Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Smyth.
Hi Alan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Ireland. I studied acting for two years and was lucky enough to start working right away. My first 2 or 3 years was spent mainly in the theatre, touring with several companies. I played a lot of schools in those years, which is quite the baptism of fire, but certainly makes you quick on your feet. I then started working in the main theatres in Dublin, subsequently around the country, to then playing in spaces as far afield as the Opera House in Cairo, and Lincoln Center in New York. I dipped my toe into the field of theatre producing for a few years, then appeared on a long-running television show for 5 years, which gave me a real taste for camera work. When the opportunity came to spend time in the States, I couldn’t say “No.” I’ve been here now for 17 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No road is ever fully smooth. It’s easy for a while; then you hit the loose tarmac, a few potholes, and some terrible f*ck*ng drivers! The employment insecurity never goes away in the acting world, but for me, the confidence battle and imposter syndrome are an ongoing challenge. The excitement of reading something wonderful, plus the opportunity to work on it, is magic. But, when you’re in the middle of the process and know some but not enough of it… the mean-spirited side of your brain likes to tell you that you’ll never get there, you don’t deserve it, you SUCK!!! But you persevere. If you don’t, you’re in the wrong game. You are also at the mercy of so many factors that you have zero control over. ZERO. When you can accept that, the road is easier. Sometimes, you’ll end up in a ditch, but a ditch you can get out of and keep moving.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am predominantly an actor. I am also a writer, a director, a producer, and a voiceover artist; since the age of 4 (ish), when I first saw a pantomime in Dublin, I wanted to be on stage. I never knew why until I got to do it about 14 years later. It’s a drug that still rushes through me 35 years on. When I lived in Ireland, the roles I specialized in were often comedic, posh, and British. Usually the nice guy, sometimes the hero. Since coming stateside, that has flipped to where most roles I’ve tackled have been darker, often murderous, generally strange folks! I don’t know what America sees in me that my own people do not!! I’m most proud/baffled by my resistance to the challenges of the business. It can be cruel and devastating at times, but when it’s good… truly, there is nothing like it. It can be almost meditative. Again, it’s a drug. So bad for you at times, so difficult to quit. What sets me apart from others is me, my life experience, my journey. If I can honestly and diligently apply that to my work, nobody else can do what I do. (This is, of course, is true of every performer. I’m not that much of a horn tooter!)
What were you like growing up?
A friend recently pointed out to me that I was an absolute nerd growing up!!! I genuinely never thought that for a second, BUT I was into magic, theatre, and movies. Like, obsessed. So, y’know…! I was an overweight child, took some heat at school for it, so that certainly dinged my confidence. I was outgoing but self-critical. I loved the company of others, but part of me never quite felt like I fitted in. I was never into sports (except tennis for a while); I was all about the escapism and fantasy of the movies. I truly hated school, and to this day, I cannot focus on anything that doesn’t interest me. I have a slightly photographic memory, so I passed exams easily enough, but I couldn’t tell you what any of it, apart from English, was about. I grew up in Ireland, and I love it there. When I went to college to study Business, I found my social footing (hell yeah, I did!); and when I started to work as an actor, I found my tribe.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanspics?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.smyth.7524?mibextid=kFxxJD
- Twitter: https://x.com/AlanGSmyth
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810770/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Image Credits
Peter Konerko
