What it takes to be an actor

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

"How can I tell if I have what it takes to be an actor?"

First, a warning: be very clear not to confuse this question with "How do I know if I will be a success?" "Have what it takes" refers to ability to act. Ability may or may not lead to success.
A story before we dive into "what it takes" vs. "success."
A young child raised in the rural south dreamed of singing opera. Life just didn't quite work out that way. But the dream persisted and the self yearned to sing its song. Then, years later all alone in a spotlight on a darkened Off-Broadway stage, sitting on a "boulder" night after night, she sang an exquisite song about the birds in Ireland. The dream was filled. The self was filled. No, not Casta Diva or Lucia's Mad Scene. But her song. The idea of "success" was not compromised. It was just allowed to change. Let the self dictate the meaning of success. Not money and fame but the joy of the action.
The simple truth is you can't tell if you have the ability. To repeat what has been said in these articles a dozen times: talent is not the sole element that determines success. You may have enough talent to be an actor, but even great talent cannot guarantee success.