What I Know For Sure About Actors
In the back of every The Oprah Magazine, Oprah Winfrey writes a little article called “What I Know For Sure”. I love these pieces because they are from her heart and they speak her truth.
So, since this is a special time of year, I wanted to take a moment to share with you what I know for sure about actors…about YOU and hope it inspires you… or at least brings a little smile to your face.
Having worked with thousands of actors like you over the years – from brand-spanking new to working actors to household names and beyond – there are some things I’ve become keenly aware of about YOU…even some things that you don’t notice about yourself, so I thought I’d share them here.
What I Know For Sure…About You
You are an amazingly creative being but sometimes you hide it.
You hide it not so much from others, although that happens too. You mostly hide it from yourself. You fail to recognize your own beauty, your own magnificence as a person and as an actor. And, when you do, sometimes it scares you and you don’t believe what you just saw. You tell yourself lies about it and convince yourself you’re ordinary.
But you’re not…
You are extraordinary.
You’ve chosen to be an actor. You’ve chosen to open your heart and soul to the world and share your gifts for imagining, creating and living the experience of other people. You tell stories in ways other people couldn’t even dream about. You give of yourself. You create. You channel the beauty of you into your work as an actor. Ordinary? Nope.
You want it all and you deserve it.
You may be down with the “want it all” part, but you have trouble with the “you deserve it” part. You want to live your life each day as a working actor – an actor who gets amazing opportunities, works on fantastic projects with amazing actors.
You want to make your living every single day BEING an actor, traveling, speaking amazing words from gifted writers.
You want to get that guidance from those amazingly talented directors collaborating and creating magic on film.
You deserve that. You do.
But sometimes you forget that you deserve to have it, and you settle for crumbs and tell yourself “that’s just the way it is”, which leads me to…
You allow the thoughts and beliefs of others who have lost faith in themselves to infect you.
You surround yourself with others who have lost touch with who they are. You make yourself smaller to fit into their world. You choose to believe limiting thoughts because you’ve heard them so often you buy into them as true. You want “them” to like you.
But you’ve forgotten.
You can't BE less than all of you and squish yourself into the limitations you've adopted from others and have it all.
When you let your light shine and allow the true magnificent you to be all that you were meant to be, it is actually a gift to others…
Be that gift. Let your light shine.
It’s time for you to BE who you were meant to BE.
What I know for sure is that now is your time.
There is no other time than NOW for you to declare unequivocally that you DESERVE to have your dreams of being an actor be your reality.
Now. Not next month, next year. NOW.
It's NOW O'Clock. Your acting career is happening NOW.
>>Tweet This<<
Your life is happening NOW.
Decide to jump in. (I’ll throw you a life preserver if you need a little reassurance)
What I know for sure is that I will be there to help you any way I can.
I will continue to give you every tidbit of knowledge, experience and inspiration that I can muster to help you get to The Red Carpet.
What I know for sure about ME is that I was meant be there to help YOU.
And that I will.
You DESERVE The Red Carpet,
~Amy
P.S. To help you get geared up to make 2021 your best year ever in acting, use this promo code “UNSTOPPABLE2021” to get 40% off my best professional training products for actors now. Click here to gear up and start shopping now.
Your turn! Which one resonated with you most? Are you ready to take 2021 by storm? Please share it in the comments below :-)
Did this BLOG on your What I Know For Sure About Actors help you? If so, I would greatly appreciate if you commented below and shared on Facebook
Amy Jo Berman's Tips On Acting & Auditioning Blog
Email: Asst@AmyJoBerman.com
“I show actors how to be better, book more jobs and live The Red Carpet life!”
Hey Queen. You are such a blessings and I’m so blessed to have you as a coach of getting me to that next level in my acting career. I enioyed everything and needed to hear everything that you was saying. I love your classes and how you are so purpose driven on helping people succeed. Thanks Queen. Keep doing what you are doing.
Thank you Amy.
Time goes way to fast and
It’s Now O’clock. :) What we do today is all we have in this moment which builds what are dreams will be in the next so let go of the past. Learning to fly.
Thank you so much for your inspiration, knowledge and guidance. :)
And Merry Christmas, Amy!
