The trials and tribulations of the everyday actor

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We all see them from time to time, be it on stage in their natural habitat or on cinema screens, crying, laughing, kissing, talking. And the most shocking fact is that although the purpose of our trip is always to see them, they never seem to notice us, even if they're looking us straight in the eye. 

Actors. The word that can be pronounced with both admiration and contempt, or even fear, fear of the emotions they can slip in and out of, slippery as fish. But today's post doesn't quite concern the literal definition, but the more figurative one, because I may have never met a renowned actor with movies to their name, but I know more than enough about the mundane everyday variety to be writing these words. That's precisely why I plan on telling you everything I know about these mysterious creatures as well as the various complications that come with this personality type? hobby? defect? Call it whatever you like.

Sophia Loren. Source: X

Appearance. It's virtually impossible to discern a lifestyle actor in a sea of faces, and it is that way for a reason - these people are often higher skilled professionals than the ones you see on your TV screen. However, common characteristics are enormous amounts of charm and charisma, an easy smile and a loud voice that can be heard several yards away even when it's supposed to be no more than a whisper. They enunciate all sounds properly. 

The other traits vary from actor to actor, for they come in all shapes and sizes. From your fifty-something English teacher to the blonde cheerleader chewing on gum vacantly to the quiet kid who always sits in back, headphones blaring - anyone can be one of the pretenders.

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The performance. They're called everyday actors for a reason - and that's because there isn't a single day they can live without performing. They might think through every single detail of their persona meticulously several days prior to the actual performance, or it might be just a spur-of-the-moment thing, but either way they never let themselves go out of character.

But doesn't this constant pretending take a toll on their energy levels? you may ask. Yes and no. Naturally, everyday actors are as human as the rest of us, which is why they generally need a lot of sleep to recover for another day of acting. And yet attention is what fuels them in every way. After a well-crafted act they feel rejuvenated, their joy depending directly on the size of the audience. 

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The curtain call. Yet what kind of joy can you get from simply pretending to be someone else? For many lifestyle actors, dramatics are a form of escapism. They get sick of their flaws, their dull lives, and eventually start inventing new stories for themselves. 

However, the highest point of an actor's day is belief. And the more ridiculous their story, the higher their triumph at playing their part well. And of course, the more they can get away with, the more they want to act in the future. That's why lifestyle actors hardly ever retire.

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After the show. So what are these people actually like when they aren't acting? The terrifying part is that most of them don't know the answer. After years of acting, lifestylers get lost in their many roles and forget everything about their own identities. This can lead to irrevocable identity loss. The only solution is for them to go back to the time before they started acting: ask their parents to figure out their childhood hobbies, contact elementary school friends, read old diaries... It's no easy path to take, but it's the sole solution to this twisted problem.

However, contrary to popular belief, everyday actors aren't always miserable misanthropists hiding under jolly masks because they don't want to display their vulnerability. In fact, you'll find that most lifestylers are content even away from the public eye, finding solace in books, music, movies, just like regular people. So don't hurry to sever ties with those of your friends who suit the above description: these just might be the most interesting people in your life.

Yours,
Alice