🎬 What does it really take to build a successful acting career—and why do so many talented actors struggle to turn their skills into consistent work?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, actor, stunt performer, and acting coach Alex Collins joins Deaton Gabbard and guest host Connor Holden to discuss more than 25 years in Hollywood, working with major stars, audition preparation, and the business of acting.

Alex shares how he left a corporate finance job to pursue acting, booked a national Chevy commercial, and moved to Hollywood. He takes us behind the scenes of The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and Apple TV+’s Manhunt, where he portrayed General Sherman.

Hear Alex’s story about rehearsing a fight scene with Jon Bernthal, the repeated slaps involved, and the question Jon asked him on set: “How can we make our scene better?” Plus, learn how Alex had just 20 minutes to learn General Sherman’s signature before filming.

Whether you're a new actor or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical advice on building your craft and navigating the entertainment industry.

Topics include: Jon Bernthal, Ben Affleck, The Accountant, Manhunt, stunt work, audition coaching, acting career advice, audition preparation, acting business skills, accountability, rejection, and dealing with cut scenes.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Alex Collins Extended Reel (Go to YouTube to watch this!)
08:00 Podcast Intro
08:51 Meet Alex Collins
09:55 Alex’s 25-Year Acting Journey
11:21 From Soccer to Corporate Finance
11:43 Quitting His Job to Pursue Acting
11:59 The Chevy Commercial That Changed Everything
12:50 Joining SAG-AFTRA Too Early
14:35 Playing General Sherman in Manhunt
15:17 Learning Sherman’s Signature in 20 Minutes
17:14 Playing a Blind Superhero
19:15 Working With Jon Bernthal & Ben Affleck
20:38 The Accountant Fight Scene
22:22 Jon Bernthal’s Slaps During Rehearsal
23:11 Jon’s Unexpected Question on Set
24:17 Becoming an Acting Coach
28:23 Building an Acting Boot Camp
30:52 Why Actors Need Accountability
31:33 “Full-Time Results With Part-Time Effort”
34:13 Building an Acting Career Outside LA
37:06 Is Acting Too Saturated?
38:55 Why Getting a Callback Is a Win
39:19 The Danger of Social Media Comparisons
41:05 When Your Scene Gets Cut
42:03 The Sleepy Hollow Scene That Disappeared
43:30 Focus on the Work, Not the Edit
44:59 How Every Acting Job Can Lead to Another
46:14 Where to Find Alex Collins
46:41 Where to Find Connor Holden
47:25 Final Thoughts

🎭 Follow Alex Collins
Instagram: @AlexBCollins
Website: https://alexbcollins.com/

Follow Connor Holden: @ConnorIsHolden on Instagram.

Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft and business of building a career in film and television. 🎙️

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Business & Guest Inquiries: podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com

Co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall.

Thanks for listening!