This week on People Profile: Mark A Newman (Actor) What’s the one thing that every living, breathing actor everywhere wants more than anything? Its work, plain and simple. Constantly racking your brain and pounding the pavement for that first gig. Even if you’re the current toast of Broadway, you’re no doubt thinking, “what am I going to do next?” Which is only natural. Making a consistent living at the craft of acting is extremely tough to do no matter who you are. This week on Facebook Profile we welcome actor Mark Newman. It seems to me mark that the acting career is one of the most difficult career to pursue, why is it so?
Mark A Newman
Thanks Dr C for having me on People Profile. The first thing I would say is competition! The whole “supply and demand” thing. It’s an industry that so many people are trying to get into. Also the misconception that it’s easy and anybody can do it. The second thing for me is location. Living and working from South Florida is very hard because there is not a lot of good quality paying work on a consistent basis. As a S.A.G (screen actor’s guild) member you really have to be in NY or LA to get good work.
Dr. C
Wow, i thought so as well. The location is a strong variable in the available opportunities and hence success. When i looked at your profile, i saw that in one set you are a pilot, then a security guard, then posing as an executive….man of many faces i presumed…lolololol…”will the real Mark Newman Please stand up?” Dwl…tell us who is Mark….. Who is Mark Newman?
Mark A Newman
BTW that was me playing a cop in Belize for a TV series not a security guard. First and foremost I am a dad! My whole existence revolves around a fundamental axis which is my daughter. Having the opportunity to shape and mold her into become a productive and successful member of society. Also the joy and satisfaction I get from a hug and a whisper “Marky! I love you” from her. Those are moments that provide purpose and direction for me to live my life. Everything else is what I do, what I share, what I enjoy. But being a dad to my daughter is who I am.
Dr. C
Absolutely! (smile) and her smile is so refreshing. As an experienced actor, one who has played so many different roles. What is the one characteristic that you believe every actor should possess to be successful?
Mark A Newman
Humility and the ability to compartmentalize. Always remembering that it’s what we do for a living, not who we are! It’s equally important to be able to put emotions away, forgetting about it, like rejection and criticism. It’s an inevitable part of the business, you just have to move on to the next one knowing most of the time it’s nothing you could have done to change the outcome. I’m alway dismissive of praise and compliments from people or family for something that I did. I always say I get admired and props for the work that they see but have no idea about the other 10 I got rejected from! So stay humble because you’re only as good as you last job.
Dr. C
Wow! I like your philosophy Mark!!! Your attitude will determine your altidtude/distination. I gather that this industry can be very brutal especially with the players and the systems involved. Motivation must be a key variable for aspirants as well. Additional, it would be smart to have someone whom you could relate to particularly someone who has traveled down this road before…..so my question is, who is your role model and why?
Mark A Newman
Unfortunately for me or fortunately not sure which, I never had a role model. Especially in this business! Acting is such and individual craft so it’s very hard to mimic your craft after any particular person or star. In acting classes the first thing you learn is to draw on your own reality and experience to play a character. With that said, of course I respect and admire the work of the great ones. But when you read/audition for a part, they want you for you. Your looks, your voice, and you ability to play the apart. I’ve always maintained that success in the business is 70% luck, 20% talent and 10% looks at first. Once you are in, it take 80% talent to stay in and work consistent. The other 20% is where been humble and good work ethic comes in. Also important to note, I got into acting after years of modeling. The transition was some what organic and natural, been a working model your face was already out in the public domain. The answer to the question would be my contemporaries! The people I work and compete with motivate and encourage me on a daily basis.
Dr. C
I see…..it must have been rather difficult without that “benchmark” character to offer guidance and provide some direction. You spoke of the transition from modelling to acting and i am wondering, could i also act? seeing that i considered myself a “model”….lolololol…ok ok ok i am just kidding! But on a serious note this transition must have had a turning point if you will, that ha ha moment. Please mark, tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Mark A Newman
I would say the project I worked on last week! I got to work with 4 guys who are well established Hollywood actors, Michael Imperioli from the Soprano, Steve Zahn from “Hang over” Romany Malco from “40 year old virgin” and Ben Chaplin “Thin redline.” To work with these guys for three days and hanging out on set just talking about life is kinda like a pinch yourself moment! But more importantly is when you do scenes after scenes with these guys and they come up to you and say “good job” that’s all you can ask for! On a personal level what gave me the most joy and just overwhelming happiness. Was doing a commercial with my daughter. It runs constantly on TV and every time I see it I’m like “look Maddy! your commercial is on” She always give that look like no big deal! She actually said to me “but I’m not saying anything, I’m just standing there! Oh well! What can you do, But it’s one of those things that makes me happy and appreciative of the business.
Mark A Newman
I should also add, that I have done CSI Miami and burn notice, but because it’s so long ago it doesn’t feel as major accomplishment like something more recent.
Dr. C
Very good, i always love to see your “City Furniture” commercials. Hard work and no play cause Jack to be a dull boy…lol…i know you are not Jack but the phrase could easily be applied to you…… What do you do for fun Mark?
Mark A Newman
I like to just lay back with the news paper and chill! I do a lot of movies with the little one, but for fun traveling somewhere new always get me excited.
Dr. C
I see, i see, ……any regrets?
Mark A Newman
What is humanity without mistakes, hurt, disappointments? Sure! As many lives that I have touch along my journey which have not always been smooth. I’m sure I have hurt a few disappointed a few, ignored a few, didn’t reciprocate the good deeds of a few. But with growth comes introspection and in moments of solitude and reflection there are things that I think I could have done differently. I think the older you get time forces you to deal with your own mortality and in those moments one find oneself a little bit more vulnerable. Allowing you to put ego a side and deal with your adversities and mistakes! So I would say to truly embrace humanity self reflection is the first step.
Dr. C
Definitely a remarkable piece of insight Mark! As a follow up to your philosophical analysis could you share with us when and where would you go if you had a time machine?
Mark A Newman
The future! To see my daughter as an adult with her own family and accomplishments. I guess to validate that my impact on her life was a positive one. I think every parent want their kids life to be better than the one they had. A few things in life gives me joy, my daughter’s happiness and success would provide perpetual happiness to me.
Dr. C
Morning or evening person?
Mark A Newman
Evening, I come alive around10am.
Dr. C
Ok …..Boxers or brief ?
Mark A Newman
I go back and forth! It’s all about how I’m feeling at the time. It’s about comfort in the moment.
Dr. C
lolololololol…..ok Mark i guess we will allow our readers mind to wonder somewhat…..lol….What is your favorite sports team and player?
Mark A Newman
Patriots, Old man Brady!
Dr. C
I would be remiss by a couple of my readers if i didn’t ask this final question…..lol…Are you married/engaged?
Mark A Newman
No neither, but they have to be careful. “You look the devil in his eyes you might have to dance with him!”
Dr. C
lolololololol Reader’s interpretation is dependent on their perspective. Mark A Newman it was certainly my pleasure chatting with you on People Profile. We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule and giving us your insight in the movie industry and you. Thanks again.
Mark A Newman
Anytime Doc!
