“Being an actor is the art of becoming other people; being a comedian is the art of learning who you are.” — Jerry Seinfeld
Simple distinction, but it’s a very profound quote.
Over the course of the past 8 years I’ve learned things about myself that I’m not sure I’d ever have learned were it not for comedy. I’ve learned what I am and am not willing to sacrifice for my career. I’ve learned how to lean on people. I’ve learned who not to trust. I’ve learned how other people’s belief in me has the power to propel me through the toughest of situations. I’ve learned that I work best with my blinders on. I’ve learned to do what feels right to me, and that what other people would do if they were me is irrelevant. I’ve learned that “Que será será” isn’t a cop out; it’s a universal law, the acceptance of which is integral to my continued sanity. I’ve learned that I’m way more motivated by the successes of untalented people than I am by those of the talented.
I’ve learned that the “Real Erin” is both hopeful and cynical. Not intentionally offensive, but not politically correct either. Often lonely, yet not crazy about inviting new people into her circle… And I used to be afraid of being all those things. On stage at least. I worried that if I let people see all that, they wouldn’t like me. But I now know that this job is 100% about saying, “Hey, this is who I am. You’re either along for the ride or you’re not.”
Life is 100% about that too.
This journey hasn’t been/isn’t/won’t be easy, but it’s been an invaluable (albeit sometimes unprofitable) one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Thanks guys, for reading and for riding with me.
