Alec Baldwin — Give Yourself a Break

Alec Baldwin announced that he’s done with acting in 2012, after his “30 Rock” contract expires.  He thinks he’s been a failure as a movie actor.  Perhaps that was tongue-in-cheek…but it struck a chord.  Success, in the end, is often self-defined.  But how accurate do we really  see our own successes?  Alec, I’m sure the stress with Kim sent you to therapy, but please, go back.  You ARE worthy.

(c) David Shankbone 2008

So he hasn’t won an Oscar.  So what?  How many other actors can claim to have worked EVERY year for the past 23 years—in many of those years, making multiple movies.  Throw in Broadway and a bunch of TV.  He’s produced, directed, and even wrote an episode of “Law and Order.”  He’s hardly been typecast, though he tends to be placed in sardonic roles and voiceovers.  SOMEONE thought he was good enough to hire.  Then there’s that guy who goes by Scorsese–he paid Alec TWO paychecks. I’m sure Mr. Baldwin wasn’t the cheapest as his appeal grew, and yet he still gets work.  Currently, he stars with Meryl Streep—what actor wouldn’t want to be in those shoes?

Alec was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2004 for his role in The Cooler.  He’s been nominated 4 times for Golden Globes for his movie roles.  He’s been nominated for a Tony too–in 1992 for “A Streetcar Named Desire.” OK, so for the competitive spirit among us, no one remembers the nominations.  But consider how many actors worked in each of those years and didn’t get the nod.  Mr. Baldwin is an NYU-trained actor.  Everyone wants to win, but you get the sense he either liked the roles or wanted the work—both noble pursuits.  Winning is a bonus.

I’m not a crazy fan—no need for a restraining order, I assure you.  Back in 1998, I produced a local political talk show, and Alec was a guest.  At that point, he was rubbing elbows as often with New York State Democratic Party Chairwoman Judith Hope as he was with Hollywood stars.  Maybe even more.  Can you think of another guy with Alec’s star power who would stump for a state comptroller candidate?  In Binghamton, NY?

Rumors spread that he was laying ground for a political run himself.  He once told New York Magazine he’d be interested in the Senate but soon denied any plans to actually do it.  He seemed much happier plugging candidates and raising money than spending it to promote a campaign for himself.  Like they say, the best people don’t run because they don’t want the aggrevation.

I like the fact he’s a Long Island native, after my own heart.  I love that he remembers where he came from and puts his money where his mouth is. (See the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center of the University Hospital and Medical Center at Stony Brook.)

From his biography on the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund , where he is a member of the Board of Directors, his other volunteer efforts are listed:

He is a board member of People for the American Way, River Keeper and The Creative Coalition, of which he is a past president, and Standing for Truth About Radiation (STAR) Foundation, of East Hampton, Long Island. Alec is a member of the NYU Tisch School Of The Arts Dean’s Council. He also serves on the board of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, sponsored by Stony Brook University in honor of his mother. Alec is also a dedicated supporter of various animal rights groups.

He’s also a published author, chronicling his journey through a very public divorce.   His purpose:  to help others through the family court system, which can be ugly no matter who you are.

Alec is no slouch, to be sure.

When it comes to athletes, there are certain factors that tend to determine success, including work ethic and humility, as reported by Psychology Today in March, 2009:

Aimee Kimball, the director of mental training at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sports Training, says, “The focus isn’t 100 percent on outcome, but on getting better and making the people around you better. If players see their star working his tail off, they’ll feel compelled to do the same.”

“Humility leads to an understanding that I’m not always the best, and that another person on any given day can win,” says Wade Rowatt, a social psychologist at Baylor University. “If you look at the best athletes, most display this sort of respect for opponents.”

In the 80′s, Baldwin had the bad-boy, cocky reputation.  But people age and he seems to have increased his humility as life got complicated–and way before “Complicated,” his latest movie.

I don’t know if they are friends, but Alec should meet fellow actor, and fellow 51-year-old, Kevin Bacon.  (And yes, they’ve acted together because everyone has acted with Kevin Bacon.  It was in 1988’s “She’s Having a Baby.”).  Kevin has also narrowly missed the big win.  I wonder how Bacon views his career.   He did, in fact, name his charitable initiative “Six Degrees.”

These men, and countless others, are individuals with diverse interests.  They have seen countless successes…all which influenced others.  It depends, I suppose, on how a person defines his or her own success. For some, it’s money in the bank.  For others, it’s recognizability in the public, changing the world, or even affecting just one life.  I think even the most down-on-his luck person has a degree of success–if he or she can both identify and embrace it.  Pollyanna-ish?  Perhaps.

Despite all this, Mr. Baldwin should be allowed to retire from his job gracefully.  And he should be allowed to change his mind in peace, if it goes that way too.  (With a small nod to Brett Favre.) My dad retired in 1989 from his first teaching job after 25 years.  His impact was such that last month, he was personally invited to the 40th reunion of the Class of 1969.  Whether Alec chooses to pursue some other interest or spend his time on the golf course, he must know that he is a success and will leave an indelible mark on his craft.  And if you’re listening, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame Committee, Alec is long overdue for one of those pink stars.