career in New York City. The conversation explores his early years pursuing the craft, his friendship and creative collaboration with Amy Schumer, his work on Life & Beth and Law & Order: SVU, and the lessons he's learned navigating a career in television, film, and comedy.