Why does a lot of well known actors, especially the more attractive ones, in general were tease and have problems in their growing years? A lot have a story to tell...

examples,

Megan Fox locked herself up in the bathroom during lunch, and never had any friends except a few guys.
Marilyn Monroe; enough said.
Angelina Jolie, self cut, depressed.
Johnny Depp, self cuts, drop out.
Elvis (he was in some movies), shy, and unpopular in high school.
Tom Cruise, bullied

just a few on top of my head, but a lot of them had issues

Pretty People Syndrome?

I think that most people have had self esteem at some point in their lives. Everyone has something that they were likely teased about - whether they were bookworms, had acne, too short or too tall, wore glasses, overweight or too skinny, had an accent, didn't have a lot of money - kids will find a way to single people out.

It doesn't end once you hit puberty, either. Actors, performers, artists and athletes are often judged on the success of their most recent work. Have you ever heard the phrase "you're only as good as your last (insert word here)"?

The public is finicky, and they can love you one day and hate you the next. Even the strongest performers ride a roller coaster of emotions. Some people talk openly about their experiences, others don't. I don't think it has to do with how physically attractive someone is.

Any I would hardly count Megan Fox as a "well known actor". If you read the tabloids, you'd know her, but her body of work isn't that well known.

They come from f**ked up homes- 'nuff said. It's their desperation for shallow recognition from strangers that drives them to success. They will sell their souls to get there and many people are too wll-adjusted to make such a sacrifice. People who grow up thinking they are nothing, will not hesitate to do things many of us wouldn't dream off as they lack the confidence and judgement to make a sound decision. People will no love for themselves or self repect have no problem pimping themsleves out for fame/fortune etc. If you think you are a piece of meat, you'll allow yourself to be treated that way. That's why we also have porn stars and strippers. I am not saying this applies to all those people but it certainly holds true with more people in Hollywood than you realize.

When people think they have nothing, they'll do ANYTHING to get something.

Success should NOT be confused with spritual fulfillment and happiness.

I'd like to remind you how several of them turned out, Mystique.

You need to forget about those types and stop trying to relate to them. I know that's what you're doing and it's not healthy. It's part of self-pity and I think you are almost glamorizing it all. Until you can rise above that and demand better and get some better role models, things won't get better.

Lecture over.

I think its pretty obvious that Mystique is not alone in her idolization of those folks. Not going to judge her...i like most of them too.

But, as an actor/artist/whatever, you should find inspiration in their WORK, not their personal lives. Think about the films they made, the roles they played which captivated you in the first place.

Some of my favorites are equally loony, but have a perserverence through thick and thin rather than a mopeyness. These guys are crazy, you can see it in their eyes, but their problem doesn't seem to be low self esteem...it might be too much!

For example, one of my favorite performers and filmmakers is Dennis Hopper. anyone who knows about him knows he is obviously troubled. Basically, to make a long story short, he began his career in the 50s, fairly young. He was blacklisted for naughty goings on on the set of the all time classic "Rebel Without A Cause". A quick glance at his resume during his "blacklisted" time reveals quite a body of work...a lot of b-movies, westerns and tv...but he was blackballed none the less. He triumphantly came back directing and starring in "Easy Rider" a film that has ranked among the classics of all time. He then desented into drugs and a mania so strong that I think the drugs might have actually been the only cure he had. His next film as director was the horribly misunderstood (now considered ahead of its time) film "The Last Movie." I have seen this film...i liked it, but it is not the work of a sane mind, thats for sure. Again he disappears, appearing occasionally to "play" a raving loon in such films as "Apocalypse Now". This "deemed crazy" stigma by the powers that be lasts nearly 15 years. Its at that point he hears word David Lynch is looking for someone to play a sexually depraved, unbelievably foulmouthed, unrelentingly sinister villain Frank Booth. Hopper tracks down David Lynch (or his agent...) and tells him, "I won't just play Frank Booth...I am Frank Booth." He was right, and one of the nastiest screen characters ever was born for the film "Blue Velvet."

Today Dennis Hopper is a multi-millionaire, a very respected actor and filmmaker, founder of the Las Vegas Film Festival, star a numberous mainstream and underground movies and even stars in insurance commercials. While still obviously eccentric, he is drug-free as far as anybody knows.

Why does Dennis Hopper's life give me inspiration? Well, first and foremost, I really like his WORK. I like seeing him in movies, even the crappy ones. The work should always be what you are relating to. Second, he seems to roll with the punches really well. this is a guy who has been blacklisted TWICE, and somehow come back on top each time. And been involved in more classic movies than any living actor I can think of at the moment. I am sure thats a credit to his TALENT. His problems with drugs, alcohol and other nonsense is more of an interesting footnote than anything.

Anyway, just thought I'd add that. Not sure if I added a whole lot of clutter here by talking about someone with as many problems as those listed above...but at least its someone who beat them and used his own faults to his advantage.

--John

I think a lot of it comes down to people with artistic personalities in general being a little maladjusted. We're right-hemispheric people in a left-hemispheric world and some develop odd coping mechanisms. I'm glad I was good at sports growing up. Anybody that tried to Queen Bee me was in for a good ass whoopin'.

Although these things are common for every type of person, I think (and I'm sure there is some sort of evidence for this) that artistic minds bend a bit more to things like this - whether it is from the wiring in the brain or circumstances - I'm guessing a bit of both.
However it would behoove someone to not stay in that painful place, but rather use it to become a stronger person.

I was one of those people due to I'm sure both circumstance and the way my brain works. I am certainly not your typical well adjusted accountant! But for the most part, I have found a balance between remembering the pain I came from because it one, helps me as an actor/artist, and two reminds me of who I am, but also moving beyond that - to take control of my life, and be secure in who I am.

Now as an actor, certianly part of me cries out for attention and desires to be liked, but it is now balanced by my wanting to act because I love it for the sake of the art, for the sake of creating, and sharing a message with others.

By doing this, I don't have to take any 'ol part that comes along, I don't have to shatter what few libral values I have :-) and I can choose what I want to do based on the challenge of the role, the people I work with, and the enjoyment of simply doing it! I don't need money, acceptance, or fame, just the venue to create!