Ten Truths About Being A Background Actor

An inside look at the sometimes glamorous, but sometimes boring life of a background actor.

1. You will hurry up, and wait.

There's a lot of waiting and waiting, and then abruptly you are called on set with a sense of urgency. You looked perfect and pristine that morning, but now your lipstick wore off and you may have gotten a bit of lunch on your shirt. It can especially catch you off-guard if you have been on the verge of a nap.

2. You do get to work with celebrities.

You're not allowed to talk to them or ask for autographs. But it's cool to see them in action or between sets.

3. You don't generally get credit for your work.

Yes, you get paid, and you can add it to your resume. But you won't see your name on the credits unless you end up getting a line or two.

4. You may eat a lot.

When you first arrive, you will probably be offered breakfast. Then while waiting to be called to set, you are in holding where they offer snacks from the "craft service". Then you get lunch. After that, you get more snacks. If you are on set you may even grab a snack from the same table as the celebs.

I can't imagine being on a diet and having to deal with the constant temptations every day. I don't know how the celebrities stay so fit. When I get bored, I eat.

5. You meet a lot of other background actors and form bonds.

If you are scheduled for more than one day with the same background actors you will likely bond with them. It's human nature to feel connected to these individuals and get to know them, their family drama and how much they hate when their spouse leaves his socks on the floor. The hours or waiting (or boredom) causes you to open up.

6. The pay isn't great, but it's better if you surpass the 8-hour mark.

Overtime for actors is pretty steep. If you get paid $150 for 8 hours and it ends up to be a 12-hour day (which is common) you are making a decent check for that day.

7. You don't need a ton of acting experience.

A lot of times casting folks are in need of a specific look, and for you to show up on time (and showered). It's a great way to explore acting without investing a lot of time or money.

8. You may get an opportunity to say a line, but don't bank on it.

My last gig, we were actually "Featured" background actors and repeated in scenes and episodes across the season. We didn't know it when we signed up for it, but towards the middle of the filming, we were offered an audition for a speaking role. Most of the background actors who we worked with did not have this opportunity though and were more or less "extras" in the true sense of the word.

9. You get to see awesome set designs.

That fourth wall will tumble over when you see these studios in the flesh. Whole rooms are created and dismantled in days, and sets look so real you forget you are in a warehouse.

10. You have fun.

Actors are the most interesting, entertaining group of people to be around. If I had to get stuck with a group of people for 12 hours a day, actors would be my choice. I have made friendships and memories that I can't imagine would ever happen in any 9-5 setting.