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The Actor's Life
- A Survival Guide
- Narrated by: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong?
Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she’d imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection, and doubt.
If only she’d had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair.
Jenna wants to be that person for you.
With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy’s apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you’re looking for!).
Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who’s made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.
This title is narrated by a full cast. Narrators include: Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Zea, Sean Gunn, Derek Waters, Reed Birney, and Mark Proksch.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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What listeners say about The Actor's Life
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Katie
- 2023-06-19
Enjoyable for non-actors too!
I picked this audiobook up simply because I am a regular listener of the Office Ladies podcast and was looking for an easy read/listen while I garden. I actually work in Post Production for Film/Television, so while I’m certainly not interested in becoming an actor, I really enjoyed listening to Jenna’s stories of being a struggling actor and couldn’t help but admire her perseverance. I must say, I have a new appreciation for actors and their process. It was funny, well structured, lighthearted, and insightful. A great resource for anyone looking to become an actor!
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- Crystal
- 2023-06-03
insiteful
I'm a fan of the author so I thought I'd give the book a listen and I'm glad I did. I'm thankful she shared the hard work that goes into the job. I think I can appreciate shows and movies a little more now.
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- Joyce Chisholm
- 2022-10-26
somewhere out there
learned so much about the intricacies that test the actor's resolve. great advice for those staggering about the mine field
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- Avery
- 2021-07-21
A great listen!
As someone who has no interest in getting into the acting world, I still found this book extremely captivating. It had me imagining myself in the actor’s world, wondering if I could ever do it. Jenna provided some great anecdotes for fans of her and The Office, along with some really helpful tips and tricks you would never think of as a non-actor. I have a newfound respect for those who act. I also really loved the cameos at the end of the book. I had never heard of Derek Waters before but I’m glad Jenna brought him in. Ge had me absolutely cracking up, and it was a great way to end the book!
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- Beth
- 2020-10-25
Great book!
This book is a great blend of personal memoir and very helpful and specific advice for acting! Jenna does a great job reading her own book aloud. I was riveted by this book - I couldn’t stop listening to it! Fantastic book for anyone - even those who are just curious about the actor’s life.
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- Laura
- 2020-10-18
Validation for the Actor’s Soul
This book is everything an aspiring actor needs to know about the business. But it’s so much more than just a survival guide...it’s validation for the Actor’s Soul. Highly recommend.
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- Megan Levac
- 2020-10-08
very boring
for aspiring actors ONLY otherwise very useless listening, i thought maybe it was more of a memoir . sorry Jenna Fischer.
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- Anonymous User
- 2020-06-16
Delightful
Jenna really loves actors and the craft of acting. She really gets the struggles and anxiety of aspiring actors without a rich daddy or a Godfather in the industry. This book is inspirational and super pragmatic. Love it, love Jenna ❤️
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- Kathy Westling
- 2020-06-05
Glad I’m not an actor!
So glad Jenna narrated her book. I really enjoyed the whole thing. Never wanted to be an actor but it gives you an insight into how much work; determination; persistence & thick-skin you need to pursue this career. Sad it ended.
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- John O
- 2019-07-25
Great listen for aspiring actors.
This audiobook was very easy to finish, because it was so interesting. Jenna Fischer gives amazing advice, and covers EVERYTHING an aspiring actor would want to know when making the move to LA or NY. And I mean EVERYTHING, even things like what to do when you get fired, which I'm sure most aren't even thinking about
Along the way, she includes lots and lots of anecdotes to personalize the advice she gives. This makes the audiobook very fun to listen to. The biggest thing is that you're listening to an audiobook by PAM! It feels unreal.
I finished the AB in about a week or 2, and I listened to it while in the car doing Uber Eats deliveries, or while on the train going from one place to another.
Seriously recommend. Even if you don't have any plans to be an actor, this book will still be amazing.
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- Katelyn
- 2017-12-22
OMG THE INTRO! lol
HAhahahaHA
I've only listened to the first few chapters so far but I wanted to write my review now because I don't think I've ever enjoyed an audiobook's introduction this much before! Rainn Wilson reads it, but it was written by Steve Carell and hilarity ensues. I won't spoil it, but it's soooo funny.
So far, Jenna's chapters are really great, too! I can see how this would be helpful for people who want to become actors, but I am still enjoying it as someone who does not. It's a little bit memoir-y because she shares a lot of personal anecdotes. Her narration is great, too! As a fan of The Office, it's fun to hear things from her perspective as a real life person, not as the character that I think a lot of people still see her as (Pam). That being said, she does seem to share some similarities with her famous character and that is just so super endearing.
She honestly seems so sweet and listening to this really makes me love her even more! I'll finish this one quickly because it is (so far) a great listen.
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22 people found this helpful
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- Caitlin
- 2018-03-26
Not an acting student, still loved this book
I will be honest and say that I am not at all an acting student or aspiring actor. I am however, a big Jenna Fischer fan, so I decided to try this book. I absolutely loved it-it was real, funny, and I developed a new found appreciation for actors and acting students. I also really liked that Jenna is the reader, as it makes it so much more authentic.
A lot of the advice Jenna and her colleagues give is applicable to other careers, and is written in a way that is easy to grasp and is motivational. I would absolutely recommend this e-book.
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12 people found this helpful
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- Alizée Gaillard
- 2018-02-26
Best actor’s survival book!!!!!
This book is the best book on how to survive this industry as an actor!!! Every second of my day I could listen to it, I did! Getting ready in the morning, driving to audition and work in my car, eating a meal by myself, before going to bed, etc... I just couldn’t stop listening and finished the book in 3 days!
