I have to do this!

My mother is a singer. She's a classically trained opera singer, having appeared on Broadway, and is a member of the original cast of "South Pacific." Her success in New York happened before I was born, but even after becoming a mother, she continued to sing and perform. I new her to be a singer as equally as I new her to be my mother. It is woven into the fabric of of her cells.

I always new I wanted to act, but it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s did I realize that if I didn’t even try to be an actor, I would completely regret my life. With that, I left my job, and went back to school to learn.

Perhaps it’s because I started pursuing an acting career late, or that I’m not a commercial success, or that I don’t have to do it for the money, but there are those who view my acting as if it were a hobby. I don’t put myself through the rejections, the expense, the training, the time away from my family, the imposition on my husband, and the pressure, because it’s playtime.

I have to do it, it is a part of me. This is my fabric.

And I'm greatly saddened by those who don't understand.