An Actor Despairs

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guests Daniel Bessner and Neal Bledsoe for Part One of a wide-ranging conversation centered around Daniel's new book, IMPERIALIST REALISM.Together, they examine what Daniel describes as a moment of American "decomposition and decay," and how the decline of American hegemony intersects with a rapidly changing entertainment industry.They discuss the disappearance of a shared mass culture, the atomization of audiences, why Hollywood is still structured around a mass-media model that may no longer exist, and what happens to movies and television when they're competing for attention with content made 90 seconds at a time.They also explore the economics of filmmaking, the changing role of actors and other artists, the collapse of old industry structures, and whether new, more localized models of cultural production can take their place.This is Part One of our conversation with Daniel Bessner and Neal Bledsoe on IMPERIALIST REALISM. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor and producer Jefferson White, known for Yellowstone, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Civil War, and The Americans, to discuss his unlikely journey from growing up in Iowa without imagining acting could ever be a career to becoming part of one of television’s biggest shows.Jefferson reflects on moving to New York, breaking into the industry, the audition that led to Yellowstone, working with Taylor Sheridan, and navigating the peaks and valleys of a working actor’s life. He also discusses Civil War, The Hunger Games, rejection, self-tapes, launching his own production company, and why he’s reached a point where he can’t simply wait around for someone else to pick him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, producer, and entrepreneur Theo Rossi, known for Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage, Emily the Criminal, The Penguin, and Army of the Dead, for an honest conversation about how the entertainment industry has evolved since the pandemic. Theo reflects on how Emily the Criminal reshaped his career, led to opportunities like The Penguin, and renewed his perspective on acting and storytelling.The conversation explores the realities of self-tape auditions, the impact of streaming on Hollywood, why actors need to create and produce their own work, the disappearance of the industry's middle class, the changing relationship between audiences and film, and why great stories will always endure. Theo also shares his philosophy on longevity, taking creative risks, adapting to change, and building a sustainable career in an industry where there are no guarantees.If you enjoyed Part 1, this episode goes even deeper into the future of Hollywood and what it takes to thrive as a working artist today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of 2: Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, producer Theo Rossi, known for Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage, Emily the Criminal, and Army of the Dead, to discuss his journey from growing up in Staten Island to becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors. In this first installment, Theo opens up about his childhood, overcoming addiction, discovering acting by chance, studying the craft with relentless intensity, moving to Los Angeles, hustling through countless jobs while chasing his dream, and the breakthrough moments that changed his life forever. The conversation also explores the realities of rejection, building a sustainable career, navigating the changing entertainment industry, and why success in Hollywood is as much about business, relationships, and perseverance as it is about talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Langley Kirkwood, known for Warrior, Banshee, Black Sails, and Generation Kill, to discuss his journey from growing up in apartheid-era Johannesburg to building an international acting career. The conversation explores the formative experiences that inspired him to become an actor, his breakthrough roles in South Africa and Hollywood, working on acclaimed series including Banshee, Warrior, Black Sails, and Generation Kill, and his move to Los Angeles before ultimately returning home. Langley also opens up about his battle with alcoholism, achieving sobriety, the changing realities of today's entertainment industry, and why actors must become storytellers and create their own opportunities in an ever-evolving business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Thomas Coombes as they discuss growing up in the U.K., discovering the arts at a young age, navigating drama school, and breaking into one of the world’s most competitive industries. Thomas reflects on the realities of training, finding representation, landing his first auditions, and the perseverance it took to build his career.They also dive into his work on BOILING POINT, BABY REINDEER, SLOW HORSES, THE AGENCY, and DEATH OF ENGLAND, collaborating with Stephen Graham, the lasting impact of the pandemic on actors, self-tape auditions, approaching complex roles, overcoming rejection, and the mindset required to sustain a career in the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan Perez and guest Gretchen Mol as they discuss growing up in Connecticut, discovering acting, moving to New York, landing early roles in THE FUNERAL, DONNIE BRASCO, ROUNDERS, and SPIN CITY, and the lessons that shaped her career. Gretchen also reflects on the changing television landscape, the realities of self-tape auditions, staying true to her artistic compass, and the advice that's guided her through decades in the industry. Please see her new film HORSEGIRLS now in cinemas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Brian Geraghty, known for 1923, The Hurt Locker, Flight, and Jarhead, to discuss his journey from growing up in New Jersey to studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and building a career in Hollywood. The conversation explores his early years in New York, the perseverance it took to establish himself as a