It’s not a book about acting techniques, which we can find a million out there, but a book that will help you navigate the industry. Even more valuable to me! Never “read” anything like it before! True practical advices and insight about what to expect (or not) while choosing the journey of becoming a working actor. What I love the most about Jenna Fischer’s book is that actors can actually really relate to it. It talks about the struggles, the ups & downs, doubts that we all go through. Which most successful actors won’t really talk about in depth once they made it. It also talks about how to keep the right mindset, stay positive, and find the motivation to create your own content as an actor. Jenna says something like: “Create your own stuff. Something awful is better than something incomplete.” So true! How many times do we start a project without finishing it because we think it’s not good enough or won’t add value to what’s already out there?... Big Aha moment for me! 🙌🏼
I also really love the guests she interviews at the end. Because every actor has a different trajectory and there is not one right way to go about it, but we each have to find our own recipe for success. I got such valuable lessons in this book!!!
Thank you Jenna for your time, dedication and sharing with us your knowledge about the entertainment industry. I’m literally telling all my actors friends to read your book! 😜 It’s THAT good!
Alizée
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12 people found this helpful
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- Simone
- 2018-03-16
A great how-to guide for something I don’t need.
She wrote it as a helpful tool for struggling, up-and-coming actors. I read it because I wanted “Office” scoops! I didn’t get many, but I enjoyed the book anyway.
Despite the fact that I am obviously not the target audience, I still found it very interesting.
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9 people found this helpful
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- Taylor
- 2017-12-22
Perfect for Jenna Fischer/The Office fans!!
Would you listen to The Actor's Life again? Why?
Yes! I'm a huge fan of The Office and it was so cool to hear what it was like on set. I loved Jenna's telling of the Pam/Jim first kiss!
What does Jenna Fischer Rainn Wilson Natalie Zea Sean Gunn Derek Waters Reed Birney Mark Proksch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Since the book is part memoir, it was great to hear her read it. It was also awesome that the interview part at the end with her actor friends was actually read by the actors and Jenna!
Any additional comments?
A must listen for fans of Jenna Fischer, The Office and aspiring actors alike! Or even if you've ever wondered what struggling actors in Hollywood really go through!
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- James M. Patton
- 2018-03-04
A great eye opener & guide for prospective actors.
A decade. That is how long Jenna Fischer spent just to get parts that would help pay the rent. How did she pay the rent up till then you ask? Office receptionist... as she tells it, she was basically Pam.
"The Actor's Life" does a great job of giving advice, interviewing others in the business, and giving a real-world look at the supposedly glamorous and overnight fame of acting.
The book was a joy to read if you are a fan of Hollywood, tv, and movies, or Jenna Fischer. But it is especially useful if you or someone you love is planning to be an actor.
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- Dale
- 2018-02-04
So helpful and encouraging!
Would you listen to The Actor's Life again? Why?
Yes. In addition to the TON of practical advice, there is an encouraging tone to the words that are spoken. It feels like having a personal coach there with you, reminding you that "Yes, you are enough. And that life is more important than just nailing that audition, and getting that role." You can really hear the sincerity in the author's voice, and because it's her voice, and not my own self-critical voice saying the words (which would be the case if I were reading the book), I feel that the book packs more of an encouraging and affirming punch, so to speak.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Actor's Life?
Rainn Wilson reading the forward is worth the price of the book alone - it's so funny. Apparently he ad-libbed some of what was said? It had me laughing out loud.
Which scene was your favorite?
The interviews at the end of the book are super insightful. It's nice to hear the other actor's echo some of what has been said earlier in the book. Hearing the story of the broadway actor (I'm sorry I can't remember his name) and the dedication he's had pursuing his craft was really inspiring.
Any additional comments?
Give it to every actor you know. This book, though specifically written for actors, can be applied to any one's pursuit of their art. I think it should be required reading for anyone choosing to pursue a career in the performing arts (actors, musicians, comedians, directors, writers etc...)! Big thanks to the author for taking the time and effort, and having the willingness to share her journey with all of us who have wondered what it takes to make it as an actor, or what it is like to live the life of a working artist. Indeed, it IS a noble pursuit!
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- Nicole B
- 2018-11-27
Great even if you aren’t an aspiring actor
I’m a huge fan of The Office, which is why I decided to purchase and listen to this book. I love Jenna Fischer in general. I am a writer, not an actor, but a lot of the advice in this book translates to the other arts. It’s a very sweet book with a lot of encouragement. I think that if you are an aspiring actor you are going to get a lot out of it. Even if you are not in the arts and just like Jenna Fischer, you can get something out of this book. There are interviews with other actors, which give different perspectives on the craft. Overall, It’s a good listen.
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- Joe Strummer
- 2018-08-06
Great listen Jenna a great narrator
I saw the reviews for this book, and was also a fan of Jenna on the Office, so I figured I'd try it out. I thought it was going to be a biography. To my surprise it was a book about getting into the acting business.
At first I was disappointed but figured I'd give it a chance anyway. This is a GREAT book!! So informative and interesting whether you want to become on actor or not. Just great to listen to...Jenna is great at narration!! I would listen to any other book she read.
Get this book, you will NOT be disappointed.
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- Nicolas Kiselewski
- 2018-01-29
loved every second
I dont care what industry you're in, Jenna tells it like it is and if you have an interest in becoming successful and laughing at her amazing stories, then go buy the book. TODAY!
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