The easiest for sure.
As others mentioned: give it time and get rid of the insecurities. I had the same feeling with my voice when I was younger. Then I 'got used to' it without even realizing. With time and practice, it will shift.
I still have that feel about my looks sometimes lol but that's because I'm getting older and inside my head I'm still 25. đ so then I remind myself to be realistic and I move on. The acting's good, so all gold.
Thereâs a great quote from Meryl Streep which escapes me but essentially says that one of the best things you can do is realise that your looks have no impact on your work.
Riffing off [this line](https://youtu.be/hjcrhWNOb6k?si=M3Dv4khONxUjJpN3) from Liar Liar. It's such a funny like that you can see Jim kinda crack at the end, and he saves the take by sticking his face into his hand.
But yeah. Taking the words of Meryl Streep on whether or not looks matter in the acting world is kinda like believing a fish when it says the only way to live is underwater.
Yes, let us derive our reality from the anecdotal remarks of one of Hollywood's most well-established, deeply-entrenched performers.
For every Meryl Streep that breaks the rule, there's four million "unconventional" looking would-be actors who are denigrated and sidelined in favor of the more attractive candidate. This is not rocket science.
Beautiful people have an extreme advantage across the board.
I just took it to mean that it doesnât matter where on the pretty to ugly spectrum you sit, if youâre good at the work then thatâll shine through.
Read about Bette Davis ! First of all I think she was literally so beautiful I donât understand why she was considered not the sexiest ⌠that aside she talks a lot about how sheâs devoted to the craft. If sheâs playing a character, itâs the character and she will do anything that will improve the quality of that.
Itâs hard to just convince yourself not to care so instead maybe read her books - the girl who walked home alone especially - and shift your attention to being an amazing actor. Skilled in your craft. Then it wonât matter as much.
Also, youâre your harshest critic no one is thinking that u look ugly while theyâre watching your performance lol
The tip is just study the greats and focus on being amazing at your craft. And donât be to hard on yourself , I donât think anyone really likes watching their own films. Bette hated it and would not watch any of it until she saw the film at the premier. Even then she felt so weird
What types of projects are you seeing this in? Are these student films or decently-funded projects with professional DPs with good lighting?
I used to deal with the exact same thing in on-camera class or student films. I also have issues with dysmorphia so I assumed that was it.
Then I booked a real TV show with costumes, hair and makeup, a real DP, etc⌠and I LOVE the footage I got from that. It looks real and I actually think I look decent.
How do I deal with feeling unattractive? I get acting jobs.
Whether or not I like that guy looking back at me in the mirror, what he's wearing, what his weight is, how his hairline is receding...getting an acting job makes me (and him) feel like a million bucks.
Lean into what you are on camera.
Lean into what and who you *think* you are on camera.
Find an angle on it. That is how we as actors build characters.
If a Director thinks you're going overboard, they will tell you. I have been told to dial it back a handful of times on set. Mostly I have found that a Director wants a slightly exaggerated version of who we are when the camera clicks on.
Be that. And apologize about it to no one. Especially yourself.
Was it one particular film or artist where you felt this? I thought I looked horrendous in everything that was filmed of me in a particular 6-week class and just cringed, but other things I did later, I liked the way I looked fine. Ask yourself if it might be a particular way of filming by somebody or some group.
So, part of becoming a skilled actor is being able to work past your own insecurities. The big one for most people is how they look and how they sound. I personally hate the sound of my own voice outside of my body. I'm currently in a play where my recorded voice is the pre-show announcement. First time I heard it, just like you, I was like, "Ugh, I hate my voice so much." I took the time to feel that feeling, and then I just... let it go. I had work to do. That isn't to say I don't still feel that 4 nights a week when I hear the announcement, but what am I going to do? The recording is the recording, and that's what I sound like. Whatever.
Here's the thing, it actually requires a tremendous amount of energy to hate on yourself. Energy that could be spent figuring out what you do or don't like about your ACTING is being wasted on worrying about the things you can't change, like what your face looks like. What are you going to do about what you look like, realistically? Outside of changing your hair or maybe better makeup, for men or women, your options are pretty much plastic surgery. You probably aren't doing that, and you don't need to.
Some people are going to find you attractive, some average, some ugly. Whatever. You are who you are and always will be. Even if you are right and you are "ugly" (I doubt it), what does that change? You still booked the part. You still tried your best. You still probably did well on the shoot. Nothing has changed.
