LA: How did you know that acting was for you? Did you have a “moment”?
LS: In a way, I didn’t. I was ten, and all I did was sing songs, and drive my mom crazy. I used to watch Laugh-In and impersonate all the actors. Then I would get all my cousins and brothers and we’d put on shows for all our parents. So at no time did I go, “Oh wow! I guess I’m interested in this.” To me, it was like, “Well, what else am I supposed to do? I’ve got to entertain myself.” And, I was never really encouraged, so maybe that’s partly why.
LA: Are you so relaxed in front of an audience because you grew up performing?
LS: When I’m in front of an audience, the reason I’m so relaxed is that they don’t see “me.” They see the character. I don’t like playing me. I’ve even done stand-up, and I don’t do me. Isn’t that weird?
LA: Do you have trouble watching yourself on film?
LS: I do like watching dailies, and I try not to criticize too much. I want to fix it in the moment. I because a director when I watch myself on film. I’m like, “Oh, he shouldn’t have done that angle…”
LA: When you approach a new character, what’s the first thing you do?
LS: I have to like it. Find that character in me. I say, “Okay, what are the characteristics, and how do I have those same characteristics?” Then I begin to blend those two together. We all have all of the characteristics, if you really look – we’re human! But you always make it your own! It always has your flair to it.
LA: What type of character are you dying to play?
LS: I’ve done mostly comedy, so Bette Davis parts, evil in a fantastic way, the kind you can’t touch! That would be hard for me, because I always want to make it funny! It would probably transform me! Everyone would see that deep and evil side of me, and I’d never be able to come out of the house!
LA: What’s your best experience?
LS: I’ve had lots! I think it’s when I write it. When you write something, and then perform it, it expands as you do it, because you already thought of it, you already wrote it, and now you’re performing it, and you’re adding something while it’s being performed. So it’s this constant growth.
LA: What’s kept you from LA?
LS: Does “lazy” ring a proverbial bell? I’m thinking about it, but I don’t want to move all my stuff! I would like to pay two rents, if I can. So I have to figure out when’s the best time to go.
LA: You’ve lived and worked in New York. So why here?
LS: I needed sunsets! I did! It was kind of brutal on me. I have a very sensitive nature, and I can’t be just an actress, I have to be a person. I have to breathe, I have to go to the beach, I have to meditate, or else I get neck spasms!
LA: What are some of the other things you do to keep that balance?
LS: Teaching for sure, because I definitely have a teacher in me. I love to help people be as expressive as they can.
LA: Do you teach privately?
LS: Yeah, and I’ve taught improv classes, and I’ve gotten great feedback, because to me, games are to warm up, loosen up, but if the teacher doesn’t get personal, then what are you there for?
LA: I usually ask about juggling a day job and a career – but it sounds like it’s necessary for you to have that other stuff. That you wouldn’t want to just be doing eight show a week --
LS: I would if they were paying me! But when I don’t have a show, what the hell am I going to do? I’m not waiting tables anymore, because I’d shoot people. I’ve been a massage therapist for 16 years, and my wrists are getting a little bit pooped out. I’d love to interior decorate. But, my God, I always do what I need to do so I can act. But that gets tiresome, doesn’t it?
LA: Yes! So what personal sacrifices have you made to succeed as an actor?
LS: Moved all the way to New York, away from my family and my nature. To not have a nice, solid job that I really can sink my teeth into. It’s almost like the universe never gave me one because I’m not supposed to have one.
LA: What has to happen for you to say, “I’m a successful actress?”
LS: People are calling me to be in their shows, people are sending me scripts. And I have a regular working schedule. Not one after the other, like you, but that somehow there’s lucrative-ness to it.
LA: So it’s not about fame…
LS: Fame is an illusion, Leon! Not that I don’t like applause, and I do like to be appreciated. But most of all, I really like to look at people’s faces and know they were touched by what I did. Then I feel famous. If people recognize what I do, and ask me to be in a production, that would make me feel like I’m a success.
LA: To not audition anymore!
LS: I haven’t auditioned for a lot of things that I’ve done, because people just know who I am. I hate auditioning. I’m at a plateau, I’m pretty comfortable with who I am. I’m 40, so it’s taken a while! Now, I can pretty much walk in and say, “Look, I know what I can do, and I know what I don’t want to do, but I’m willing to bend if you’re willing to bend.” It’s a collaborative thing. I don’t like those directors who are like “It is THIS WAY.” No, you’re working with people here, pal! Relax!
LA: Where would you like to be in 10 years?
LS: I don’t want to make “B” movies. I don’t want to just do movies to make money. I would love tossing at fundraisers, and help people out, and just spread that good energy around.
LA: Can you talk about being a woman in the arts?
LS: It’s still kind of a man’s world, let’s face it. But it’s up to us. You know, women are doing a lot of stuff. As long as they don’t do the “feminist” thing because, again, that’s separating us from the men – it’s not about that. There are some shows out now that are talking about the physical reality that women have to go through. I think it’s going to get more real. It’s going to get less glamorous. Women are fed up with it!
LA: What advice would you give to some kid reading Casting Connection, just starting out?
LS: Find out who you are. Don’t ignore your relationships with your family and your friends. If you do, you’re not going to find out what kind of person you are, and you can’t do as well on camera or on stage if you don’t know. And who you are takes a lifetime to find out. Start there – start writing in a journal every day. If you need to go to therapy to let go of your anger, whatever, do it. Take different classes. Don’t get stuck on, “I need to be famous tomorrow,” because it’s a journey. That “instant gratification” is a nightmare in America. It’s like fast food. Art is not fast food.
Next month: Actress, singer, writer and critic Jean Mazzei and I talk about the importance of diversity in one’s career.
Leon Acord has appeared in over 20 films and 15 plays. He plays “Quentin Crisp” in the play Carved in Stone, making its world debut at the Eureka Theatre in SF. Leon may be contacted via email at http://Leon@LeonAcord.com.
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