In an interview with Glamour magazine, Chrissy Metz described her long and difficult road to accomplishing her dreams of being an actor.
After high school I really wanted to act, but I didn’t even know how to begin. I didn’t know anybody with connections, I didn’t come from money, I didn’t go to Juilliard. But I never was afraid of the odds, even though they were seriously stacked against me.
After landing a role on American Horror Story in 2014, she thought things were finally taking off — until they didn't. But her mom's incredible advice convinced her to keep trying.
I almost moved back to Florida, but my mom said, “You can either be miserable here and not pursue your dreams, or you can be miserable in L.A. and at least pursue what you want.”
She was lucky enough to have an incredible support system that encouraged her to not give up...
I moved in with a roommate who told me, “Stay with me until you can afford rent. Don’t give up.” People who supported me were like, “If you don’t have money for food, I’ll cook you dinner. You don’t have money for acting class? Let’s get together and read lines.” I am so grateful that I had such an amazing support system, but when I booked This Is Us, I had 81 cents in my bank account. I could cry right now just thinking about it.
...and now that she has found success, her main goal is giving back to those who supported her when she was ready to give up — and always remembering to be grateful:
But mainly, I hope I can be successful enough to provide for those who supported me when I thought, I can’t do this anymore. I’ve had women—average women, older women, teenagers—who say to me, “Your role and this show has changed my life.” That makes all the struggle, all the ramen noodles, all the times when I couldn’t pay my bills, all the times where I was like, “I can’t do this,” worth it. There is something that happens when you are grateful: You continue to keep receiving blessings. So I will always be grateful.
Naturally, her incredible story resonated with a lot of fans.
@ChrissyMetz Wish I could explain what reading this meant to me. You are such a beautiful & deserving person❤️ than… https://t.co/Gnq4k8v4ur
@ChrissyMetz You are an inspiration to so many of us. Keep being who you are, reminding us to never stop pursuing o… https://t.co/plUAjUlMjt
@ChrissyMetz I am 😭So glad that you met all the people who wouldn't let you quit. And WEAR THE SHOES. 😘
@ChrissyMetz Just read your piece in @glamourmag. Your story is incredible. Keep that light shining, girl.
@ChrissyMetz
And on top of everything else, she can now add Golden Globes nominee to her list of accomplishments. So. Damn. Inspiring. ❤️