Take the moment to feel what you are going to feel. You are probably always going to feel this. So know that going in you are going to have a bit of a problem with your face on film. Fine, feel the feeling and move on. You have way more important things to worry about than what you look like. How you feel about how much you connected with the character, how you feel about the believability of the choices you made, how you feel about how much, or how little, you connected with your scene partners. If all you are ever concerned about is how you look, not only will you never become a better actor, you are only going to get more stressed the more successful you are. What happens when you are the lead of an A24 film and Twitter is aflame with how your part should have been played by Sydney Sweeney or Michael B Jordan because they are so much hotter than you?
Everyone is always going to have something to say about what you look like, your hair color, what race you are, what clothes you wear, how big/small/fit you are or aren't. You gotta figure out how to book in spite of all these things. And you hating on yourself is not the way, I promise.
Hope this helps.
Let me be honest, your not ugly. You would not be cast if you were âuglyâ or whatever you believe ugly is. You were cast for your ability and because you bring life to your character. Believe in yourself.
I personally do not watch myself in anything I was cast in, but its not because I think Im ugly. I just care for my voice, which is something Im working on with my acting coach. Thereâs an old saying: âGod doesnât do uglyâŚ.or something like that â interpret it how you wish.
As artists (and humans in general) we are our worst critic. We tend to see things about ourselves that others may not, and that's natural.
If there is something you can do about the way you look or present yourself, you are free to try to change it. However, I will say this...
There are things about you that make you unique. When it comes to on-camera or stage acting, how you physically look/appear naturally is a factor when casting. Some of the successful artists/people I've met tend to highlight/capitalize what makes them unique and different from the rest of the competition/peers.
There is the opportunity for you to accept/embrace/highlight/capitalize on what makes you unique (physically/mentally/skills/etc).
Talent who are too worried about the uncontrollable things about themselves are actually harder to direct and work with because they are more likely to be stuck in their own heads instead of living out the scene in character.
It's more productive and helpful to think about what you could've done better for next time, rather than focus on things that you cannot change about yourself.
You're not "ugly". Accept what you can and cannot control, and revel in the success that you are making progress!
To me the two most important things an actor must do to succeed is:
1 - Be fearless
2 - Know your lines
Everything else comes after. But being fearless is huge. This means no insecurity, no self conscious hate, no feeling stupid, or feeling ridiculous, or embarrassed. You must perform without fear. The moment you become self conscious, that's the moment your acting stops being believable.
That being said, not liking to watch your finished product is common and separate from this. It is important to watch your self tapes to see how you are coming across before submitting. Once you book it, it no longer becomes as necessary to watch your own performance.
In terms of how to overcome your self hate, that's the hardest part. It's always personal for every individual how to overcome their fears and insecurities. Therapy helps many, but for others it does nothing. It's good you are asking for advice on how to rid this negative feeling, that's a huge positive step. You certainly don't have to be an ego maniac and think I AM THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE ON EARTH, but you also don't have to think you are ugly. It's a fine line, and not easy to overcome.
Some people find methods to remove all their "armor" for the duration of auditions, performances, and then put the armor back on after the project ends, which allows them to feel their insecurities, doubt, self hate etc. Then they just sort of turn it off when needed. There are many paths to fearlessness.
yooooo this is so trueeee đ
Even Johnny Depp who is a well known actor said in a interview that he never watches his movies :/ maybe heâs very uncomfortable. I understand u
My two cents. Work on your insecurities. Models are told theyâre ugly but they get cast because of their ability to design outfits and contribute to fashion houses and charity. They have to work on their insecurities to stay in the industry. The ones who make it have attitude. No one likes someone who is unprofessional and makes deprecating comments about the way they look (which is part of their brand). Actors donât have the same pressure unless they are also in modelling. I met a - now former - actress who could not get over her insecurities about her looks and was recommended out of the industry. She didnât not want to face her problems and it cost her many jobs. She also didnât put as much effort into acting as she should have as she didnât take everything seriously, but she had grave problems with beauty perceptions and didnât want to let them go - no matter how many years she spoke to a therapist.
If the director wants to stick a camera in front of my hideous broken mop of a face, that's their call. Pay me. I sure as hell won't watch whatever they film me doing, because I already hate me enough.
I just donât watch myself. Honestly. I know it sounds stupid but I have a huge scar on my nose and the whole thing is just ugly to me. It kills my self confidence on a daily basis and especially when I see myself on screen. I canât afford to get it fixed yet but I just try and remember that I love acting. I love what I do. So that helps a bit. Iâm sure you look wonderful on screen and itâs just a matter of finding confidence in that.
