Broke Actors Turn to Fast Food Jobs to Survive

Summary

Actor Asia Kate Dillon posted on Instagram seeking part-time work in food service. Dillon said they had worked in catering and customer service before becoming a full-time actor in 2015. They described a decline in acting opportunities, particularly for transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming performers, and noted their service-industry experience and availability for evening and weekend shifts.

The hosts questioned whether sharing a résumé on Instagram was primarily a bid for sympathy or a way to connect with potential employers. They observed that unstable work is common for actors and that difficulty finding acting jobs is not unique to LGBTQ+ performers. They also noted that only a small share of SAG-AFTRA members qualify for health insurance, citing other actors who have discussed the challenge of working enough to meet the eligibility threshold.

The discussion acknowledged that acting is a precarious freelance career and that many performers rely on other jobs or income sources between projects. The hosts felt Dillon’s appeal might have been better received if framed more plainly as a request for work rather than emphasizing identity. They also remarked that casting and entertainment work increasingly depend on social-media followings and newer formats, such as vertical dramas.

Presenters and Contributors

• Brett Dasovic
• Mary