Reality TV Hinders Most Acting Careers

Jacinda Barrett, who was originally on the Real World London back in 1994, spoke to the LA Times about the transition from Reality TV to an acting career.

Jacinda was living in Paris after doing modeling work when she was contacted by Bunim Murray Productions to be on The Real World.  The show was only entering its 3rd season and reality television wasn’t mainstream in the early 1990s so she agreed out of curiosity and to live in London for free.

What she states I often hear from Real World Road Rules cast members and producers/agencies of the acting establishment that by being on reality TV is not a great launching pad for an acting career rather it puts you in a disadvantage.

First, she states, which is similar to actors that are on one long running television series, you are seen as that person on that show rather than an actor to be taken seriously for another role.

Second, which is more the case now, the acting establishment and the unions look down on reality cast members as taking their jobs and security.  The relative cheapness of reality TV along with its popularity is what makes it so attractive to the television networks.  This takes market share and jobs from professional actors, script writers, and production staff.  Thus they are not accepting of reality cast members into their ranks with open arms especially with the preconceived notion that they did not earn their way in via any real talent.

The reality stars that broke through are far and few between such as former Real World cast members Kyle Brandt who was a regular on Days of Our Lives for 3 years & Mallory Snyder who has been a swimsuit model in the 2005 & 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

Once they get entrenched in the acting or modeling establishment they generally shun reality TV opportunites and often do not want it even mentioned that they were ever on a reality show.

At least a couple of reality cast members often move to LA after the show to seek opportunities.  Of The Real World Denver cast this summer Davis and Colie are planning to move to Los Angeles.

It comes down to what is often the case to be an actor or suceeding in entertainment : persistence, hard work, who you know, & luck.

Jacinda ultimately did succeed in 2003 with her declared turning point being a role in the movie ”The Human Stain” opposite Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins.  Then roles on major films ”Ladder 49″ & “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”.  She will next be in the upcoming film, “The Namesake”.