This article is on a popular new character on "General Hospital", played by Caroline Hennesy:

Daily New on Carolyn Hennesy

As it happens I worked with Carolyn in a play years ago. She had to leave early to do an extended bit on "Dawson's Creek". Since then she's continued to be a working actor, in fact one of the people I often cite as an example of such, but only recently has she had a big break-through, playing a Mafia lawyer on "General Hospital".

I'd be more reserved about describing Carolyn's career, but in this interview she herself says:

quote:

"I'll be the first to admit, I've paid my dues, I've paid your dues, I've paid everyone's dues. I've worked in every small theater in town or certainly most of them. I've done work for free. I've worked for friends."

And therein lies a point I often make to actors starting out who ask how to become a working actor. The answer, as exemplified by Carolyn and other "names" I know, is to work, every chance you get.

A few years ago, I told Carolyn I'd had a reading of my first monologue book. "Why didn't you ask me to participate?" she asked. Uh, because it was unpaid, and for a small audience, and not on a par with her TV work?

She didn't care. She has always worked, first of all, to work.

And here she is, breaking through. Lovely to see.

Anyone who wants to be a working actor should read the article. There's a lot to learn from it.

Great post, Jim. She sounds like an amazing person.

Great insights!