True Stardom

True Stardom

by Mario A. Campanaro

After coaching on set a few days ago, I was reminded once again that true star quality comes from an actor’s ability to reveal truth, mask-free, without apologies. It’s about showing the world our individual light without trying to fit into a blueprint of what is “expected.” Casting directors, directors, and producers are exhausted from seeing the same old performances, and quite frankly, they become disheartened by the dime-a-dozen approach to the work. Despite what many may think, the industry is not looking for a carbon copy of the next big star. It is hungry for someone different—someone who pushes boundaries, captivates the masses, and radiates individuality. They are looking for that brave soul who shows up fully as they are and, in doing so, can bring themselves to any given project.

It’s crucial for us to arrive in our work with all our chaos, messiness, imperfections, and grit, without limiting ourselves to ideas of what we think is right or correct. Hiding these amazing aspects of ourselves is in vain because every role we will ever play is rooted in our character trying to improve their life circumstances. If this is required of the role, then it’s demanded of us as well. We are the vehicle to bring the written character to life through the accumulation of our own life experiences because, ultimately, we and our imagination are all we have.

Our truth is crucial to this business and our brand. When we truly commit to this way of working, we begin to experience more freedom, excitement, stimulation, and opportunity. That’s true stardom!

Copyright © 2025 Mario A. Campanaro, All rights reserved.