I can relate to what you said in “You fail to recognize your own beauty, your own magnificence as a person and as an actor. You tell yourself lies about it and convince yourself you’re ordinary.”
I can’t speak for everyone, but for myself I tend to be modest about my comedy and even though I have friends tell me I’m really good, I think my jokes are pretty average and I’m always trying to improve both my writing skills and my performance skills. One thing I really need to work on is voice projection because I have a naturally quiet voice and it is difficult to project my voice in a loud open mic venue.
Thank you Amy Jo, and Happy Holidays to you!
I’m am extraordinary and I wish to surround myself with extraordinary actors. “If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room “! Thank you Amy for your tips and advice, I truly value your expertise. I have no doubt in my mind I will be a great actor. 😉
With love, from Vancouver, B.C. 🇨🇦
Wow AMY you were so accurate. Thank you very much.
Thank you for those terrific words. You’re right. I do deserve the career of my dreams, and I do declare that it’s right now that I have it. Thanks again. Merry Christmas
Amy I love your candor and I love you truth. You say it like it is Thank you for being the amazing wonderful lover of actors
This is incredible. Thank you!
This is increidble. Thank you.
Most resonant: “It’s time for you to BE who you were meant to BE.” Thank you for the support. The last quarter of 2018 was the most exciting of my career. THAT from here forward, please!!! :)
Thank you for all you do.
I admit it, it has been a while since I opened your emails; However, I’m glad this was the one I chose to open! What a Great Message for the start of 2018! As always, Thanks for posting & sharing!
By the way, I LOVE Your Email Signature!
Wishing You & Yours an AMAZING NEW YEAR 2018!, May it be Positive, Prosperous, and Your definition of a GREAT & SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR!
Bonnie
P.S. Happy to ReTweet a Gif/JPeg with your pic & Email Signature!..*smiles*???
AMYYY gurl you are great! Just this morning someone commented to me on insta that “You’ve got one of the best personalities I’ve ever known. Thank you for being you”. BAM! Really just being ME and letting people see that is SOOO a gift! A gift that needs to be given in this age! To make people smile, to work for good. And you are a gift giver too! So thank you! And Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!
“When you let your light shine and allow the true magnificent you to be all that you were meant to be, it is actually a gift to others”… – poetry!
Yes, I deserve it all! My time is NOW! I didn’t by surround myself by negative people and let them infect me in my acting. I see beyond that – now. Love #2!! Love then idea of being extraordinary in that way! Thank you!
Dear Amy Jo Berman,
Thank you so much for the belief, support for aspiring actors. Sometimes, I feel confident that I should pursue acting. some other times, I feel like maybe if I try to, it’s going to be really hard for me or whatever decisions I take to progress towards my goals, there would be negative or bad energy around them. I am afraid that these negative or bad energy would make it very difficult for me to accomplish my goals. I wish I have more courage, confidence in myself and my dreams
Happy Holidays and Have A Nice Day !!!
I totally agree with u Amy. Sometimes when i am being myself and someone says dont do that. It does affect me and stop doing it and ruins my day so realised i have to learn to ignore those negativity and enjoy myself to the fullest and be myself and at auditions i start wandering about the other person of handling of t ge camera so need to stop wandering about that too that way i will be fully free and can enjoy myself to the fullest during auditions and during time with friends, family etc
This is all very true☺
Hi Amy, I never let myself get fogged up by negative limitations from others, I know my worth and value as an actor…unstoppable! And your input and training is so vital in this arena….
Amy, EVERY one of your Blogs is a winner. I read the blog this morning (after my TUT message) & voila, a light went off. THANK YOU!
Great inspiration, Amy. Your blogs always give me a lift and make me smile. Here’s to a ‘kick ass’ 2018! Yaaaay!
thank you. energy flows where focus goes.
One major thing I have noticed Amy is that in the UK, it is the class ridden system and the tribal nature of compartmentalising and limiting talent by not allowing it to evolve and grow that crushes potential. Minority and female actors have to prove themselves 10 times more than their counterpart mainstream male actors. But I note one thing. This career is not truly about the ego nor is it about one’s shortfalls or insecurities. It is about knowing and solidifying the why and knowing that this justification is worthwhile amidst the hardship and adversities. There is no other way but to shine and to shine brighter – It is called survival.
