Dear Editor:

The real problem with all "galmour professions" such as acting, and also writing, is that there is very little room in them for people who are not at the top of their field. That means that for an actor who is not established, there is no middle class career track. Either one becomes famous and makes a lot of money, or one makes no money at all.

I can certainly understand why Birkenhead would like to stop acting, but I really do not understand why he would substitute one "winner take all" occupation for another one with similar problems. If he wrote that he was off to Law School or Business School, or even if he found himself a teaching job, then I would understand. But what makes him think that writing is going to be any easier than acting?

Sincerely,

Arthur C. Hurwitz

i've seen you "act". believe me your no actor.

It bewilders me that your candid, often self-effacing and, by the way, wonderful piece has provoked anger and bitterness amongst some.

It amuses me that "d artesani" would attack you without a good command of apostrophes and commas.

I eagerly await more of your writing.

d artesani--you might want to brush up on basic grammar and punctuation before you send nasty, unjustified little missives like the one you posted here.

The writer/actor should take heart from the example of Ford Rainey, another "utility actor" whose acting career didn't launch until he was in his 40s and who was still appearing in TV sitcoms in his 90s. He also played diverse serious and classical roles. Mr. Birkenhead may still have a rich acting career ahead of him. And his writing is human and appealing in its concerns.

Compelling writing, Peter! I enjoyed your piece immensely and hope you stick with the new career. As a working writer the last 20 years, though, I hate to say that I do agree with the other writers who have shared some "real life" thoughts in the Letters here. I've written 40 travel guides, many of them part of the well-known series you see in your local bookstore. I get plenty of the same envious comments from regular folks about being "lucky," "dream job," "tell me how to do what you're doing."

Truth is, though, like a mid-level working actor, I go from low flat-fee book project to book project, never knowing when I'll get work again. Weeks go by where I make $5 stretch for days, waiting to sign a contract, rush to do the work, and get paid. The last paid job I had was in December, and I'm going on four months now without income. The only writer friends who are able to keep doing this have spouses with REAL JOBS and lots of support for their partners' dreams. It's tough, tough, tough, doing this alone....

I'm 50 this year, have never had enough money to live in one place, get married, or have kids. You never think that years will go by, but if you're dedicated and focused, they do. It's good to look up from time to time and evaluate. Reaffirm your commitment to life. It also helps to have spiritual practice. You need nothing if not faith. And get really, really good at enjoying a stripped-down life doing free things in a beautiful place. Better to starve somewhere lovely than in money-mad downtown New York City.

As for me: What did I do three years ago? I followed my creative heart once again and retrained as a massage therapist and bodyworker! Now I have two careers that pay nothing, no money for next month's rent, but somehow I feel that I stayed true to myself. It's lonely doing that. But it's the only way.

I liked your description of the high of acting. Writing, as you surely know by now, has some of the same adrenaline highs. When it's good, it carries you into the stratosphere, and you commune with angels. Who was it who said "The majority of people live lives of quiet desperation..."? A good thought to hold when things are really tough.

Good luck! Good luck! Good luck! You're on the right track.

Nicky

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This article offers an honest bouquet with refreshing finish, hints of humility, resolution, acceptance. Pairs well with pie (preferably humble). Strong humorous notes. Slight bitterness. Overall, a pleasantly surprising discovery amid the usual discordant din. Well done!

Birkenhead was quite good, for what it's worth. Although perhaps 'Adulterer with Herpes' is a tricky role to put on one's resume.

I acted with Peter Birkenhead in the old days when we were searching for pussyface and pussy and spending late nights at the Mews Tavern in the Village with our old druggy friend chris bacher. It was the most romantic time of our lives and we did live to act and get laid.

last time I saw peter was six years ago in the hamptons and he was just about to get married. Guess it didn't work out.

Since then I moved to L.A. with my wife and son, where I am a writer. I don't know if I'll ever see Peter again, but I do know one thing...I acted with him, I saw him on Broadway, and there can be no argument, Peter Birkenhead is a motherfucking great actor, no matter what they may think of him at Paramount.

J.R. O'Hara

Good luck Peter. I remember the day I met you and John....where does the time go. How many small houses did we act in, theaters in the middle of nowhere in the East Village, auditioning numerous times a day, rehearsing, performing.......and now it is 20 years later. I was never able to snag an agent who believed in me - oh yeah, I was told "wow, your really versatile.......I don't know what to do with you" - a compliment? the run around? a come on? It is hard to give up a dream. Especially when some of my classmates are making 7 digits a movie (sorry, I don't name names in cyberspace). I have reinvented myself a few times - just as a new character is intruiging, so are new jobs.......but not for the love of it at first, no, but for health benefits, convenience, children, property taxes (I live in Westchester). My dream of being a working actor is always there......but at 45, I am daunted by the prospect of starting all over. What we were able to do in our 20s was a joy, something that one does at that age without encumbrances, before life's responsibilities take over. I still have people ask me "what were you in?" when I mention my theater career - I was in the kind of plays writers like you and John were struggling to produce. The creative process is infectious - I am glad to see both you and John Ryker Ohara are still writing and sharing a new stage - a web page in cyberspace! Good luck - it is not about the destination, rather it is about the journey. Love, Lee Robin Kerkapoly (nee Gebhardt)