In chapter 7 of the latest edition of the Acting In Chicago book, there’s this quote. It’s really the only moment in the book that comes off like a parent talking to a petulant high schooler. Here it is:
“…if you’re tempted to make something up, don’t. It’ll come back to bite you in the worst way, and you won’t recover from it.”
Since the first edition of the book came out in 2010, I’ve always advocated for truth in our resume-writing. Sometimes I’ll see credits on an actor’s resume that make me go, “Hmm,” when I consider who that person is. If the actor is embellishing their accomplishments, it’s usually because they’re motivated by a need to look good in the face of stiff competition from other talent.
That’s one thing. But the story that recently came out of the Grey’s Anatomy writer’s room is in a whole other league. And it proves the point made in the book: telling a lie is bad, and it can cost you a job. And in this case, that’s quite the understatement.
Maybe read the story for yourself. You won’t believe the depth of the lies and deception that a star TV writer concocted to get people to…what? Feel sorry for her? The whole story is incredible and seems pointless at the same time.