Todd Kramer and Jay Reum sit down with actor Nigel Barber to talk about something few performers ever achieve: a fifty-year career in acting — and still enjoying the work.
With credits spanning five decades, Nigel shares stories, lessons, and hard-earned perspective from a life lived inside the craft and profession. From major studio productions to cult projects and everything in between, this is a wide-ranging, generous conversation about longevity, adaptability, and what it really takes to stay working over the long haul.
Together, they explore how the industry has changed, what hasn't, and why curiosity, professionalism, and resilience matter more than trends or shortcuts. It's reflective, funny, grounded — and packed with insight for actors at any stage of their journey.
If you've ever wondered what a real acting career looks like over time, this episode is essential listening.
00:00 – Welcome & introducing Nigel Barber
03:30 – Fifty years in acting: how it all began
08:20 – Early training, influences, and first breaks
14:10 – Building a career before the modern industry
20:45 – Longevity, consistency, and staying employable
27:30 – Adapting as the industry changes
34:40 – Big productions vs smaller projects
41:10 – Lessons learned the hard way
47:50 – Professionalism, reputation, and trust
54:30 – What younger actors misunderstand about careers
01:01:20 – Craft vs career: finding balance
01:08:10 – Looking back without nostalgia
01:14:40 – Why acting still matters
01:21:00 – Advice for actors thinking long-term
01:27:30 – Final reflections & wrap-up
The Crown
007 – Spectre
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Hatfields & McCoys
You, Me and the Apocalypse
Baywatch
Partisan
Roboshark
Firequake
50 Ways to Kill Your Lover
Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix
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🌐 Todd's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer
🌐 Jay's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jayreum
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