working actor, collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers including Kathryn Bigelow and Robert Zemeckis, his experiences on The Hurt Locker, Jarhead, Flight, and 1923, and what he's learned about longevity, resilience, and navigating an ever-changing entertainment industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor, writer, and director Macon Blair, known for Oppenheimer, Blue Ruin, and Green Room, to discuss his journey from growing up in Alexandria, Virginia to building a career as one of independent cinema's most respected storytellers. The conversation explores his lifelong creative partnership with Jeremy Saulnier, making homemade films together as kids, working as a production assistant in New York, writing spec scripts, and the years of persistence that led to the breakthrough success of Blue Ruin at the Cannes Film Festival. Macon also reflects on the making of Green Room, his work on Oppenheimer, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it takes to build a lasting career both in front of and behind the camera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor David Denman, known for The Office and 13 Hours, to discuss his journey from growing up in Orange County and attending eight different schools before discovering theater in high school, to earning a spot at Juilliard alongside actors like Alan Tudyk. The conversation explores his challenging experience at Juilliard, booking his first professional roles, auditioning opposite Keanu Reeves for The Replacements, moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, and the lessons learned building a lasting career in Hollywood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Kevin Kane, known for Life & Beth and Law & Order: SVU, to discuss his journey from growing up in Philadelphia and Myrtle Beach to building an acting career in New York City. The conversation explores his early years pursuing the craft, his friendship and creative collaboration with Amy Schumer, his work on Life & Beth and Law & Order: SVU, and the lessons he's learned navigating a career in television, film, and comedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Matt Jones, known for Breaking Bad, Mom, Bob Hearts Abishola, and Gilmore Girls, to discuss his journey from growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles to building a career in television and film. The conversation explores his early love of movies, his transition from sports to theater, performing with Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, breaking into commercials before landing his first television role, and the audition for Breaking Bad that changed everything. Matt also reflects on the realities of life after a career-defining role, navigating typecasting, the challenges facing working actors in today's industry, and how streaming-era budget cuts have reshaped opportunities for actors and crews alike.🎞️ CONNECT WITH USSubscribe for more unfiltered conversations :    / @anactordespairs  https://youtu.be/eJyErEM3TJcFollow An Actor Despairs on social media:Instagram : instagram.com/anactordespairsPersonnal IG link : instagram.com/ryanmperezWebsite : ryanmaritnperez.comTODAY'S GUEST:https://www.instagram.com/mattjonesisdead/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor and composer Brittany Allen, known for Dexter: Original Sin, The Boys, All My Children, and The Pitt, to discuss her journey from child actor in Toronto to building a career across Canadian and American film and television. The conversation explores her breakthrough on All My Children, navigating the realities of the entertainment industry, balancing acting with motherhood, transitioning into composing music for films, and her recent work on The Pitt. Brittany also reflects on the challenges of agents, the impact of the pandemic on working actors, and how becoming a mother transformed her relationship to work, creativity, and ambition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with Daniel Bessner, college professor and host of American Prestige, to discuss the history of Hollywood’s financialization and the decline of the middle class in the entertainment industry. The conversation explores how Hollywood evolved from the studio system of the 1920s-1950s into a gig-based economy following the labor strikes of the 1960s, and eventually into a financialized system dominated by conglomerates, private equity firms, and streaming platforms. Daniel breaks down how deregulation, asset management companies, and the collapse of mass culture transformed the industry, creating growing instability for working artists and reshaping what it means to sustain a career in entertainment today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with Neil Forsyth, creator of Guilt and the new Legends on Netflix, to discuss his journey from growing up in Dundee, Scotland and writing football fanzines to becoming a successful television writer. The conversation explores the making of Legends, his breakthrough into television with Bob Servant, the development of Guilt, his writing process and approach to structure and research, adapting true stories for television, and the challenges facing writers in today’s industry. Neil also reflects on the decline of development funding, the importance of the BBC supporting unique voices, his resistance to AI in the creative process, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in storytelling! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of 2: Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with Daniel Bessner, college professor and host of American Prestige, to discuss his upbringing in New York, academic journey into U.S. foreign policy and democracy, and his analysis of how entertainment and media shape public understanding of the world. The conversation explores Hollywood’s evolution from a more artist-driven industry in the 1930s and 1940s into a system increasingly aligned with corporate and capitalist values, the decline of mass culture, the rise of gig work in entertainment, and the growing instability facing working artists today.https://harpers.org/archive/2024/05/the-life-and-death-of-hollywood-daniel-bessner/https://americanprestigepod.com/https://danielbessner.