My name is Amir. I am half Scottish half Persian. I am an actor but that isn’t what I started out as. I am dyslexic, so school wasn’t very easy for me and I was left to my own means trying to deal with it. I feared everything and developed OCD as a result. The only thing that helped me get through tough times was making people laugh. I was always so confident telling funny stories.
Making it even harder when I was younger was the fact that I didn’t have a relationship with my birth mom. I hadn’t seen her since I was 7 and before we could reconnect later in life she passed away. She still managed to give me one of the greatest gifts - a letter saying that I should always do what I love and want in life, and always show other people love no matter what. That is exactly what I’ve done. I dreamed of being an actor ever since I can remember. But when you’re afraid of your own shadow pursuing your dreams is difficult.
Despite my struggles, I started making small steps - working hard to improve my life. I even worked up enough courage to start my own business and started to own my dyslexia too. My business was very successful. I had all of those things in the world that anyone could ever want. But all of the cars and motorbikes and toys, didn’t make me happy. I slowly started to understand the phrase – money can’t buy happiness. So … Taking my mom’s advice, I signed up for acting schools and went after my dream. An actor’s life appears to be glamorous to the general public, but it takes an emotional toll on you. You will hear NO a thousand times, before you ever hear yes. Too fat. Too short. Too slim. Wrong hair color and on and on… But I understand it now – they don’t say No to me personally – it’s a No to the fit. I’m just not what they’re looking for. It’s tough to remember that sometimes.
My personal philosophy is that people should respect each other more whether in life or on the job. Life is hard as is and we really shouldn’t make it any harder for ourselves. It drives me crazy when some people believe that their status in life somehow makes them better than someone else. My amazing stepmom taught me to respect people for who they are, not their status. She and my brother continue to inspire me every day. My advice to my younger self. Cherish yourself always. Take yourself on adventures and don’t be afraid of failing - Because that is how you grow. And always keep your inner child alive.
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