Dreamers In Action: Leon Joseph, Acting on a Dream
Choosing to become an actor is a life-long commitment to hard work, honing your craft and growing a thick skin. If you’re pursuing a career in acting this Dreamers In Action feature will inspire you. Acting is one of the most difficult careers to build because there’s no set path for success… so Leon Joseph is forging his own path. “Acting is tough.” He says. “I go on as many auditions as I can and my resume is growing.”
Leon is an Actor for stage and screen living in New York City. I met him in Manhattan while attending what is now called the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Little did I know that huge smile and big heart would still be a part of my life 20 years later. We’ve only seen each other a handful of times over the past two decades but he’s one of those friends where we can pick up right where we left off no matter how much time has passed.
Watch Primal on Amazon Prime US
When I decided to create this feature section I knew straight away I wanted Leon to be part of it because I am so proud of him. The majority of our class mates went on to do other things, while Leon continues to pursue his dreams. Recently he scored a role in the film “Primal” Starring Nicholas Cage and Famke Janssen, and has more exciting projects in the works. This is one man to be on the lookout for.
“I really love storytelling. I’ll never get tired of getting into new characters and bringing them to life” says Leon.
Showbusiness Is Tough Business
Ask 100 successful actors how they got to where they are, what they did, how they started, where they studied… and they’ll give you 100 different answers. There are too many variables to be able to create a perfect recipe for success, but there are some common ingredients needed.
Just like any other profession it’s important to study and build your skill set. For an actor this means taking acting classes, scene study, characterization, voice control, interpreting body language and physicality. That’s just the foundation. If you truly want to be successful you need to have a clear understanding of the industry, stay up to date on business practices and master self-promotion.
One of the biggest challenges is “knowing what projects are out there and figuring out how to market and promote myself to get them” explains Leon. “There are so many roles and projects I can bring my work ethic and talent to. But knowing where and when they are cast, who casts them, what else they work on and what they have coming up next is hard to figure out. I’m really bad at that type of research. I gotta start getting better with that.”
Making It Work
In an industry wrought with barricades and sometimes insurmountable competition it’s the actors with passion who seem to truly persevere and become successful. You have to really want it, and love it if you’re going to put yourself through constant rejection and criticism. Leon understands this and has a positive attitude about it.
“I feel confident in my work and I’d love to see it recognized. Every audition and job booked brings me closer to that Academy Award. I know I can do it and I feel like I have to” says Leon.
Aside from the tough competition, it’s stressful trying to pay the bills when you’re just starting out. Most actors have to hold down a second and sometimes third job in order to get by while they pay their dues. Because of this too many people see this as an impossible feat and won’t even try.
For anyone looking to build a career as an actor it’s important to find a job that gives you the flexibility to go to auditions.
Leon took his second love, a love for fitness and created a successful business around it. This way no matter what his day holds he’s doing something that he loves and working towards his goals.
“Personal Training and teaching fitness classes are a great part time career. You can make decent money, you help people stay healthy and you have to train your body and stay creative” explains Leon.
“In tough times, fitness is always my first thought! Getting a good workout opens my mind and fuels my optimism. I love the confidence it gives me. I literally feel unstoppable. So now it’s a priority. Everyday I gotta know when I’ll lift so I can feel free to take on anything else.”
Fitness is a great stress reliever which is necessary under the best of circumstances. But with everything going on in the world and the renewed momentum in the fight against racism relieving stress is especially important.
Passion For Life
“I also keep an eye on politics. I like to know I’m supporting real change makers and I like to know I’m putting my money where it’ll make a difference. I try to do all I can for BLACK LIVES MATTER and I’m reading into HEFORSHE next.”
The most successful people in any field are the people who are passionate and truly care about others. Leon has always cared more about other people than himself, and he’s raising his son Felix by giving him a strong example to follow.
“Eventually, I would also love to give back to communities in need with art and sports programs for people who need them and I wanna figure out a way to help New York’s homeless and mental health problem. I know with the right awareness and resources something can be done.”
Overcoming Weaknesses and Harnessing Strengths
The path to achieving any dream is a winding path, full of successes and set backs along the way. One of the key skills to make progress is knowing your strengths and weaknesses so you can use them to your advantage.
I asked Leon what he sees as his greatest strengths and he said “I work hard and I’m determined. I believe you’re never done out of the game unless you quit. So failures are temporary bumps in a journey. Those bumps can hurt but you get back up and move forward till you reach the goal. Creativity and optimism also make me a great problem solver especially under pressure. No matter how badly the odds are against you, there’s always a way to win.”
He’s also keen to understand that he’s not perfect and there are things he’s working on.
“I could definitely be more organized. Time to work, work out, take care of the family and find time to get my acting career going has been a tough act to balance. I’m also too sensitive. I let things invade my thought process too often. Things I really wish could be different, like the constant presence of inequality even though it’s 2020” admits Leon.
Staying Motivated While Pursuing Your Dreams
Staying motivated in the pursuit of any dream is incredibly important, and it helps to have others to look up to.
I asked Leon who he looks up to the most and he said “My mother and those before us who survived and thrived with far less than many of us have now”. I’ve never met her, but I’ve met some of his family and I know she did a great job in raising him. “I believe in kindness. When people are mean and it’s usually for weak reasons. You gotta be confident, grounded and stable to be kind to others and to yourself. That might be why it’s not as common.”
Leons Advice To New Actors
You are not an actor if you’re not creating art so stay focused and take action for your craft. Don't quit. Take risks. Listen more!
Now It’s Your Turn
Acting can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’re willing to put in the time and work to make it happen. Whatever your dreams and goals are, think outside the box and you too can make them come true. Maybe my next Dreamers In Action feature will be you!
Keisha
This was awesome! I look forward to #2!
Erin
Thank you so much Keisha! 🙂