Before appearing in more than 60 films, 20 TV series and numerous commercials, actor Sean Dillingham began his career by making people laugh. He was a featured finalist on “America’s Funniest People” (ABC, 1990-1994), during which producer Stephanie Keane compared him to legendary funnyman Robin Williams. Dillingham’s comedy chops were further honed at several well-known improvisation troupes, including The Second City, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and iO West (formerly ImprovOlympic West). He also studied acting with both the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. His on-screen career began in the TV movie “Sunstroke” (1992), cast as a groundskeeper in the drama. A string of movie roles followed, including in “The Catcher” (1998), “News Traveler” (1998) and “How to Become Famous” (1999). He then acted in a variety of roles in the TV series “I Pranked My Parents” (DreamWorksTV, 2014- 17), leading to guest turns in “Longmire” (A&E Network/Netflix, 2012- 17), “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox/NBC, 2013- ), “This Is Us” (NBC, 2016- ), “Buried in the Backyard ” (Oxygen/ 2018- ), “Yellowstone” (Paramount Network, 2018- ) and “Better Call Saul” (AMC, 2015- ). Throughout Dillingham’s varied career he shared screen and stage with Jane Seymour, Kevin Costner, Tony Danza, Patrick Duffy, Stacy Keach, John O’Hurley, Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Milo Ventimiglia, Bob Odenkirk, Aidan Quinn, B.J. Novak, Ashton Kutcher, Louie Anderson, Gilbert Gottfried, Loretta Lynn and others.
Sean has a new book out called The Book on Acting Volume 1: Before you Begin which is the ultimate insight into the reality of acting. He stopped by to chat with us about the book.
Hi Sean, today we’re talking about your new book – The Book on Acting Volume 1: Before you Begin.
Can you provide a brief summary of your book for those who may not be familiar with it?
Sure! Finally! A book on acting like no other! This is THE book to read even before you start on your journey into acting! Learn the facts, truth and reality of the entertainment business and the pursuit of the career called “acting”. Sean gives the nuts and bolts of the “real world” of becoming an actor. Dispels any myths and hits you right between the eyes with the truth!
About the Author:
As a working actor, Sean Dillingham has appeared in over 200+ commercials and 95+ films and 30 national television series. Sean has had network television appearances on Operation REPO, Discovery ID, Buried in the Backyard, The NightShift, Longmire, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, This is Us, There’s Johnny, Yellowstone, Gentified & Better call Saul!
He has acted alongside Kevin Costner, Tony Danza, Jane Seymour, Patrick Duffy, Roger Bart, Don Ameche, Stacy Keache, John O’Hurley, Andre Braugher, Andy Samberg, Milo Ventimiglia, Bob Odenkirk, America Ferrera, BJ Novak, Ashton Kutcher and more.
Sean has trained with several of the top Improv Troupes in the country including The Second City, The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade and I.O. West.
He has also studied acting with the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute & The Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
The Book on Acting Volume 1: Before you Begin
What’s inside:
– “Making it”
– Taking “REAL” Classes
– Acting is a Gypsy lifestyle
– The toughest part of acting
– When is the best time to start
– Becoming a perpetual student
…and much much more!
Where did the inspiration come from for it?
Honestly? Seeing actors ripped off and B.S.’ed for decades by “industry insiders” “actors with credits from decades ago, actors with no credits, casting directors that have suddenly become “actor gurus” , “master classes” and more. I was fed up with all the garbage being fed to actors and demanding hundreds of dollars. I thought enough is enough, and I will put down my words, advice and experience of 30 + years as a working actor. As if I sat someone down in front of me and said, okay here’s the real deal on acting…. This book is for people that are even just THINKING about being an actor.
How would you describe your writing process?
I just dictate and free flow into my mic and speak from my heart. I don’t try to use anecdotes, clever references or “wacky” stories – just the plain, honest truth. No fluff. Same type of teacher I am. I don’t tell you what you want to hear, I tell you what you NEED to hear!
What is the hardest part of the process for you?
Getting off my duff and doing it. I have books, films (short and feature) and more – but I work as an actor full-time as well as teach and life just gets busy.
Can you describe your routine or rituals that help you get into a creative mindset?
Sitting down, putting on some Jazz, making a glass of green tea, turn off all tv’s and just doing it.
What did you learn from writing the book?
That I like it, there will be more and I feel appreciative of being able to pass on this, well, more than knowledge, this knowledge and truth! And if it helps just one person and makes their journey a little easier, then I have succeeded.
How did you find the process of getting the book published?
It is incredibly easy nowadays. THANK YOU Amazon, Kindle and all the book partners like Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble and more!
What would you like your readers to take away from the book?
Truth, clear cut vision, solid advice and perhaps a little more of a clear roadmap.
Thanks very much for your time and all the best with the book.
SD Acting Studio: https://www.seandillingham.com/classes