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Ivana Miličević, known for Banshee, Seinfeld, and Casino Royale, to discuss her journey from immigrating from Bosnia to building a decades-long career in Hollywood, her transition from modeling to acting in the 1990s, and the career-defining experience of starring in Banshee. She reflects on coming up in the industry alongside actors like Charlize Theron and working with Daniel Craig, her approach to auditioning and preparation, and navigating the balance between career and personal life during difficult moments. The conversation also explores the evolving entertainment landscape, the impact of COVID-19, and her perspective on what it means to sustain a career as a working actor today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Eric Lange, known for The West Wing and Escape at Dannemora, to discuss his journey from Ohio to Hollywood, his eight-year struggle before landing his breakthrough role, the transformative experience of playing a heavy character in Escape at Dannemora, navigating the challenges of today’s entertainment industry, and his approach to acting rooted in naturalism, preparation, and creating opportunities to sustain a lasting career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Eva De Dominici, known for The Cleaning Lady and Balls Up, to discuss her journey from Buenos Aires to Hollywood, starting her career at age five in Argentina and breaking out on Chiquititas, moving to the United States without speaking English, overcoming language barriers in the industry, landing her first major roles, and the perseverance it takes to build a bilingual acting career while staying true to who you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez as he sits down with actor Happy Anderson, known for Mindhunter, The Knick, and The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, to discuss his journey from upstate New York to a thriving career in film and television, his early days in community theater and breakthrough in Equus, overcoming substance abuse and finding sobriety, navigating the challenges of today’s acting landscape, and his upcoming role in Brigadoon at the Pasadena Playhouse, along with hard-earned advice for actors chasing longevity in the craft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guests Jessica Sherman and Jenn Presser of Tipsy Casting as they discuss their journey into casting, the shift from in-person auditions to self-tapes, and how the casting process has evolved post-pandemic, along with their insights on the future of auditions and what actors need to understand in today’s changing industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Luke Barnett as they discuss his upbringing in Maryland, his journey from working in bars in Hollywood while pursuing acting, taking time away to focus on writing and producing, and his return to acting with projects like Faith Based, Crossing Over Express, and Dark Winds, along with the importance of persistence and creating your own opportunities in today’s industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Kirk Acevedo as they discuss his upbringing in the South Bronx, discovering acting at East Harlem Performing Arts and LaGuardia High School, his breakout roles in "Oz" and "Band of Brothers," and the challenges of being typecast, along with navigating an evolving industry and creating opportunities as an actor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Paul Bullion as they discuss his upbringing in Newport Pagnell, his early experiences in theater, the challenges he faced breaking into drama school, and his journey to landing roles in Peaky Blinders, Mission: Impossible, The Witcher, and more, along with his approach to staying grounded, navigating the industry, and balancing his work as both an actor and carpenter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Daniel Francis as they discuss his experience growing up in London, falling in love with music and performing, his journey into drama school, and his work in "Small Axe," "Liaison," "The Wheel of Time," "Bridgerton," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Josh Finan as they talk about his experience growing up in the U.K, attending Bristol Old Vic, and his work in "The Responder," "The Gentleman," "Baby Reindeer," and his new show "How To Get To Heaven From Belfast" now streaming on Netflix!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Clifton Collins Jr. as they discuss his experience growing up in Los Angeles, being raised and inspired by his grandfather, choosing to pursue a career in acting, and working in projects such as "187, "The Rules of Attraction," "Capote," "Traffic," "Jockey," "Eddington," "Westworld," and far too many other to name! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Jess Jacobs as they talk about her experience growing up and falling in love with the business as well as her new film "If You See Something" now available to stream! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest James Badge Dale as James returns to the podcast and discuss his life since last being on the show, his work in "King Ivory," "Violent Ends," "Devil in Disguise," his advice to actors navigating the collapse of in person auditioning and a changing entertainment landscape, and so much more!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Adrianna Mitchell as they discuss her experience growing up in Atlanta, discovering her love for acting later in life. auditioning and attending graduate school, and her work in "Snowfall," "Evil," and "Crutch." