‘Better Call Saul’ Star Jonathan Banks: Acting ‘Ain’t About New Head Shots’

Repeat Emmy nominee doles out good advice about passion, commitment — and whether to “get a real job”

“Better Call Saul’” star Jonathan Banks has some solid advice for aspiring actors: “Just act.”

Don’t give up in the face of rejection, the repeat Emmy nominee said. And don’t listen to people who insist you “get a real job.”

“It won’t work, pal,” he said at a panel discussion for TheWrap’s Emmy Season Screening Series  Thursday night. “You’re an artist. If you chose to be an artist, you might have to live with that mentality until the day you die… If you’re an actor, you’ve got to act. It ain’t about new head shots.”

Speaking with “Underground” star Aisha Hinds, “Fargo” star Mary Elizabeth Winstead and “Timeless” star Abigail Spencer — all of whom talked about how they withstood doubters and advice to give up — he said its important for actors to remember the reason for their work. “It’s the performance that you share with another person.”

Banks also discussed what inspired him want to become an actor. “When I’m 16, maybe 17, I see “Zorba the Greek,” and… I see Anthony Quinn dancing through life and I thought, Jesus Christ, that’s who I want to be,” he said. “That’s what made me want to be an actor.”

Watch the full video above, and check out our posts on what Hinds, Winstead and Spencer told the audience.

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