Move to LA to become an Actor or Idiot? (how much, home)

[double-double]

I’ve been an entertainer all of my life. I've been in bands, acted, was a magician, and for the last 5 years I have been a stand-up comic. I have been successful locally and have many colleagues that moved to LA and some have become successful as actors and/or comedians. They have (along with other peers) encouraged me to move to LA, saying I have the look, personality, and humor to be successful (however that is defined out there).

Of course now I’m 31 and have another life though. I have a good job with a 6 figure salary (although I work from home which could be easily transferable to LA), and I have a serious girlfriend urging to be a wife, which is probably my biggest drawback. I do adore her, but my curiosity sometime gets to me. I go back and forth on the prospect of uprooting and trying my luck in LA. It never seems reasonable yet it’s been on my mind for some time. I can see regret by both not trying it out there, and by trying it and never getting back what I gave up.

If I really did have the all the right ingredients (just to humor me and this post, assume I had Brad Pitt talent/looks/etc.), would I still be an idiot to give up my relatively established life to give Hollywood a shot?

[quixotic59]

Originally Posted by double-double

I’ve been an entertainer all of my life. I've been in bands, acted, was a magician, and for the last 5 years I have been a stand-up comic. I have been successful locally and have many colleagues that moved to LA and some have become successful as actors and/or comedians. They have (along with other peers) encouraged me to move to LA, saying I have the look, personality, and humor to be successful (however that is defined out there).

Of course now I’m 31 and have another life though. I have a good job with a 6 figure salary (although I work from home which could be easily transferable to LA), and I have a serious girlfriend urging to be a wife, which is probably my biggest drawback. I go back and forth on the prospect of uprooting and trying my luck in LA. It never seems reasonable yet it’s been on my mind for some time. I can see regret by both not trying it out there, and by trying it and never getting back what I gave up.

If I really did have the all the right ingredients (just to humor me and this post, assume I had Brad Pitt talent/looks/etc.), would I still be an idiot to give up my relatively established life to give Hollywood a shot?

There are many posts on this forum regarding the trials and tribulations of trying to start an acting career in LA.

I must say though, this is the first time I have seen someone asking if they should move to LA to be an idiot. Interesting perspective.

[Joe Van Fossen]

It's much easier to move to LA to become an idiot than it is to become an actor.

[CALGUY]

I say DO IT.
If you don't you will always have it in the back of your mind.
If it doesn't work out, you can return to your native state.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Bob.

[g2732chevy]

Why not got for it. This is the usa we have the freedom to move freely!

[kasuga888]

If you can work from home, just move and give it a shot! YOu have nothing to lose except some money because of COL(Bring your GF too). But whats more important? Saving a few more thousands or pursuing your dream? If it does not work out, you can move back to your original location in a few years.

[Carlite]

I'm inclined to say go for it too, but a couple questions nag. You implied, but didn't say, that moving to LA would mean breaking up your relationship. If that's right, it doesn't tell you what to do, it just gives you more to think about. The other question is whether you like where you're living now. Apart from thinking that you might be missing a big chance, how do you feel about your current situation? Again, it doesn't tell you what do, just stuff to think about.

On the plus side, you know folks who have moved to LA and are in the "industry," who can presumably help you at least some to get work,

[Chicano3000X]

Be careful. The streets are lined with the ones who had ambitions and are now empty shells.

[Ceece]

Well...what's the BEST that you imagine can happen? International A lister, eking out a living doing minor stints here and there while holding down a day job, or something in between? What will you have in any case that you don't have now that will contribute to your life's happiness? And more importantly what if you do land something but the downside destroys you?

I only ask because I don't get the "Hollywood Celebrity" draw. Nobody ends up well even if they do hit the big time...the tabloids are proof of that.

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by double-double

I have a serious girlfriend urging to be a wife, which is probably my biggest drawback. I do adore her, but . . .

If I really did have the all the right ingredients (just to humor me and this post, assume I had Brad Pitt talent/looks/etc.), would I still be an idiot to give up my relatively established life to give Hollywood a shot?

How much do you adore her?
What does she think?
Would she come with you?
Do you love her more than the idea of fame?
Would you rather be Mr. Success without love, or Mr. Ordinary with it?

I know what I would choose, and I know what the man who loves me would choose.