Craft Over Fame: Eddie Alderson
After unexpectedly starting an acting career at 5 years old, Emmy-nominated and Gold Derby-winning actor Eddie Alderson immediately clicked with his work, starring on One Life to Live for the next nine years while also appearing in Law & Order and films such as Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and Reservation Road. After a career of accolades and a sudden four-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Eddie wants to share career-defining insights that can help actors succeed in the ways that truly count and leave a lasting impact.
“Don’t forget where you came from and be true to yourself,” Eddie said, filled with a grounded satisfaction. “I grew up commuting to New York and LA, but I always came back to my home in Philadelphia, and my parents instilled the importance of doing normal ‘kid activities’. I played sports, hung out with friends at the mall at the weekend, and went to a public school. My favorite storyline on One Life to Live were Matthew’s high school years, and because I had similar interactions with my friends at my school, that experience helped my performance. Get as much real-life experience as you can to relate to your work.”
As he acted through a specific story where his character faced paralysis after a car accident, Eddie met many fans who faced similar struggles and resonated with his raw onscreen performance.
“That’s the real goal of acting: Hit it home and connect with a few people. Promote the craft more than the fame. If people go into acting to become famous, they’ll struggle for a long time, constantly changing for the sake of fame. But if you love acting, there are so many more things you can do beyond being a movie star. You can be involved in film without being Brad Pitt. If you love the craft and stick to the craft, the success will hopefully come, but you have to love what you do.”
This realization truly took form after Eddie’s cancer diagnosis and the battle that ensued.
“When you’re 21, you don’t expect something like cancer. I thought my life was going in one direction, but this gave me a totally different perspective on life. I pivoted after I was diagnosed and stayed positive, even in the chaos. I kept a positive mindset throughout all of it, even when I had doubts and felt scared. It opened my eyes to the importance of family and friends. Leaning on the people around you when you’re going through something tough is so important.”
Eddie doesn’t want actors to underestimate the importance of what really matters, especially when they have a love for the craft of acting.
“Appreciate what you have, especially steady acting jobs. Don’t take those for granted. In fact, acting doesn’t even have to be a career where you make money. You can work at a grocery store and make films with your friends on the weekends. Everyone sees Ferraris in LA and think that fame and money bring happiness, but if you look at all the people going through problems in Hollywood, you see that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But those aspects shouldn’t discourage anyone from diving into the industry, either, especially because it’s never been easier to be involved and make a film.”
So, Eddie has specific and often overlooked suggestions on how actors and filmmakers can hone their craft and find work.
“Find local projects and take part in them, no matter where you live, because there is so much happening beyond New York and LA. Think about options like news channels. Cities have multiple news stations and you can intern on their programs. If you’re truly passionate about acting and filmmaking, do whatever you can to make it happen. You’re only alive once.”
Eddie comprehends that truth better than most. He treasures quality time with his family and longtime girlfriend, and he is currently exploring multiple career avenues as he takes classes at a local college. However, unsurprisingly, he would still do acting purely because the craft fascinates him, and he hopes other actors will do the same.
“I’m grateful for every day and all the opportunities. Live life now because you’ll never know what will happen tomorrow.”
If you’re interested in more of Eddie’s journey and seeing his incredible perspective on the industry, feel free to click the links below:
Eddie Alderson (@Eddie_Alderson) / Twitter
Eddie Alderson (@eddiealderson) • Instagram photos and videos
