There are definitely roles within this industry that are

Host: The soft light of the late afternoon poured into the room, casting long shadows across the floor. Jack sat at the desk, scrolling through an article, his brow furrowed in concentration. Jeeny, sitting nearby with her legs tucked under her, glanced up from her book, sensing his deep focus.

Jeeny: (gently) “You’ve got that look again. What’s on your mind?”

Jack: (glancing up, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth) “I was just reading a quote from Anthony Edwards. He said, ‘There are definitely roles within this industry that are industry-related, but to be a good actor, you really have to want to act first. At the same time, my goal was never to go to Hollywood to make movies. I think if you come here with that attitude, then you've missed a few steps.’”

Host: Jeeny leans forward, clearly intrigued by the depth of the quote. The room feels a little more still, the weight of his words settling between them.

Jeeny: “That’s a powerful perspective, isn’t it? It sounds like he’s saying that passion for the craft — for acting itself — should be at the heart of it all, not just the glamour or the fame of Hollywood. The industry can be full of distractions, but if you’re not genuinely in love with what you do, then none of it matters.”

Jack: (nodding) “Exactly. It makes you realize that pursuing something just for the external rewards — the fame, the accolades — isn’t enough. To truly excel at something, to make it your life’s work, you need to have a deeper connection to it. If you come into acting (or any career, really) with just the goal of making it big, then you’ve missed the point of the craft.”

Host: Jeeny’s gaze softens, her fingers tracing the edge of her book, clearly reflecting on what Jack said. She leans back, looking out the window, her thoughts lingering on the idea of purpose and passion.

Jeeny: (softly) “I think it’s true for a lot of things in life. Whether it’s acting, writing, or even entrepreneurship. If you come into something with the idea of just achieving success, you forget about the process — the joy in the work itself, the growth that happens along the way. It’s easy to get distracted by the end goal, but it’s the journey, the passion, that makes all the effort worthwhile.”

Jack: (thoughtfully) “Right. It’s about finding meaning in what you do, not just the recognition that might come from it. When you love the work for what it is, when you’re truly driven by the craft itself, then success becomes a natural byproduct. But when you start out chasing success, you risk losing sight of why you started in the first place.”

Host: The conversation hangs in the air, both of them reflecting on the deeper message behind Anthony Edwards’ words. The quiet of the room feels even more intense now, as if they’ve touched on something foundational — a reminder that passion should be at the heart of everything we do, not just the pursuit of external success.

Jeeny: (smiling softly) “Maybe that’s why some people make it and others don’t. It’s not always about talent or luck. It’s about commitment to the craft, to the work itself. People who truly love what they do will always find a way to persevere, even when the going gets tough.”

Jack: (nodding) “Exactly. If you’re not in it for the right reasons, the journey can feel hollow. But when the passion is there, even the struggles and setbacks are part of the growth.”

Host: The air feels a little lighter now, the weight of their conversation settling into a quiet understanding. The realization that true fulfillment in any field, any pursuit, comes from embracing the process, the journey, and the passion that drives you forward. Success is a byproduct of this genuine commitment, and when you love what you do, it’s never just about the destination. It’s about the path you walk to get there.