EP 34: Diane Sargent: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Turned Actor

Author: Janet McMordie
Published: Fri 09 Sep 2022
Episode Link: https://www.secondactactors.com/e/ep-34-diane-sargent-doctor-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-turned-actor/

On this episode of Second Act Actors, I’m interviewing an actor with a life story like no other. Diane grew up in South Africa, sailed to the United States on a boat with her family, landed in San Diego and helped her parents to set up an ostrich farm. She was passionate about acting from a young age but then became a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Diane and I talk about how she rediscovered acting and what her life has been like since.

Diane talks about going up against the statistics of how many actors really ‘make it’ and how she keeps herself motivated in the face of such a challenge. She explains why it’s important to her that she calls acting her “vocation” and gives advice to other people who are considering starting out in the industry. We also dive into the financial burden of acting and our feelings around being financially independent. Listen to the end of the episode to find out why Diane’s amazing new headshot didn’t book her any roles and how that changed when she opted for a different photo!

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Timestamps

[1:35] Diane’s life story of growing up on a South African gold mine, sailing to the United States and then living on an ostrich farm

[3:10] Why Diane decided not to become an actor

[5:17] Taking an acting class and getting signed by an agent

[6:57] What were Diane’s parents like?

[8:30] The overlaps between acupuncture and acting

[11:27] “The challenge is real”: Diane breaks down the statistics about how much a typical actor earns and roles available for women and men

[15:02] What Diane does to keep herself motivated

[17:45] My personal struggles in acting

[21:20] Diane’s #1 book recommendation

[22:40] “I can’t quit”: What surprised Diane about starting acting

[26:02] How Diane keeps her love of acting alive