211. It’s Never Too Late to Start: Sean Alexander James on Acting, Mental Health & The Will to Succeed
Mar 7, 2024
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Sean Alexander James shares his inspiring journey into acting, starting at 29 and battling mental health. He discusses audition strategies, building relationships with agents, and the power of persistence for success in the industry. His story proves it's never too late to pursue your dreams.
Age should not limit pursuing dreams in acting, as seen in Sean's inspiring journey starting at 29.
Acting can serve as a therapeutic outlet for mental health struggles, fueling creativity and authenticity.
Fostering positive relationships, professionalism, and continuous growth are key for success in the acting industry.
Deep dives
Sean's Inspirational Journey into Acting at Age 29
Sean Alexander James, starting his acting career at age 29, transitioned from working at a restaurant to pursuing his passion for acting. He emphasized that age should not limit one's pursuit of dreams, highlighting the importance of following one's purpose regardless of timing.
Mental Health and Self-Discovery in Acting
Sean's deep dive into self-discovery and mental health battles revealed how acting became a therapeutic outlet. He emphasized the significance of embracing one's struggles and using them as fuel for creativity, connecting personal battles to the powerful performances one can deliver.
Preparing for Success Through Mindset and Character Analysis
Sean emphasized the importance of mindset and character analysis in preparing for roles. By delving into characters' thoughts and non-verbal cues, he highlighted the nuances that elevate performances, focusing on being fully immersed in the character's mindset to deliver authentic portrayals.
The Importance of Being a Good Human Being in the Industry
Sean underscored the value of kindness and respect on set, signaling that professional behavior and treating others well can lead to opportunities and future collaborations. Emphasizing the impact of being a good human being beyond acting skills, he showcased the importance of fostering positive relationships in the industry.
Navigating the Path to Representation and Industry Success
Sean's journey into securing representation highlighted the role of connections and being prepared for opportunities. He shared how organic introductions and showcasing commitment to the craft led to important career milestones, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and persistence in the competitive industry.
Have you ever thought that you’re too old for this business, or that you’re aging out, or that there’s somehow a timeline on your dreams? Well, hate to break it to you, but none of those things are true. Acting is a lifelong art, and I’m bringing on Sean Alexander James (CSI: Vegas, The Morning Show, 9-1-1) who started pursuing this at 29 and never stopped. He takes us back to when he was contemplating his life choices while working at local Applebee's to deciding to explore acting. Sean's story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Sean delves into topics including how he navigated his career's initial stages, his battle with mental health, and the importance of self-discovery. He shares insights on his approach to auditions and building a strong relationship with agents, and his secret to getting invited back onto the same sets time and time again. So if you’re worried about
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Introduction and Guest Introduction: Sean Alexander James
02:00 — Sean's Start in Acting
06:06 — Sean's Journey from Restaurant Job to Acting
12:15 — Sean's Approach to Auditioning and Networking
17:26 — Sean's Mental Health Journey and Its Impact on His Career
24:46 — Finding Self-Validation and Enjoying the Process
25:45 — The Importance of the Journey and Detachment from Results
26:33 — Remembering Your 'Why' and the Reality of Success in the Industry
27:16 — The Power of Persistence and Self-Work
28:14 — Turning a Costar into a Recurring Role
29:33 — The Power of Kindness and Respect on Set
30:48 — Being Prepared & Having Fun
36:00 — Non-Verbal Acting and Nuance
38:42 — The Story of Getting an Agent and Maintaining Good Communication
44:33 — Current Projects and Final Thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Sean James IMDb
★ Sean James IG @theseanburger
★ Brittany Stone: The Stone Talent Agency
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