I LOVE YOUR LOVE FOR THE ACTOR/ACTRESS ..AND NOW YOU GOT ME ALL MISTY….THAT I KNOW ABOUT YOU AMY JO..HAVING A GREAT CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS…AND WISHING YOU AND YOURS THE SAME…GOING BEAST 2018..A VERY BIG THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME KEEP THE CANDLE LIT ALL YEAR….ENJOY AMY….
FIRED UP!!! Thank you for this!
Hi my name is Jade Causton and this really resurnated with me! As a very young aspiring actor (I’m currently 18) I’ve have faced multiple forces in school and outside which have told me that the Arts is an unstable, stupid dream that I should ‘let go’ of! But with help from others and yourself, I have developed the courage to stand up for what I love! Acting is my passion and I wouldn’t not be who I am without it. I look forward to every email I receive from you and are so grateful for your help and I also am looking forward to the year ahead as I am applying for drama school this coming year and I want it to be my year!
This gave me new hope and fired my being my heart started to beat so hard! I must get into action again i must be me be extraordinary . Thank you Amy
5…am tired of limiting thoughts. After having a successful career start and figuring a bunch out. My 2018, is my BEAST MODE and it’s ON…Happy Holidays and New Year!
Appreciate your guidance,
J.C. Dickinson
Thank you, for this!! A lot of this resonated with me but number 4 the most. Because sometimes I feel like everyone is telling that I can’t make a living as an actor (I’m right at the beginning rn) but I want to at least try it. But it is hard to try evn you hear that it never work out and that I shall just stick to it as an hobby…
Awesome reminder!
OMG! This is exactly what I’m talking about for 2018!!! Action speaks volumes!!! #RaiseDaDecibal #BeastModeOn #MerryChristmas #FelizNavidad
Hey Amy Jo. I loved the blog and a lot resonated with me. Especially the part about letting yourself feel like you deserve a great acting career. I hate to admit it, but sometimes my self doubt and anxiety about the future gets the better of me. But thinking this way will get me absolutely no where in life, let alone in my career. So I want to thank you for writing this blog and reminding me of that. I’m so excited for 2018 and I can’t wait to see where my career takes off! Looking forward to more of your awesome advice!
Yours truly,
Katie Patterson
HI AMYJO”HOPE ALL IS WELL IN THE WEST,ALLS WELL HERE IN THE NORTH EAST..LOT OF SNOW AND LOVING IT (SNOWMOBILE) YOUR FAITHFULL OBJECTIVE VOICE AND OR BLOG IS JUST AS FUN AND INCOURAGING AS KNOWING A SNOWSTORM IS COMING WHEN YOUR LOOKING AT YOUR SLED/SNOWMOBILE SITING ON THE GRASS IN THE YARD..KINDA LIKE ACTING BEFORE THE CAMERA IS ON…LOVED 1&4 THE MOST…NOT SO MUCH WORRIED ABOUT NEGATIVE STACKING UP AGAINST BEING CREATIVE AND OR BEING INFECTED BYE IT WHEN FILTERED BYE CREATIVITY (IMPROB) ALONG WITH A STRONG FAITH DOES NEGATIVE STAND MUCH OF A CHANCE,OTHER THEN MAYBE A REVERSE ROLE AND BEING INFECTED BYE POSTIVE… HAVE I TOLD YOU I UP GRADED THE LIGHT ON MY SLED”WELL THATS ANOTHER STORY…IF YOUR EVER UP IN THE NORTHEAST THIS TIME OF YEAR AMYJO WOULD LOVE TO TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE ON THE WHITE CARPET ON MY FORMULA 3..THANK YOU SO MUCH.JOEY ASPIRING ACTOR.
Your articles are pure gold. Sometimes I just can’t believe that you are actually out there helping us with your knowledge and expertise. Its always like a dream when I read these articles. Thank you once again.
Number 1 resonates with me but so does 4. A little bit of everything really.
I thought you knew six things about me, I only see five! lol. Unless “Your life is happening now” is #6. Either way, the one that resonated most with me had to be #5. It is TIME! So, looks like I’ll be attending that New Year’s Day Webinar! Thanks for all you do and keeping that fire lit under my feet Amy!