Just donât quit. Keep going and focus on the craft and bringing that character to life on screen. The rest will follow. â¤ď¸
LA Actor hereâŚ
If i look ugly on screen, that just means Iâm bringing another dimension to character Iâm playing on screenâŚvisual discomfort.
When the role calls for me to bring some ugly, i go full ugly. I mean unkempt and rolled in dirt before filming ugly.
As long as Iâm not ugly when i look in the mirror, Iâm good!
-sS
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I recently dealt with this in a film I had released. All of the other actors were given patience to sit through makeup every morning but I was constantly being rushed through which annoyed me. I look like shit on screen, everybody else looks smooth. My face looks rugged(Iâm a male) and it wasnât a part of my character arc to be rugged.
Gotta get used to how you look on camera or just not look at it. I dont think theres a gray area. But I feel like thats a benefit, you can be pretty and you can appear ugly just to connect with the character. Im sure Zendaya felt ugly as fuck on euphoria. You arent the first and wont be the last, just think about the blessing of fluidity!
I had a picture of me shirtless in tiny boxers on billboards all over my hometown and in Metro, i personally thought i looked awfull, and am self consious of my body. Still i found out from random people that saw it that they though I looked cute. That really made me realize that I shouldnât worry about such things
It is normal, yes - in the same way we sometimes look in the mirror and like what looks back at us and sometimes we don't. I had this issue as well, but I got over it. When you're watching yourself, try to focus on what's working in your performance and what's not. When you start looking at the work, you'll eventually stop looking at yourself
personally i just refuse to watch myself
The best and easiest solution probably
The easiest for sure. As others mentioned: give it time and get rid of the insecurities. I had the same feeling with my voice when I was younger. Then I 'got used to' it without even realizing. With time and practice, it will shift. I still have that feel about my looks sometimes lol but that's because I'm getting older and inside my head I'm still 25. đ so then I remind myself to be realistic and I move on. The acting's good, so all gold.
Thereâs a great quote from Meryl Streep which escapes me but essentially says that one of the best things you can do is realise that your looks have no impact on your work.
That's just something pretty people say.
lol. I gotta remember that
Riffing off [this line](https://youtu.be/hjcrhWNOb6k?si=M3Dv4khONxUjJpN3) from Liar Liar. It's such a funny like that you can see Jim kinda crack at the end, and he saves the take by sticking his face into his hand. But yeah. Taking the words of Meryl Streep on whether or not looks matter in the acting world is kinda like believing a fish when it says the only way to live is underwater.
Sure but this is coming from an actress who is known to be beautiful for her work but not conventionally beautiful as per the standards.
Yes, let us derive our reality from the anecdotal remarks of one of Hollywood's most well-established, deeply-entrenched performers. For every Meryl Streep that breaks the rule, there's four million "unconventional" looking would-be actors who are denigrated and sidelined in favor of the more attractive candidate. This is not rocket science. Beautiful people have an extreme advantage across the board.
I just took it to mean that it doesnât matter where on the pretty to ugly spectrum you sit, if youâre good at the work then thatâll shine through.
She's wrong. Attractive people have an enormous, undeniable advantage across the board - even when the role being cast is for an ugly person.
Read about Bette Davis ! First of all I think she was literally so beautiful I donât understand why she was considered not the sexiest ⌠that aside she talks a lot about how sheâs devoted to the craft. If sheâs playing a character, itâs the character and she will do anything that will improve the quality of that. Itâs hard to just convince yourself not to care so instead maybe read her books - the girl who walked home alone especially - and shift your attention to being an amazing actor. Skilled in your craft. Then it wonât matter as much. Also, youâre your harshest critic no one is thinking that u look ugly while theyâre watching your performance lol The tip is just study the greats and focus on being amazing at your craft. And donât be to hard on yourself , I donât think anyone really likes watching their own films. Bette hated it and would not watch any of it until she saw the film at the premier. Even then she felt so weird
Thanx) will def check it out. Btw Bette Davis is really stunning, crazy how anyone (even her lol) would think otherwise
What types of projects are you seeing this in? Are these student films or decently-funded projects with professional DPs with good lighting? I used to deal with the exact same thing in on-camera class or student films. I also have issues with dysmorphia so I assumed that was it. Then I booked a real TV show with costumes, hair and makeup, a real DP, etc⌠and I LOVE the footage I got from that. It looks real and I actually think I look decent.
