A big part of becoming a famous actor or performer is also participating in the lifestyle that comes with success. That could mean parties, private events, swirling social circles, and more.
In fact, opportunities usually arise from being there when they present themselves.
This is true of many celebrities, but even though Wayne Rogers was famous and wealthy, he hated participating in the Hollywood lifestyle.
Rogers is best known for his role in the 1972 film. mash In the series, he played the role of “Trapper” Captain John McIntyre. His character was a skilled surgeon in the 4077th Army and was known for being easy-going, funny, and kind.
According to a 1974 interview, most performers were happy to embrace the trappings and fluff of a Hollywood party. After being sent to St. LouisRogers hadn't been to a Hollywood party, premiere or awards dinner in years.
“Try winning an Emmy,” Rodgers said. “I've never won an Emmy. But what would happen if I won? What good would it do as an actor? Would it help increase my salary? I don't think so. Hmm. How much do you think an Emmy is worth? Thirty-three cents?”
Rogers said he had a hard time getting the gist of Hollywood glitz and glamor. Rogers even considered himself a serious actor devoted to literature.
According to interviews, Rodgers has strayed too far from the Hollywood lifestyle and has even started several side jobs. During the time he was away, mash He built condos, worked in microfilm production, and owned 2,500 acres of vineyards in California.
“Someone once told me that you shouldn't try to change Hollywood,” Rogers said. “That's not my point at all. I don't want Hollywood to change me.”
Rogers said he hasn't changed much in the 15 years he's been appearing in movies and television.
Having other businesses and careers besides acting helped keep him grounded. Even before he became famous, Rogers worked as a lifeguard, a waiter, and several other “normal” jobs. He learned to value his time through a job that gave him little time to act.
Not only was Rogers a business savvy man who had held a variety of jobs, he also loved working. According to the article, he was working in the fields and planting grapes in the vineyard for three months before and after this interview.
“It's funny, there are very few stars in town that I know of,” Rogers said. “There's no reason to know them. I'm not interested in the values they have. Some of them are great, like Mike Connors and Lee Marvin. There's nothing fake about them. There's no cows involved. ”
“There are some incredible actors out there, the ones who go to all the parties,” Rogers continued. “If an Emmy Award is worth 33 cents, how much is a premiere worth?”
According to Rogers, there's more to life than attending Hollywood parties and premieres. He knows his true hard work, and his struggle to become an actor was enough time for Rogers.
“The real excitement is being the underdog, taking a stand intellectually and emotionally, and taking risks,” Rogers said. “When the results come in, he puts himself on the line and knows where he stands. I never felt like that at a Hollywood party.”
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