Awesome. See you on the call! :-)
Thank you ever so much Amy for inspiring actors, especially me. Number 5 is the one for me and funny enough I’ve told my wife and myself that 2017 will be the year Prince Shoyelu becomes known to the universe as the new leading man in Hollywood and beyond. Acting is my dream and my reality. I’m currently writing a script (superhero) for myself and my target is Universal studios. You’ve been an amazing lady, supporting us throughout our career. I sure will be talking about you on the red carpet. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the festive season and have a wondeerful, prosperous, wealthy and healthy New year and the rest of your life. God bless you abundantly.
Prince
Thank you Amy! For this, and for everything. Many things here resonated with me but I’d have to say the “deserving” part was the most strong. Self doubt and self judgment do still creep in. Sometimes I say “why is it so hard?” but then I remember “what else is possible?” and tell myself that maybe it’s not so hard and say “what if it was really easy?” :)
Beautiful Nancy!
Hey Amy, Sometimes our biggest Obstacle is US; you made me think to not let my imagination be crushed by things out of my control.
Thanks for being YOU.
Happy to be of help Nick :-D
Hi Amy ! As usually you are spot on! I am all of the above but resonate towards # 3
Thanks so much for your helpful support and advice. You are the greatest ❤????
Awesome! Love it Veronica!
Thank you Amy! And Yes, the time is always Now!
Acting is my passion
I love hearing that David!
Thank you Amy much appreciated. Just curioys i have a few Acting shots i would like to show you?
I think its the way i look on video camera and memory lapses with scripts or lines my issue.
# 2 I am so ready for my acting to take off this year and this has even inspired me to go for it. This is my year. Thanks Amy for inspiring us to be who we are to be. See you on the red carpet.
BOOM! #UnstoppableActor, Cylinda McAlister!
No. 3 was me to a “T”. I want it bad but deep inside I feel I don’t deserve to be successful in anything. Thanks for the inspiration Amy, food for thought! Enjoy the holidayz
Shayne
Happy to be of help @shaynejoelcullen:disqus
What is always refreshing about you Amy Jo is that you always encourage us to BE who WE ARE….and not try to be a “cookie cutter copy” of some other actor that is out there in the “front lines” of the media. I appreciate your encouragement, advice and sense of humor….Merry Christmas and Thank you!
What I love about you Ginny is that you’re always willing to see things a different way and then take action on them. AWESOMENESS!
Number 4 resonated quite a bit. Had to get through this most especially this year dealing with negativity in people.
Great awareness. Now you can use that to choose something else!
thus very great stuff my dear come 2016 l m going to walk on that red carpet.may God bless you amy lots of love
3- I have something real to offer that has and will bless and move others through acting.
5- Now is the time to share it professionally.
Thanks for all your encouragement Amy!
Hello madam, this is satish chauhan an Indian actor based in india. I am big fan of you. I always read your blogs. But this one I think is the best of all type of blogs in acting field for any struggling actor. Really it gives me the power to fight my war against myself . You are just like a great commander who give a speech to his shoulders before the battle starts. Aaaawwwwwsom
M favorite speech by Nelson Mandella. “We are powerful beyond measure”……it has taken me through my acting career. Thank you Amy for the reminder and inspiration!!
Absolutely. If this year has taught me anything, it’s that I am not doing enough to get enough. I may deserve the red carpet, but to get it I need to show people what they are missing out on by not casting me. …and the way to do that is to do and be SO much more in 2016
Though you write your words for many, Amy, they sound like you’re selecting them just for me. This blog made me smile and cry within three minutes’ time–no prompting, cues or stage directions necessary. Amy, you write and speak in real and reel time. I’m pleased and fortunate to be listening and learning. Thanks for the push to leap into leap year with confidence!
Thank you Amy. Your positivity and support is a fantastic Christmas gift.. So appreciated!
In your attempt to not be gooey and mushy, you still managed to make me tear up. :) Wow. Everything resonated. You spoke right into my heart, and I felt it for every other creative soul out there. Thank you for the gift of your truth, that makes us feel seen and “known.”
What resonated most was #1 – I sometimes freeze up in my mind before something new like an audition and forgot how successful I can be. It did help me.
