The tale of this legendary actor, who has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry in Hollywood, is quite astounding, since it began with extremely modest background. A far cry from the tranquil farm where he now stays with his family, where he is surrounded by animals and home-grown veggies, he began his acting career in a decrepit “flophouse” in New York City, paying only $150 per month. To this day, he is known for his captivating appearance and outstanding performances.
For as long as he could remember, he had an unquenchable thirst for acting. His mother had collected a treasure chest of costumes, and after each trip to the movie theater, he would rush home, grab his box of old garments, and dress up as characters from the films he had just watched he had just seen. He would become thoroughly engrossed in these roles, memorizing lines and acting out a variety of characters, ranging from a cowboy to a detective, depending on what he found most interesting at the time. A spark that compelled him to seek a profession in acting was his early years, which were impacted by his passion of make-believe.
His decision to leave his home in Philadelphia and relocate to New York City in 1976 was a courageous one. He was only 18 years old at the time, and he was prepared to face the obstacles that come with making it in the entertainment industry. In the beginning, he slept on the couch that belonged to his sister. However, he finally found a place of his own, which was an artist’s apartment that he obtained from an advertisement that was published in the Village Voice.
Even while it wasn’t quite flashy, it was the ideal compromise for his limited budget. This peculiar yet unforgettable arrangement lasted for four years, during which time he shared this little flat with a classical pianist. The soft sounds of his roommate playing the piano would reverberate throughout the flat late at night, serving as a soundtrack to his life in the city when he first arrived.
The Circle in the Square Theater School, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious acting institutions in the city, was where he received his training during these formative years. He once told Nancy Mills of Cosmopolitan, “I wanted life, man, the real thing.”
He was reflecting on those experiences at the time. What I received was a message that said, “The arts are it.” It is the work of the devil to be in business. When it comes to holiness, art and creative expression are right up there.'” Because he saw acting as a way to “live” life to the fullest, he was drawn to the honesty, intensity, and soul that it possessed.
His determination and enthusiasm helped him endure through the difficult route that led him from a dismal apartment in New York City to celebrity in Hollywood. On a family farm, he has discovered his safe haven, a place where he can relax and take pleasure in a peaceful existence, a great distance away from the tumultuous energy of the city that used to define his battle. We are reminded that sometimes the most exceptional lives begin in the most ordinary of locations, and his narrative is a monument to the strength of resilience and a reminder of this fact.
