I don’t want 15 minutes of fame.
Hell, I don’t even want 20 and I am an actor.
But if the current television trend of airing obscure reality shows continues, I may be standing next to Calvin, flipping burgers at McDonald’s.
As a determined actor, well, studious actor at least, I just want to be taken seriously as an artist. While I understand there are those who think reality shows are a stepping-stone to an acting career, these people could decrease the desire for professional actors.
I went through my periods when I wanted to audition for MTV’s “The Real World.” Yes…periods. I had very few doubts I could get cast. In the end, however, I could never sit down and tape myself for the audition.
I did not want to become “that guy on the MTV show” for the next few years.
Actors are now the innocent victims of these new reality show stars.
Directors are wising up to the fact that these 15-minute incendiaries will work for any rates, under any conditions, under any sheets.
I can forsee Drew Carey on the LA freeway with a sign that reads: “Will tell self-deprecating jokes for food.”
What if there was no need for television actors because all shows would be reality-based? The amount of professional actors on network television will decrease, but the biggest change will be the “reality” of these shows.
For example, we’ll have more shows like “Playing It Straight,” FOX’s new program where a straight woman puts her “gay-dar” to the test.
ßAnother gem on the vulpine network tries to hook up the 4-foot-5 “Littlest Groom” with a beautiful female companion, in a “Who Wants to Marry a Dwarf” type reality show.
This is ridiculous. Americans are tuning out the medical and courtroom dramas, the sitcoms, the game shows, even “COPS,” for rich and slightly intellectually challenged brats and women fighting and backstabbing for a pretend millionaire.
Yeah, right. “Reality show.” If this is reality, keep it. I think I’ll stick to the stage.
At least until the premiere of MTV’s “The Real World: Broadway.”