Hi Amy,
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and a huge thank you for all the time you’ve put into these posts and online webinars. As a 19 year old actor in film school the money is currently very tight so to be able to have all this free info has really been a huge blessing. I’ve made sure to watch every one of the webinars you’ve put out since I found you around a year ago and I’ve learnt so much about the industry and even a lot about myself. The posts are always very encouraging and you’re one of the biggest reasons that I believe in myself which has lead to me booking roles in the last 4 projects I’ve auditioned for even during the craziness of full time school and part time work. So thank you!! Thank you so much for your willingness to reach out to anyone who will take the time to listen and work their hearts out. I can’t wait to see where I can go from here.
Many heartfelt thanks to you Amy for the incredible efforts you make to communicate your wisdom and experience of helping actors achieve success. Hapoy New Year!
This is so very true. We feel all of this inside ourselves. Always looking for an opportunity to let it out.
Happy Holidays,, Amy! You continue to encourage me with the power of intention, belief & affirmation! Now is the time to SHINE…red carpet bound!!!
Amy, thank you so much for all the motivation and tips!
I really feel it starting to happen!!! Finally.
I begun as an actress when I was 18 years old and until now, 20 years latter (I am 38, but don’t tell anyone ?) I really feel I can do it. Just after taking almost all your classes. I feel I deserve it and that I can achieve it with my unique characteristics. Thank you, thank you, thank you and Merry Chrsitmas for you and your family! And all your students.
It’s been a rough Christmas eve and a rough Christmas day morning and I needed that encouragement! I seldom consider that I deserve something good let alone my dream and so I’m gonna hold onto your words hard today and take them to the next year because I deserve it :-) thank you so much for the inspiration. Probably the closest thing I’ve had to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation!!!
What resonated with me most is that I want it all and I deserve it. I am ready to take 2016 by storm.
You go to the SOUL!
I come here and read the What I Know For Sure blog each time i become discouraged about my dreams. I think I am the slowest moving person in this field.. Not because of me but because of how things are happening.. But this post keeps me inspired and motivated when Im at my wits end.. Thank You Amy Jo! You are so awesome…! XOXO
Unleashing 2 little inspiring acting beast! Always looking for ways to inspire their creativity, thank you so much for sharing your expertise….LaDonna
thanks amy-i needed that. i will be great …now!
Sometimes all you need is a friendly reminder, a gentle (or not-so gentle) nudge, and the inspiration to keep focused on the dream that’s becoming reality, whether you see it happening or not. Thank you for all of those things!
This is great! Thank you so much Amy.. #3 I deserve this and #5 it’s time for me to be who I am meant to be resonate the most for me! Happy New Year
Right on Amy Jo! Rocking word of encouragement to take out 2014. Thank you for all your guidance and vids and golden nuggets of info over the year. It has been wonderful! Can’t imagine it without you and your tips! :) Happy New Year and enjoy the celebrations :) x
Thanks Amy, thanks for to be a humble person, for stay close to the actors and for always be a teacher who really want to help all the student around the world.
I know my write english is not perfect, but I really want to thanks all your advice.
Greeting from Chile.
PD: You are right, I AM EXTRAORDINARY, I AM LIQUID GOLD <3
You are tremendous gift. Thank you, as always. I can feel your support all the way in North Carolina!
Happy New Year Amy Jo and may your spirit soar as God continues to bless you!
merry christmas
Number 4 all they way! Thank you so much for putting that in writing. These are things that I think most of us know deep down but at times we really need to hear it.
I can already feel it happening. Next Year taking time to focus on the business side while I work on getting my entry into US. Taking time to enjoy myself and work on my own one man show script. Connecting to great people like you and others along the way. Who knows maybe Debuting in China my show!
#4 especially hits home! I would love to share this but I am taking a much needed break from Facebook..
Thank you for this fantastic post! I needed to hear this!!
#5. Thanks Amy Jo! Happy Holidays.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing Grace!
The Marines once told me, “Be all that you can be.” I’d much rather apply that to acting, than killing strangers…although sometimes those two jobs can overlap.
LOL.
This is so powerful and today of all days I’m really glad I took the time to read this. This definitely resonates with me on so many levels and now feel so empowered. You have an amazing way with words thank you sharing that. 2015 here I come!!!
