Ethan Lawrence, known for his roles in After Life and Boat Story, recently opened up about his struggles in the entertainment industry in a candid TikTok video. The 31-year-old actor revealed that he had been without work for over a year and was on the brink of giving up his profession.
In the video, Ethan expressed his frustration and despair, reflecting a wider mood in the TV and film world. He highlighted the challenges faced by not just actors, but all professionals in the creative industry, from camera operators to makeup artists.
According to Bectu, the union representing workers in the entertainment industry, more than half of people in the industry are still out of work following the Hollywood strikes last year. This has had a devastating impact on the UK’s film and TV production pipeline, with only 6% of workers seeing a return to normal work levels.
Ethan emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of individuals in the industry and the need for support during tough times. He shared his own experience of feeling overwhelmed and questioning his career choice after years of hard work.
Despite the challenges, Ethan’s TikTok video received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, encouraging him to continue pursuing his passion. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can shed light on the struggles faced by jobbing actors and inspire others to speak out about their experiences.
As the industry grapples with ongoing issues such as the impact of the pandemic, Brexit, and the aftermath of the Hollywood strikes, Ethan remains optimistic about the future. He believes that by raising awareness and advocating for change, the creative space can overcome these obstacles and thrive once again.
