shadyac

Jim is an incredible improviser. He's flat out a genius when it comes to creating fresh moments during a scene. And yes, he improvises a LOT. But that's always AFTER he's thought about the script from every angle. So he does his homework, considers every written choice, acts the written choice for us, then is free to let it rip!

The lifestyle was fine, but certainly didn't deliver on the promise of elevating "happiness". I simply found it all neutral, and in some ways, negative. It's fine to have all of that "stuff", but that stuff comes with an energy that can often drain. (It requires a staff to take care of, maintain, etc...) And when I considered the needs of others--how others couldn't meet their basic needs for food, medicine, etc--it didn't feel right.

Also, I was challenged by what you call "the means to get it." And here was the challenge: no one runs up to you and hands you all of that money. You have to ask for it. And by asking for it, what's implied underneath is that I am more valuable than others; more valuable than the cook, the maintenance man, the janitor. And I simply don't believe that. I know our economic texts book will tell us otherwise, but my heart is telling me otherwise.

Contrary to rumors out there, I haven't left show business. In fact, I never left show business. I was ill for a while, needed time to recover, and then just wasn't able to get a project off the ground. Doors seem to be reopening now, and I'm currently prepping my next film, a remake of the popular French film, The Intouchables. I agree with you -- laughter heals, and I'm honored to tell stories that can help in that healing.

Ha! You want the dirt, don't you?! I don't do drugs, so I'm not the guy to ask.

Just keep at it and keep listening to your heart. You may be out here to learn something about yourself and share in another discipline somewhere down the road. Success is not out there when you (fill in the blank.) Success is right now. Most actors and writers get caught up in the stress of "making it." You have "made it" the second you've had the courage to follow your own heart. Let the results go and enjoy the ride. I honor you for your passion in service to the creative arts.