Woohooo! Watch out 2015, Hannah’s coming!
It all resonates, I must believe I deserve it… Great tips and needed motivation. 2015 is gonna be the year! Thank you so much Amy for all your videos and posts, they’re an inspiration! =)
Thanks Amy Jo! A lot of what you’ve said reminds me of when I saw Mandela speak and he shared Marianne Williamson’s, “Our Deepest Fear” with the crowd. Often we grow-up shrinking so our friends, or even family don’t feel insecure – it can be a hard habit to break.
Awareness of it is the first step to change those habits that no longer serve us Barry. You can do it!
:)
You don´t know how much this helped me thank you :) you´re amazing
I’m so glad Raquel!
You always know exactly what to say to reignite that passion within us! Thank you for your inspiring words. I think I can speak for everyone in saying we truly appreciate you for seeing the light within us. Let’s really let it shine in 2015!
Amen to that Mindy!
crazy how this does apply to me and you are a great inspiration to us actors, thanks alot and blessed to have you in this world helping us. thanks xoxox
xoxoxo back!
Had an audition a week ago today…one of those where you just know you nailed it! Sure enough, got the part… This blog makes me want to push even harder….thanks!
Awesome! …and congrats Mark!!
It’s so nice to have someone that is constantly motivating and inspiring us :)
:-D
Wonderful reminder of what I have to keep doing to break out of the box(es) the past years and lifetimes have tried to keep me in. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Have an awesome holiday season. I look forward to your guidance and support in the coming year!
My pleasure as always Wes!
Merry Christmas Amy & as always thanks for the upbeat pep talk!!!!
Back at ya Wade!
You’re just the best, Amy! It’s so easy to believe those negative voices, including my own sometimes, and having even just one positive whisper helps me to smash through that. Thank you for being such a strong support, even though I’ve never even met you!
I am so pleased we are connected Lore. :-)
I have seen it in myself, and it did scare me because my whole life I’ve tried to fit into the boxes society has tried to put me in… but I don’t fit because I’m not ordinary. I’m extraordinary! Thanks for the reminder and much love to you, Amy!
Glad you got the reminder!! Back at ya :-D
Thanks, Amy. I hope you had an AWESOME holiday!
Back at ya Ray! Still having it :-)
Your positivity is great! Your posts are great! All that remains is for me to be great! 2015 here I come.
You are already great.
It all resonates with me! Especially the point about us believing in limitating beliefs and not living our true potential. Thank you, Amy for everything you do for us actors!
It’s truly my pleasure.
Definitely what I needed today :)
Awesomesauce!
I really loved your bolg today Amy, it made me feel powerful. I have simply turned my mindset around, I do deserve my dreams to come true. And thanks to you I have you as a guidance to help me reach towards my goals as an actor. What I just read did made me go into Beast Mode and I feel unstoppable. Thank you Amy, I do deserve the Red Carpet.
Wow, thank you.well written from the heart thx Amy happy merry ! Wow, I needed that today to round out what ive been contemplating about life etc.
Perfect! :-D
All of if resonates… and thanks to you Amy, I know now more then ever before that I AM extraordinary, magnificent, and deserve to BE the ultimate me… I’m all the way in and will never look back. I can never thank you enough for being such an inspiration to me on so many levels. How does it get even better then this! What an amazing Christmas day and I can’t wait for 2015! :)
You didn’t like my humour?
Merry merry, Amy,
Thank you for the perk-ups. It’s all SO psychological, isn’t it?
In 2016, I HAVE A LOT TO WORK ON … what else is new?
A Happy and healthy 2016 to You!
David
Thank you for reminding me of my purpose in life as too much “stuff” gets in the way sometimes. You have hit the nail on the head and boy was it eye-opening! One day I will thank you in person and will meet you “On the red carpet!”
I am loving watching your transformation Jeanne. Keep rockin’ it!
Thank you Amy. There are so many useful tips that are confirmations of the process and journey my career has taken. This blog is very inspiring and a great reflection to get up and move to become all that I am not for other people in a sense but because I deserve it!
Thank you
Happy Holidays!
Bigger things coming in 2021!