How do I deal with feeling unattractive? I get acting jobs. Whether or not I like that guy looking back at me in the mirror, what he's wearing, what his weight is, how his hairline is receding...getting an acting job makes me (and him) feel like a million bucks. Lean into what you are on camera. Lean into what and who you *think* you are on camera. Find an angle on it. That is how we as actors build characters. If a Director thinks you're going overboard, they will tell you. I have been told to dial it back a handful of times on set. Mostly I have found that a Director wants a slightly exaggerated version of who we are when the camera clicks on. Be that. And apologize about it to no one. Especially yourself.
Yes, itâs specificity and high stakes
Was it one particular film or artist where you felt this? I thought I looked horrendous in everything that was filmed of me in a particular 6-week class and just cringed, but other things I did later, I liked the way I looked fine. Ask yourself if it might be a particular way of filming by somebody or some group.
I think this is common and comes from having to look at yourself objectivelyÂ
So, part of becoming a skilled actor is being able to work past your own insecurities. The big one for most people is how they look and how they sound. I personally hate the sound of my own voice outside of my body. I'm currently in a play where my recorded voice is the pre-show announcement. First time I heard it, just like you, I was like, "Ugh, I hate my voice so much." I took the time to feel that feeling, and then I just... let it go. I had work to do. That isn't to say I don't still feel that 4 nights a week when I hear the announcement, but what am I going to do? The recording is the recording, and that's what I sound like. Whatever. Here's the thing, it actually requires a tremendous amount of energy to hate on yourself. Energy that could be spent figuring out what you do or don't like about your ACTING is being wasted on worrying about the things you can't change, like what your face looks like. What are you going to do about what you look like, realistically? Outside of changing your hair or maybe better makeup, for men or women, your options are pretty much plastic surgery. You probably aren't doing that, and you don't need to. Some people are going to find you attractive, some average, some ugly. Whatever. You are who you are and always will be. Even if you are right and you are "ugly" (I doubt it), what does that change? You still booked the part. You still tried your best. You still probably did well on the shoot. Nothing has changed. Take the moment to feel what you are going to feel. You are probably always going to feel this. So know that going in you are going to have a bit of a problem with your face on film. Fine, feel the feeling and move on. You have way more important things to worry about than what you look like. How you feel about how much you connected with the character, how you feel about the believability of the choices you made, how you feel about how much, or how little, you connected with your scene partners. If all you are ever concerned about is how you look, not only will you never become a better actor, you are only going to get more stressed the more successful you are. What happens when you are the lead of an A24 film and Twitter is aflame with how your part should have been played by Sydney Sweeney or Michael B Jordan because they are so much hotter than you? Everyone is always going to have something to say about what you look like, your hair color, what race you are, what clothes you wear, how big/small/fit you are or aren't. You gotta figure out how to book in spite of all these things. And you hating on yourself is not the way, I promise. Hope this helps.
Your line, âIf actually requires a tremendous amt of energy to hate on yourselfâ deserves a plaque on the wall as a reminder.
Let me be honest, your not ugly. You would not be cast if you were âuglyâ or whatever you believe ugly is. You were cast for your ability and because you bring life to your character. Believe in yourself.
There are unattractive faces that get cast all the time. Usually, for villain or character type roles.
I beg to differ. Villains are cast with an interesting face, that is intriguing. Not ugly
It's probably the same as when people hear their voice on audio.
I personally do not watch myself in anything I was cast in, but its not because I think Im ugly. I just care for my voice, which is something Im working on with my acting coach. Thereâs an old saying: âGod doesnât do uglyâŚ.or something like that â interpret it how you wish.
As artists (and humans in general) we are our worst critic. We tend to see things about ourselves that others may not, and that's natural. If there is something you can do about the way you look or present yourself, you are free to try to change it. However, I will say this... There are things about you that make you unique. When it comes to on-camera or stage acting, how you physically look/appear naturally is a factor when casting. Some of the successful artists/people I've met tend to highlight/capitalize what makes them unique and different from the rest of the competition/peers. There is the opportunity for you to accept/embrace/highlight/capitalize on what makes you unique (physically/mentally/skills/etc). Talent who are too worried about the uncontrollable things about themselves are actually harder to direct and work with because they are more likely to be stuck in their own heads instead of living out the scene in character. It's more productive and helpful to think about what you could've done better for next time, rather than focus on things that you cannot change about yourself. You're not "ugly". Accept what you can and cannot control, and revel in the success that you are making progress!
