Meet Michael Tourek | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Tourek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I have spent the better part of 3 decades cultivating my acting career. There is an age-old adage, “Acting is a marathon. Not a sprint.”

Success, however you chose to define it, does not happen overnight. Over the years I have defined my career and success in many different ways, but there are still specific goals I am striving to reach. Having spent the better part of 3 decades in this industry, I simply am not ready to give up. There are still things I want to accomplish. Not to mention, I don’t know that I am qualified to do anything else but act – (and be a father/husband).

This brings me to my next point. My daughter has been bitten by the acting bug. She is currently taking classes and constantly peppering me with questions about the industry and how she can someday be successful.

I see that hunger and spark in her eyes when she talks about acting and it reminds me of when I was younger and first starting out. It reminds me of the hard work I’ve put into honing my craft and networking, the sleepless nights hoping for a booking, and the long weeks away from my family working. She still sees the industry with romanticism in her eyes and most importantly she reminds me of why this industry is fun and at the end of the day it’s always about playing!

I keep going for her. I keep going for me. I keep going for all of my family and friends that have championed me along the way, supported me when I was down (even broke), and cheered for my successes.

At the end of the day, I am an actor. It is what I was meant to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I don’t know that my story is any different or more special than others. It’s a basic story of perseverance and hard work. It’s a story of sacrifice. It has its successes but most importantly it’s not over. My story is still ongoing.

I am proud of the modest career I’ve cultivated to this point and I’m excited about the next several chapters even though I have no idea what’s next.

Lessons learned:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Always unpack your bag in the hotel no matter how short your stay is.
Be present, mindful, and gracious.
Have a strong support system.
Self-care is key.
Work/Life balance is a real thing and can be a struggle at times, but always remember the scales will right themselves eventually.
Always remember, YOU ARE ENOUGH!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t live in ATL but when I’m there I always, ALWAYS go to Fat Mat’s Rib Shake.

We’d definitely take in some sights: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Georgia Aquarium, NCAA Football Hall of Fame (GO BIG RED!), Coca Cola Museum.

Hopefully, the visit falls sometime in the spring so we could take in a baseball game.

Maybe a day drip down to Senoa, GA.

If I’m lucky, I’m working and high enough on the call sheet he could just come to hang out with me on set!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Do I have to pick just one?!?

If so, hands down my wife!

As I mentioned in my first response. I have had the great fortune of helping and supportive hands throughout my entire career. My parents are a constant factor and I couldn’t do this without them and their free and always-available childcare! I have some of the best mentors anyone could hope for – Shoutout to the entire faculty of The School of Theatre at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. My friends who push to me grow and knock me down when I am a bit too cocky.

But at the end of the day, my wife! She is my biggest supporter and fan. She keeps me sane in a crazy world of uncertainty and rejection. She is my beacon. “Thank you, Sara. I could not do any of this without you.”

Website: www.michaeltourek.com

Instagram: @michaeltourek

Twitter: @michaeltourek

Image Credits
First image: Aura Marzouk Second Image: The Walking Dead Third Image: Doom Patrol Fourth Image: Lady and the Tramp Fifth Image: Resurrection