Working as a Hollywood actor is an exhilarating and demanding experience that requires a deep passion for the craft, resilience, and dedication. Preparing for auditions is a crucial aspect of an actor's life, as it is the gateway to landing coveted roles in movies, television shows, and theater productions. To succeed, actors must meticulously study the script, analyze their characters, and develop a deep understanding of the story. They immerse themselves in the world of the project, researching the era, setting, and context, to bring authenticity to their performance.
My guest Merrick McCartha shares that finding love in auditioning is essential for actors to maintain their motivation and drive. It involves embracing the excitement and challenge of each new opportunity, rather than dwelling on the outcome. This mindset allows actors to approach auditions as valuable learning experiences, regardless of the work, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Memorizing lines is a fundamental skill for actors. Merrick spends hours practicing and rehearsing dialogue, internalizing the words to deliver them convincingly and authentically. He employs various techniques to memorize lines effectively, including repetition, visualization, and breaking down the script into smaller, manageable parts.
Being professional is a non-negotiable aspect of a successful Hollywood acting career. It entails arriving on set or in the audition room well-prepared, punctual, and respectful toward the cast and crew. Merrick demonstrate a strong work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to take direction constructively. He maintains a positive attitude, even in challenging circumstances, and collaborates effectively with fellow actors and the production team.
In the journey of working as a Hollywood actor, the love for the craft, coupled with rigorous audition preparation, the ability to memorize lines and professionalism, form the pillars of success. Embracing these elements not only enhances an actor's skill set but also contributes to personal growth and fulfillment within the industry.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Merrick is a student of Yale School of Drama faculty Gregory Berger-Sobeck (Berg Studios), an active member of the prestigious Road Theatre Company, and a student of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Rob Clare. This gifted and intense dramatic actor also has strong comedy chops gleaned from touring with The Hinges Improv troupe. Merrick can be spotted in several commercials, print ads and as a guest star on many top tv shows, including This Is Us, 9-1-1, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more. You may already recognize him from his recurring role on the CW Network hit, All American, as Simone’s dad Robert Hicks. He also brings big laughs to the Netflix original feature, Senior Year, a comedy with Rebel Wilson and Josh Hartley. In 2020, Merrick produced and starred in a multi-award-winning indie short titled Ira Aldridge, the story of the first black actor to perform Othello on a London stage.
Merrick began very young in theater in Detroit before moving to California to complete a degree in engineering. A chance meeting with a veteran actor inspired him to start taking classes. His first experience with film was with the short film team, Amalgamated Grommets, winning multiple awards over several consecutive years in San Diego and Los Angeles…including the hit ‘The Heiress Lethal’, a film noir comedy, which was chosen to screen at the International Cannes Film Festival. After a few years of intensive training and struggle, he is now a consistently working actor for films, episodic, and commercials.
