okay, so here's my dilemma. I really am fascinated about acting, but I have not pursued it because people always kept telling me that "it's not a real job" and "you're unlikely to be successful" etc, so I never pursued it.

Anyway, I'm at a point in my life where I feel that I'm not in a career, so I want to pursue it seriously. But the problem I have is, will people look down upon me for doing this?

A lot of people find it "cool" when you tell them you want to pursue acting, but they don't understand how much work it will take, and how unsuccessful I could be.

Financially, I'm not sure how I will cope. Although I really want to pursue it, people have put doubts in my head as to the reality of making a living from acting. I was thinking about just starting acting classes to an advanced level, instead of going to drama school, but all the best actors seem to have gone to drama school.

The thing is, there's still no guarantee of "making it" and earning money from acting, even if I did go to drama school. It's just really frustrating at the moment for me. I really do have a passion and huge interest in Acting, but then reality kind of sets in and makes me think that maybe them people were right, maybe I'll never make it or earn a living salary.

Any advice, guys? Really struggling on what to do.

Also, I'm 24 year old guy from England. Not that this makes any difference lol.

No, it's not too old. You will be a little (not a lot) behind in the game, but with a little hard work, you will be right in the think of it with everyone else. And then you have to just keep at it, it could takes years of work before you see any success.

And yes, it is very hard to be successful. And here in LA, no one thinks it's cool when you want to be an actor... everyone is.

You don't need "drama school" per say, but you do need some good training.

And to add what Iceman has already said (great advice) if you worry about people putting doubts in your head, then stop and think if this is something you REALLY want to do. If you can't get past the negative points prior to even starting, how are you going to get past the negatives when you do. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of time so dont expect things to happen over night but if you can get past all that and the "discouragment", then get into that class and start having a go at it.

No, not even close to "too old". Tons of famous actors started as adults -- and at 24 you're practically still a teenager

http://voices.yahoo.com/actors...g-older-6745462.html