Post by: Team UMAG

Often, people wonder what it takes just to stay afloat. They want to know, just what is the key to longevity? A while back, the Team UMAG met actor Tom Wilson. You know Tom, he’s Biff from Back to the Future. Tom talked about what he’s doing now, how he can be selective with his work, his live shows, and how he’s still thriving in the entertainment industry. A few things from his talk were inspiring, and we thought we’d share those pearls of wisdom with the Boss Squad.

UMAG: How have you constantly reinvented yourself over the years and maintained your longevity?

TW: “That’s a good question. I think being in the entertainment business demands lateral movement, you know. You have to be listening to the pulse of the audience, not quote-unquote, selling out. I decided when I was a kid this was a talent that I had, and maybe I could buy food and a car with it. [laughs] So, in order to do that, it takes listening and attention to what is working and not working.”

“Also, for me, throughout the whole thing, I hope, and I think it’s all that stuff anyone would talk about whether you’re going to be a dentist or any other profession, it’s about honesty, professionalism, you know, being friendly with people and being good.”

“Even in showbiz, the person that is solid at what they do and shows up on time and is a reasonable person — kind to people, it actually works. I think it’s worked for me. I did some show in 1987 where I was professional and got jokes done for them on their show; I was on time, and everything, and those producers say, ‘Oh, you know who would be great at this,’ and you end up doing another show.”

“So, it ended up that I worked on this show and that show. And they’re like, ‘Wow, so many different shows.’ The producer has worked with me, or the director has worked with me in some way, and it’s not that I’m, ‘oh so fabulous, it’s because it has to be built on solid, talented work. Make sure that you’re getting better, always. Then there’s the professionalism and hard work.”

Alright, to unpack Tom’s philosophy on the key to longevity, he says there is a combination of five major things that should always be considered.:
1. Be a good person.
2. Hone your ability to move laterally.
3. Be willing and able to listen to your audience.
4. Always work hard at getting better in your craft.
5. Always be a consummate professional.

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Tom Wilson: The Key to Longevity

Articles related to the key to longevity are coming your way. This key to longevity piece was centered around the field of acting, but can be related to many other arenas.