Q and A with Actor Paul Massey

Paul is an actor and represented by Anderson Talent Management. He has been in commercials as well as TV and Film projects.

We chatted with Paul recently, read the Q and A below:

As a child, did you want to be an actor, or did it fall into place through other activities?

As a child , I never really thought about being an actor. I did grow up in an entertainment family. My father’s hobby was as a professional pantomime(lip sync) artist and my brother is a professional ventriloquist. I followed in my father’s footsteps and at age 9, created my own lip sync show under the name of Mr. Mimic. Our father was our agent and manager and often the three of us would be on the same bill with other performers.  It was this experience that gave me the taste of live performing for others. I learned about professionalism and that it’s a “hurry up and wait” business. I learned how things worked back stage behind the scenes. I performed that for about 4 years and then continued to be a “roadie” for my father for a number of years during school on the weekends.

Who inspired you to follow your dream to pursue acting?

It wasn’t until grade twelve when I got involved in the theatre arts program and performed in our high school musical that I thought I would want to work in theatre all my life. I attended post secondary in theatre arts, and although it was more on the technical side. I enjoyed it and learned lots but missed the performance side. It wasn’t until 27 years later that I re-trained and I was fortunate enough to find representation with Anderson Talent.

What challenges have you faced in the entertainment industry? What has been your most rewarding experience?

Some of the challenges that I am faced with is auditioning with actors that have been performing since childhood. In the same token, there is a huge opportunity for my demographic as some of these performers have retired or become less busy.  And in most cases have become great mentors within this industry with coaching, teaching etc.

My most rewarding experience is difficult to assess as I am grateful for all of the projects I have had an opportunity to work on.  I did get to work on a film with my son so that was quite special.

What is your favourite type of character to play?

My favourite type of character to play is the bad guy! It’s so opposite to who I am in real life. It is fun to play. The truth is that I like the challenge of freeing myself up enough to play any character presented to me.

What market do you currently work in? Are there other areas you would like to work?

I primarily work out of the Toronto market in Film, Television, TV, Commercial, Commercial Print and Voice work. I’ve discovered there are so many branches on the entertainment tree that maybe someday I might get involved in scouting,casting,or executive producing. I love to paint and draw so who knows maybe special effects make-up!!  Or scenic painting.

What advice would you give to someone new trying to make it in the acting industry?

I would like to think that actors are doing it because it is their passion, not for fame or fortune. You need to build up your skills and training first before you can even begin to seek representation or audition for roles. Even then when you get an agent, you need to be prepared to work harder than they do to brand yourself.  Its a two-way streak. Take workshops, Improv classes, always be working on your craft.  Write stories, make short films, anything to keep you involved. Treat it like a business, its show “business” not show up or show off. Treat all auditions the same you would a job interview. Have patience, even though your career may not be where you want it to be right now. When you complete an audition, forget about it afterwards. You will drive yourself unnecessary stress. Also don’t look for validation in your work.

What fuels your passion?

The whole process I find rewarding. I enjoy auditioning for different roles and different mediums, networking with fellow actors and industry personal. And if I am blessed to book a job, the complete production process and seeing the client happy with the final product.

What is something about you that most people would never guess?

Tough question!!… I don’t know… my older brother and sister were adopted. Growing up I was jealous of that and wanted to be adopted too!

If you were to do it all over again, would you do things exactly the same? Do you have any regrets? Successes that make you proud?

I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much, and I continue to learn and improve my craft whenever I can. I used to think that I should have found my passion earlier, but I realized that life gets in the way for the positive: Raising a family and running two successful franchises the last 23 years. I have surrounded myself with a great team whom I’m very proud of. This has allowed me to pursue my passion today. I’m very proud that I have tried my best to be a very generous and giving actor, not only to my fellow actors but to EVERYONE that is involved in a project or production. It truly is a team effort and the reality is that it’s the crew behind the scenes that makes us actors look good. They are the real stars!!