Is Alex a great actor? Well, let’s see. According to Rae Lewis (Yahoo! Contributor Network, May 24, 2007), The Top Eight Qualities of a Great Actor are (Of course, these are givens. There are other individual factors that come into play):
Number Eight: An actor must be flexible.
Particularly difficult (at NIDA) was the constant feeling of being under a microscope and judged as a performer, and he, like every actor, was frequently rejected for roles.
"You're told, 'You shouldn't take it personally' but what you're being told as an actor when you audition and you don't get the role is specifically: 'not you, this role'."
Number Seven: An actor must be dedicated.
"I certainly aspire to art. That is why I am involved in this craft." "I love doing what I'm doing and I'm so grateful to be working."
Number Six: An actor must be passionate.
“I was taught by very passionate people and I am a passionate person. I was taught that passion is either constructive or deconstructive. I keep trying to build on that and be constructive. If you don’t approach a character passionately, if you’re not trying to elevate the material then you’re probably in the wrong job. I want to be better each day. “
Number Five: An actor must be confident.
“There’s a saying: ‘Hollywood eats the weak.’ And I’m still here, baby.”
Number Four: An actor must be talented.
ALEX O'Lachlan is touted as one of Australia's most talented up-and-coming actors…
(June 16, 2005, Role a Real Pearler, By Jonathon Moran; Source: news.com.au)
Number Three: An actor must be loud.
At NIDA’s Parade Theatre, Alex was expected to perform Shakespeare in an auditorium which held 707 and included 2 galleries.
Number Two: An actor must be enthusiastic.
“I'm very tenacious, and I'm a go-getter. When I believe in something, I go after it."
Number One: An actor must be personable.
“My mom, my dad and my grandparents have always taught me the importance of giving. It’s a real principle in our family.”
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From Alex’s own quotes and factual information, he has the qualifications to become a great actor. So, why doesn't he think so? Could it be he is so fearful of fame that he holds himself back?
Dec. 2007 - "I do not think I'm a great talent. I think I'm a medium talent, but I think I understand the business and enjoy the business.”
Sept. 2009 - “I’m not a great talent. I’m a medium talent, but I have a good work ethic. I’ll work because of that. But I knew I had to chase it.”
Nov. 2011 - “Look, I don’t think I’m massively talented but I have a clear understanding of how it all works. And I work really hard. I work my arse off.”
Well, if that’s the way he feels about himself, that’s fine with me. Alex may never want to be a great actor. What he seems to consider himself is a Journeyman. A Journeyman, by definition, is any experienced, competent but routine worker or performer. A worker who is reliable but not outstanding. He shows up for work, plays Steve McGarrett for several hours a day, and goes home. It’s routine and he’s competent at it.
Some people are just happier being average. In Alex’s case, he is successful and happy in this moment. It’s this journey he’s taking that will eventually get him to his desired destination.
“Hopefully I’ve got the chops once this [Hawaii Five 0] finishes to do something that’s good enough to make people see me in a different light again.”
Wherever Alex wants to go, he’ll get there. Even if he prefers staying in the shadows, he’ll shine through.
To be honest Pam, I don't think any modest actor will ever say that they are/have this great talent (not ever Meryl Streep) Acting achievements are not always measurable (an athlete can maybe say I am the greatest because I'm the fastest etc.) In my eyes, by saying he is medium, he acknowledges that he's got enough talent to make it big. Really hope he gets something big that can be shot in a short time, that can be done during hiatus, before H5-0 one day ends (hope only in 7yrs time)! The world really needs to see more of his talent on the big screen soon.
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