Michelle Williams Reflects on Her Outstanding Acting Journey

CF Blog | March 27

Michelle Williams believes one of the best things that ever happened to her was to "not have any kind of early success." It was after seeing a local play during her childhood that Michelle Williams' interest in acting was piqued. But when she put herself out there around eleven years old, the budding star realized what a challenging goal she had set for herself. "It's a hard childhood to have or a lack of a childhood to have," she once said. In this BAFTA Guru interview, the multi award-winning actress describes those early days saying, "When I first started auditioning, I auditioned for two years without ever getting a job. And two years is a lot of auditions. It's a lot of being told no." The Manchester by the Sea star now speaks from the vantage point of being a four-time Oscar nominee. She continues:

"The longer that you want something and you don't get it, but are able to withstand that kind of rejection, and still say that this is what you want to do, the stronger that it makes you. And the more able you are to weather the inevitable ups and downs--which really is just the life of an actor. Because there is no consistency and there is no security at any time. You're always thinking: 'Where is my next job? Where is it going to come from? What am I going to do?'"

Fortunately, young Michelle landed her first screen appearance at the age of 13 in an episode of the television series Baywatch, and her film debut in Lassie. And from Brokeback Mountain to Wonderstruck (which is currently in postproduction) roles certainly have continued to pour in over the years. With all her acting experience, she's been speaking about a number of lessons she's learned along the way. Here is some nuggets of wisdom she's accumulated.

Williams shared some important information she's learned to make her of more value to directors during a Variety Actors on Actors interview. First, she makes sure to "really know [the directors'] world." Besides watching films they've authored, she pursues their influences and what inspires them "so I know how I can best sort of serve their vision because ultimately it really is a director's medium." But thinking of herself as a color on any given director's palette, she was surprised to discover another lesson:

Actor-to-Actor Advice

CF Blog | March 25

Jack Nicholson once said, "I hate giving advice, because people won't take it." Well, here are some actors that certainly did appreciate the advice of their acting colleagues. In fact, they never forgot the words of wisdom. Here are a few of them.

Johnny Depp recollected a number of acting greats who encouraged him along the way. "All the amazing people that I've worked with--Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman--have told me consistently: 'Don't compromise. Do your work, and if what you're giving is not what they want, you have to be prepared to walk away.'"

Laura Linney said that her fellow actor, Kevin Kline gave her the following acting advice: "[He] told me, 'Film acting is all about relaxation.'"

Meet the Blacks star Bresha Webb said, "Marlon Wayans is a great friend and always told me to go with my gut and just really put it all out there. As an artist that's been very freeing for me."

Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher once told Meryl Streep: "Take your broken heart; make it into art."

Jake Gyllenhaal once shared, "Dustin Hoffman said to me that I didn't have to do as much as I thought I had to do."

James Franco said, "Seth Rogen said, 'I'll never do a movie that I wouldn't go see if I wasn't in it."

When Jennifer Connelly was asked the best acting advice she's ever received, she answered, "Leonardo DiCaprio said someone said to him, 'The pain is temporary, the film is forever."