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Chris Diamantopoulos as they discuss his experience growing up in Canada and discovering his love for acting, enrolling in youth theatre, deciding between going to drama school or working professionally, breaking into Broadway young and deciding to walk away to build a career in film/tv, and his work in projects such as "24," "Silicon Valley," "True Story," "The Boys In The Boat," "The Three Stooges," "Bull Run," and so much more! "BULL RUN" will release in Theaters and On Demand November 14, 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Chris Coy as they discuss his experience growing up in Florida, deciding between going to college or relocating to Los Angeles, moving to Los Angeles and trying to break into the industry to get representation and auditions, getting sober and dealing with constant rejection, and working on projects such as "True Blood," "Treme," "Banshee," "The Deuce," "Black Rabbit," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Jeremy Luke as they discuss his experience growing up in New York and discovering his passion for filmmaking and acting, moving to Los Angeles in the early 2000's and building a network, and his work in projects like "Mob City," "Small Shots," "The Irishman," "Don Jon," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Amaka Okafor as they discuss her experience growing up in the UK, going to university, traveling around with a theatre company, and her work in "Bodies," "The Responder," "Black Rabbit," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Billy Barratt as they discuss his experience growing up in the U.K, falling in love with acting, and his work in "Responsible Child," "Bring Her Back," "Invasion," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Laura Birn as they discuss her experience growing up in Finland, discovering her passion for acting, going to theatre school and working in Finnish projects, and her work in "Foundation," "The Ones Below," "A Walk Among the Tombstones," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Moe Bar-El as they discuss his experience growing up in Iran and moving to the UK, falling in love with acting and pursuing a career, his work in "The Bureau," "Alien: Earth," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Andrea Savage as they discuss her experience deciding to pursue a career in the industry while still in college; trying to break into the business in Los Angeles and studying at The Groundlings; working on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Veep," "Step Brothers" ; creating her own movies and tv shows such as "I'm Sorry" and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Ryan Sampson as they discuss his experience growing up in the UK, falling in love with performing, moving to London to become an actor, and his work in "Brassic," and "Mr. Bigstuff" now streaming! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Robert John Burke as they dive into his beginnings in New York City, studying at SUNY Purchase’s prestigious acting conservatory, and breaking into the industry through collaborations with director Hal Hartley. They discuss his roles in Thinner, RoboCop 3, and his dynamic television work in Rescue Me, Gossip Girl, Law & Order: SVU, and The Last of Us. From standout performances in films like Tombstone, Munich, BlacKkKlansman, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to his real-life heroism as a firefighter, this conversation spans a remarkable career on-screen and off.Ask ChatGPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Pat Healy as they discuss growing up in Chicago and attending university for theatre, being a part of Steppenwolf productions and collaborating with the company, moving to Los Angeles and booking work, and his experience working on "Better Call Saul," "Great World of Sound," "Cheap Thrills," "Killers of The Flower Moon," "Station 19," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Ed Begley Jr. as they discuss his experience growing up and following in his father's footsteps, breaking into the business in the 1960's and 1970's, working in both comedy and genre, and his work in "St. Elsewhere," "Pineapple Express," "Young Sheldon," "Better Call Saul," and "Don't Tell Larry." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Hannah Onslow as they discuss her experience growing up, discovering her love for acting, auditioning for drama schools, attending RADA and her experience there, and her work in "Empire of Light," "Belgravia," and This City is Ours." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Christine Tremarco as they discuss her experience growing up and booking a TV show at a young age, deciding to commit to an acting career, working in Netflix's "Adolescence," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Kerri Kenney-Silver as they discuss her experience growing up, attending NYU and forming The State, graduating and working on "Reno 911," her new show "The Four Seasons" and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Quelin Sepulveda as they discuss her journey growing up in Brazil and moving to the UK, going to drama school, and her new film "Havoc" with Tom Hardy out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Mimî Khayisa as they talk about her journey into acting, going to drama school without her father knowing, landing an agent, creating your own projects, and her work on "The Witcher," "Star Wars," "Mr. Selfridge," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest C. Thomas Howell as they discuss his journey from the rodeo world into acting; working on "The Outsiders and "ET"; transitioning to television and getting into deeper character work; and the current state of the entertainment industry as well as his work on "1923"! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and returning guest Philip Barantini as they discuss Philip's life and career since "Boiling Point," his new show "Adolescence" with Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters, and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Ryan M. Perez and guest Vella Lovell as they discuss her journey growing up and moving around, transitioning from playing piano to studying acting, attending NYU and Juilliard, and her work on "Animal Control," "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "Mr. Mayor," and so much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.