What Do Actors Do for Money When Not Acting?

What Do Actors Do for Money When Not Acting?

Exploring the creative ways actors make ends meet between roles

(By Carmichael Phillip)

(Photo: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels)

While Hollywood may seem like a place of endless luxury and opportunity, the truth is far different for most actors. Between gigs, many performers face significant financial uncertainty. Acting is a profession built largely on temporary contracts, inconsistent schedules, and unpredictable paydays.

According to a report from the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), less than 15% of union members earn their full income from acting alone. This means the vast majority must find alternate sources of income to survive between roles.

Actors often experience long gaps between projects — sometimes months or even years. These periods test their creativity, financial discipline, and resilience. So, what exactly do they do to stay afloat? Let’s take a closer look.

For many actors, side jobs are the backbone of their financial stability. Traditional employment provides consistent paychecks and flexible hours that accommodate auditions and rehearsals. Common options include:

Bartending or waiting tables: Classic choices for actors in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. These jobs often allow flexible shifts and quick cash tips.

Rideshare driving: Platforms like Uber and Lyft give actors freedom to make their own hours.

Freelance work: Some actors leverage skills in writing, design, or photography to earn income between gigs.

Temp agency work: Short-term office or event gigs can offer both steady pay and networking opportunities.

Actor Bryan Cranston, before his breakout role on Breaking Bad, worked numerous odd jobs, including as a waiter and security guard. He once remarked, “You do what you have to do to stay in the game — acting isn’t a straight path, it’s a marathon.”

Commercial work is one of the most reliable forms of supplemental income for actors. A single national commercial can generate thousands of dollars in residuals, sometimes even more than a supporting role in a film.

Voiceover work, too, offers flexibility and steady pay. From animated shows to radio ads, talented voice actors can find consistent opportunities. Many actors also record audiobooks, video game characters, and online tutorials.

For example, actress Alison Brie (Community, GLOW) began her career doing voice work before landing major TV roles. Likewise, Jon Hamm appeared in commercials long before Mad Men made him a household name.

Commercial and voice acting also help actors maintain their performance skills while staying connected to the industry — a win-win situation financially and artistically.

Experienced actors often turn to teaching as a meaningful and profitable side career. Acting schools, theater programs, and private workshops offer steady income for professionals eager to share their craft.

Teaching not only provides money but also helps actors refine their own skills. By breaking down performance techniques, they stay sharp and inspired during downtime.

Actor Viola Davis, for example, has spoken about her time teaching at the Juilliard School, noting that helping young actors gave her a deeper understanding of her own artistry.

Coaching other performers — from child actors to adults preparing for auditions — is also a common source of income. These one-on-one sessions can command high hourly rates, especially for seasoned professionals.

Not all acting income comes from film or television. Many actors take part in local theater productions, independent films, or web series during slow seasons.

While these projects may pay less, they keep performers visible and creatively active. Theater, in particular, remains a vital training ground for many screen actors.

For example, Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance continues to perform on stage between major film roles, saying, “The theater keeps me honest — it reminds me why I started acting in the first place.”

Participating in smaller productions also allows actors to build connections with emerging directors, producers, and writers, potentially opening the door to bigger projects later on.

In today’s digital era, many actors have discovered that platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can be lucrative outlets. Creating original content allows them to showcase their personality, connect with fans, and even earn sponsorships.

Some actors film comedy sketches, vlogs, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into their daily lives. Others offer acting tips, audition advice, or storytelling performances.

For instance, actor Ryan Reynolds uses social media to blend humor with marketing for his business ventures, while younger actors like Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things) run successful side businesses promoted online.

Social platforms have essentially become modern “stages” — giving actors both creative freedom and financial opportunity during downtimes.

Some established actors diversify their income by investing in real estate, startups, or other ventures. This approach helps secure financial stability and provides passive income streams.

For example, Friends star Courteney Cox has invested heavily in property, while Ashton Kutcher became known for his early tech investments in companies like Airbnb and Uber.

Even actors at smaller levels often rent out rooms, start online businesses, or invest modestly in stocks. Financial literacy and smart money management are essential skills for surviving in a profession with unpredictable income.

As one industry saying goes, “You never know when your next paycheck is coming — so plan like it isn’t.”

Actors sometimes pivot temporarily into behind-the-scenes roles, such as production assistants, casting associates, or crew members. These jobs allow them to stay close to the industry and learn new aspects of filmmaking.

For example, actor Taika Waititi worked as a writer and filmmaker between acting gigs, which ultimately led to directing Thor: Ragnarok and other major projects.

Working on set in any capacity also expands an actor’s professional network, often leading to new opportunities both in front of and behind the camera.

Actors who have appeared in TV shows, films, or commercials often receive residual payments — small checks that arrive whenever their work is re-aired, streamed, or sold.

While these payments can be modest, they often help cover essential expenses during slower periods. Some veteran actors even live largely off residual income from past projects.

For instance, stars from long-running shows like Seinfeld or Friends continue to earn millions annually from syndication deals. Even lesser-known performers benefit, with some receiving hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

Residuals provide a lifeline — a reminder that even a single role can keep paying dividends long after the cameras stop rolling.

Financial insecurity isn’t the only hurdle actors face during dry spells. The psychological strain of uncertainty can be equally tough. Many turn to therapy, meditation, or physical fitness to stay balanced.

Actors often remind themselves that career “down times” are not failures but natural pauses in an unpredictable profession. As Denzel Washington once said, “Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

These moments also give actors the chance to study new scripts, take classes, or reflect on their craft — investments that pay off when the next opportunity arises.

Acting is a calling that requires equal parts passion, adaptability, and resourcefulness. When not performing, many actors hustle in creative and practical ways — from teaching and bartending to writing and producing their own content.

The ability to pivot without losing sight of one’s artistic purpose is what defines a successful performer. For most, the journey is not about fame or fortune, but about finding fulfillment in the process.

As Meryl Streep once said, “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

For actors, that philosophy extends beyond the stage or screen — it’s also about finding themselves in every challenge, every paycheck, and every pause between the spotlight moments.

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