Glen Powell Credits NCIS Role For Helping Him Through Career Lull, Claims Hollywood ‘No Longer Supports’ Struggling Actors

As an ardent admirer of Glen Powell, I find his journey from struggling actor to Hollywood heavyweight truly inspiring. His resilience and determination are evident in every role he takes on, and it’s clear that his experiences have shaped him into the talented artist we know today.


Before Glen Powell achieved stardom, he recalls that small roles in TV shows and films helped him cover his expenses in Hollywood. The star of “The Twisters,” who’s been active since 2003, reminisced about his tough days as a struggling actor and empathized with those still attempting to crack the entertainment world. He worries that the industry has grown less nurturing towards aspiring actors.

In a conversation with Vanity Fair for their Hollywood 2025 edition, Powell (aged 36) stated that the business no longer offers the same level of support to struggling actors as it did during his rise, implying a change in its approach towards emerging talent.

The actor reminisced, “I did an episode of NCIS, and it sustained me financially for about a year. I hope you understand what I’m saying?” In 2012, Powell featured in two episodes of the well-known CBS series, NCIS, playing Marine Sergeant Evan Westcoat. Although the actor didn’t disclose his exact earnings, he hinted that the money was substantial enough to cover living expenses in Hollywood for a year while making savings on unnecessary personal expenditures, indicating its significance.

Powell clarified that while you might not be in a position to purchase anything substantial in that town, you can still reside there. Small opportunities, such as securing a commercial role, help sustain your livelihood.

From 2003 to 2013, the actor known for Anyone But You appeared as a guest star on shows like Jack & Bobby, Without a Trace, CSI: Miami, Rizzoli & Isles, and NCIS. He also played roles in several shorts and other films during this period.

Powell admitted that as an aspiring actor, there’s hardly any tougher place to reside than Hollywood, because the value in that city revolves around one’s current relevance and recent work.

In Hollywood, it’s not uncommon for promising newcomers to find themselves stuck in a cycle when they lack notable achievements of their own, as Powell observed with compassion. They tend to persist in taking chances without questioning the reasons behind them.

Despite finding himself in a potential career rut, he successfully steered clear of it and in 2015, he secured his first significant acting role, portraying Chad Radwell on Scream Queens. The subsequent year saw him in Hidden Figures, while Top Gun: Maverick premiered in 2022 following his performance alongside Tom Cruise in the action thriller. This marked a significant boom in Powell’s acting career.

Until more favorable circumstances occur for those going through tough times now, Powell offered some insightful advice based on his own experiences. He suggested that aspiring actors should pretend and deceive themselves a bit, emphasizing that the difficult period they’re experiencing is merely a temporary chapter in the grander tapestry of life. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Hollywood figures they idolize—those who persevered through extended periods of hardship—can also provide encouragement.

In the upcoming year, you’ll see Powell back on TV alongside Chad Powers. Furthermore, he has plans to appear in shows like Running Man and possibly others.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but appreciate the humility that oozes from Powell’s work. He’s always aware that fortune could shift in a heartbeat, which is why he consistently puts his audience before himself when it comes to his craft. It’s not about him; it’s about us, the fans who eagerly await each new creation.

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2024-11-15 15:07