You can't come out of drama school and think, 'It's all going to be amazing.' You have to expect to work in a bar for at least five years and be a waitress for maybe two!
The quote "You can't come out of drama school and think, 'It's all going to be amazing.' You have to expect to work in a bar for at least five years and be a waitress for maybe two!" by Emilia Clarke offers a candid reflection on the realities of pursuing an acting career. Clarke acknowledges the struggles and setbacks that often come with trying to break into the industry, especially right after graduation. The quote highlights the unpredictable and challenging nature of building a career in acting.
Clarke emphasizes the hard work and persistence required in the early years, suggesting that most actors will have to take on side jobs to support themselves while they wait for their big break. She brings attention to the fact that success in acting doesn't happen overnight and that young performers should not expect immediate fame or recognition. Instead, they should be prepared to face difficulties and uncertainty in the beginning stages of their careers.
By mentioning specific jobs like working in a bar or as a waitress, Clarke illustrates how many actors must take on temporary roles outside of their craft in order to make ends meet. This part of the journey is often not glamorous but serves as an important reminder that success in any field, especially acting, requires patience, dedication, and resilience.
Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has spoken openly about her early struggles before landing her breakthrough role. This quote reflects her belief that the road to success in the entertainment industry is rarely linear and often involves difficult, humbling experiences. It also serves as advice to young actors, urging them to stay grounded and realistic about their career paths.
HLNguyen Huong Linh
Her realism is admirable, but I wonder how this message lands with international aspiring actors where cultural and economic contexts might be very different. In some places, working in a bar while pursuing acting isn’t even financially viable. Do you think this kind of advice should be more nuanced depending on the socioeconomic realities of the audience hearing it?
HThuy tran
This reminds me how unpredictable and nonlinear the creative journey can be. Emilia’s comment feels like a wake-up call—but also a badge of honor for those who’ve endured the hustle. Do you think that kind of adversity actually helps actors grow stronger in their craft? Or does it sometimes lead to burnout before they ever get a real shot?
TTHong Diep Tran Thi
Her quote brings up a broader question about privilege and access in the arts. If the expectation is that you'll need to support yourself through low-paying, time-consuming jobs for years, how many potentially brilliant actors are we losing simply because they can't afford to wait? Should the industry do more to support emerging artists financially or through mentorships?
TTNgoc Phung Tran Thi
I appreciate this perspective. It seems like she's setting a realistic expectation for those pursuing creative careers, which often don't follow traditional paths. But I wonder—how do people stay motivated during those ‘bar and waitress’ years? Are there ways to make that time feel more purposeful rather than just waiting for a big break? That seems like a crucial mindset to cultivate.
TDThuy Duong
Emilia Clarke’s honesty here is refreshing. A lot of aspiring performers are sold this dream of instant stardom, but she’s grounding it in reality. I’m curious, though—does this kind of messaging ever discourage talented people from even trying? How do you strike a balance between preparing someone for the grind without crushing their passion or enthusiasm right out of school?