In his early 40’s, Michael Emerson was still not able to financially support himself by acting. Multiple EMMY wins and two highly rated television shows later Emerson takes us on his epic journey to Hollywood stardom.

Here are my 3 personal takeaways from Michael Emerson:

1. You have to love it. There’s no way Michael Emerson would have made the necessary sacrifices if he didn’t love what he was doing. He went beyond what was often comfortable. There’s also something to be said for putting in the hours. Doing a skill over and over again makes one better.Filming and writing my comedy videos, I loved the 15% of the process that was fun. The other 85% is normally difficult with lots of problem solving. There’s no way I would have stuck with it over the years if I didn’t love it.



Make every effort to enjoy the process (I still sometimes struggle with this, but am getting better). Michael was acting in Florida and Alabama. While he couldn’t fully support self on acting alone he loved doing it. You need to have that passion.

2. The Power of Asking. This ledMichael Emerson to his big break on stage as well as the show Person of Interest. When the lead role of a play he was in was being recast he ASKED the director, “Could I audition for the lead?” This changed his life. After LOST when one project fell through he ASKED JJ Abrams and Carlton Cuse what role they might have for him. You must ask.

Is it sometimes hard and nerve racking? Yes. Writer Gail Parent and her co-writer had sold a screenplay. Barbra Streisand was set to star. The instant Gail Parent sold her screenplay and got paid she was off movie. They were going to bring another writer on board to make changes and Parent wouldn’t even allowed to be on set. A month later she was walking on the beach. To her surprise the only other person on the beach was Barbara Streisand. They had never met. Gail Parent knew this was her only opportunity to get back on the movie. Parent was terribly nervous. It way out of her comfort zone, but she went up to Streisand on the beach. The next day Parent was on set and stayed there the remainder of the film. Going through that uncomfortable feeling of nervousness and going up to Streisand was a game changer.

Try asking for things that will get you closer to your goal. If you’re nervous good, join the club. Comedian Carol Leifer is an expert in asking. Her method is asking people, “Would you consider (big request)?” I highly recommend her book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying” which illustrates her asking and tenacity in which she’s often rewarded.

3. Work a day job in order to do what you care about

In Florida and New York, Michael Emerson had many different days jobs to continue doing the thing he loved which was acting.

This is true for nearly all of you who have a big goal or dream. Day jobs allow you the freedom to work on what you care about.



Stephen Colbert was a waiter for 11 years while pursuing acting. It allowed him to get on stage narly every night in Chicago to get better at his craft

I could do an entire episode on the day jobs I’ve held while I worked on my comedy videos. I had day jobs on TV shows for years that were not creative positions. While I did learn a lot on these show and made good friends, they were strictly to allow me to pay my rent while working on my craft.

My question to you:

What would you do for years, even decades with minimal to no compensation because you love it?

I would love to hear your takeaway on this episode or on any previous episodes either by social media you can find me on Twitter at @mmalkoff and on Instagram at @markmalkoff or by emailing me at persistence360@gmail.com

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Michael Emerson

Twitter- @MichaelEmerson



Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/MichaelEmersonOfficial/

Website- http://michaelemerson.tv/



I highly recommend reading Carol Leifer’s book.