Actors on Acting Archives

Actors on Acting

Over the years, some of the world’s most successful actors have shared their insights and advice on acting and their careers.
In this category, you’ll find articles on actors who share their thoughts on a wide range of acting topics, including:

What it means to be an actor

Different approaches to acting

How to prepare for a role

How to work with directors and other actors

How to deal with rejection and failure

And much more!

Whether you’re just starting out or a working actor, there is something for everyone in this category.

Biography: Jack Black

Jack Black returned as “Po” in Kung Fu Panda 2 for Paramount Pictures this past May grossing $125 million in its’ international opening weekend.

Biography: Mindy Kalling

Biography: Mindy Kaling is an actor, producer, writer and director on the critically acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning NBC show The Office. Additionally, she is a New York Times best-selling author and has recently written a pilot for FOX, which she will star in, write and executive produce.

Brooklyn Decker on Auditioning for ‘Battleship’: “The whole time they’re like, ‘You’re not tough enough. We don’t think you’re tough enough to do this role'”

In a conversation at the American premiere for the movie, Decker admits that during the audition process it seemed unlikely that she would land the role.

Biography: Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer has received numerous honors for her work on the big screen, including three Academy Award® nominations. Her first Oscar® nomination, for Best Supporting Actress, came in 1989 for her portrayal of the long-suffering Madame de Tourvel in the Stephen Frears-directed period drama Dangerous Liaisons, also winning a BAFTA Award in the same category.

Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss on the Evolution of Peggy

Elisabeth Moss has gotten to do some growing along with her character, Peggy Olson, as Mad Men has progressed over the years.

Watch: Jon Hamm Gives Advice to Young Girls: “Everybody Farts”

I have no idea whose idea it was at Rookie Magazine to have Jon Hamm dispense his manly wisdom to a some randomly selected teen girls, but they deserve a raise.

Biography: Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike has quickly emerged as a contemporary and multifaceted actress having earned international acclaim for both her stage and film roles.

Biography: Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy is an award-winning actor of the stage and screen. His more recent film work includes the blockbuster Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, in the role of Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour.

John Cusack on his Darker Roles, Jungian Shadow Exercises for Acting and Losing 30 Pounds for ‘The Raven’

While The Raven has performed poorly at the box office after receiving very negative reviews, John Cusack is still talking about playing Edgar Alan Poe. In a lengthy interview with New York Magazine, Cusack talks about how playing Poe affected him both mentally and physically, exploring his dark side, and

Sarah Silverman on Her Nude Scene in ‘Take This Waltz’

Comedienne/actress Sarah Silverman: “It’s such a common, everyday thing for women that’s never reflected in movies”

Why Did Justin Long Make ‘Seminar’ His Broadway Debut? “Because I was asked to!”

Actor Justin Long is currently appearing in Seminar, a production that will thrust the actor for the first time into the world of Broadway. Making his big debut on stage at the Golden Theatre, Long will portray the character Martin, a student to Jeff Goldblum‘s Leonard, a relentless teacher that

Christian Borle on Juggling his Roles in Broadway’s ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ and ‘Smash’

Borle admits that he is aware that Smash is a bit unrealistic, and actually counts himself among the critics of the show

Elisabeth Moss on the New Season of ‘Mad Men’: “It’s pretty clear she’s on her way to being Don Draper”

Moss said, “It’s pretty clear she’s on her way to being Don Draper.”

Benjamin Walker on Preparing for ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’

Preparing to play legendary president Abraham Lincoln would be difficult enough for an actor—but portraying him as a vampire hunter seems like it would be considerably harder.

John Cusack on Becoming Edgar Allan Poe: “You have to see yourself in these great people if they represent the shadow part of you”

Not only does John Cusack have the pressure of playing the famous writer in the upcoming mystery film The Raven, but he had to deal with the difficultly of coping with Poe’s notoriously turbulent mental state.