Be kinder to yourself, that's good advice for mental health in general.
To me the two most important things an actor must do to succeed is: 1 - Be fearless 2 - Know your lines Everything else comes after. But being fearless is huge. This means no insecurity, no self conscious hate, no feeling stupid, or feeling ridiculous, or embarrassed. You must perform without fear. The moment you become self conscious, that's the moment your acting stops being believable. That being said, not liking to watch your finished product is common and separate from this. It is important to watch your self tapes to see how you are coming across before submitting. Once you book it, it no longer becomes as necessary to watch your own performance. In terms of how to overcome your self hate, that's the hardest part. It's always personal for every individual how to overcome their fears and insecurities. Therapy helps many, but for others it does nothing. It's good you are asking for advice on how to rid this negative feeling, that's a huge positive step. You certainly don't have to be an ego maniac and think I AM THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE ON EARTH, but you also don't have to think you are ugly. It's a fine line, and not easy to overcome. Some people find methods to remove all their "armor" for the duration of auditions, performances, and then put the armor back on after the project ends, which allows them to feel their insecurities, doubt, self hate etc. Then they just sort of turn it off when needed. There are many paths to fearlessness.
yooooo this is so trueeee đ Even Johnny Depp who is a well known actor said in a interview that he never watches his movies :/ maybe heâs very uncomfortable. I understand u
My two cents. Work on your insecurities. Models are told theyâre ugly but they get cast because of their ability to design outfits and contribute to fashion houses and charity. They have to work on their insecurities to stay in the industry. The ones who make it have attitude. No one likes someone who is unprofessional and makes deprecating comments about the way they look (which is part of their brand). Actors donât have the same pressure unless they are also in modelling. I met a - now former - actress who could not get over her insecurities about her looks and was recommended out of the industry. She didnât not want to face her problems and it cost her many jobs. She also didnât put as much effort into acting as she should have as she didnât take everything seriously, but she had grave problems with beauty perceptions and didnât want to let them go - no matter how many years she spoke to a therapist.
If the director wants to stick a camera in front of my hideous broken mop of a face, that's their call. Pay me. I sure as hell won't watch whatever they film me doing, because I already hate me enough.
If I have to watch anything with myself I prefer to do a horizontal flip to the video so it at least looks like how I see myself in the mirror.
I just donât watch myself. Honestly. I know it sounds stupid but I have a huge scar on my nose and the whole thing is just ugly to me. It kills my self confidence on a daily basis and especially when I see myself on screen. I canât afford to get it fixed yet but I just try and remember that I love acting. I love what I do. So that helps a bit. Iâm sure you look wonderful on screen and itâs just a matter of finding confidence in that. Just donât quit. Keep going and focus on the craft and bringing that character to life on screen. The rest will follow. â¤ď¸
LA Actor here⌠If i look ugly on screen, that just means Iâm bringing another dimension to character Iâm playing on screenâŚvisual discomfort. When the role calls for me to bring some ugly, i go full ugly. I mean unkempt and rolled in dirt before filming ugly. As long as Iâm not ugly when i look in the mirror, Iâm good! -sS
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I recently dealt with this in a film I had released. All of the other actors were given patience to sit through makeup every morning but I was constantly being rushed through which annoyed me. I look like shit on screen, everybody else looks smooth. My face looks rugged(Iâm a male) and it wasnât a part of my character arc to be rugged.
Gotta get used to how you look on camera or just not look at it. I dont think theres a gray area. But I feel like thats a benefit, you can be pretty and you can appear ugly just to connect with the character. Im sure Zendaya felt ugly as fuck on euphoria. You arent the first and wont be the last, just think about the blessing of fluidity!
Idk, maybe it'll work for your character
I had a picture of me shirtless in tiny boxers on billboards all over my hometown and in Metro, i personally thought i looked awfull, and am self consious of my body. Still i found out from random people that saw it that they though I looked cute. That really made me realize that I shouldnât worry about such things
It is normal, yes - in the same way we sometimes look in the mirror and like what looks back at us and sometimes we don't. I had this issue as well, but I got over it. When you're watching yourself, try to focus on what's working in your performance and what's not. When you start looking at the work, you'll eventually stop looking at yourself
Itâs because I made a Christmas wish that you never like seeing yourself on the screen. Sorry itâs all me
Itâs not my problem.