EP 41: Janet Walmsley: Dental Hygienist Turned Actor

On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m sitting down with fellow Janet and actor Janet Walmsley, who was a dental hygienist for 27 years before her son persuaded her to audition for a play in a local theatre. Since then, Janet hasn’t looked back and has acted on stage and screen, been nominated for awards and has started her own acting class for people arriving into acting later in life.

Janet tells me about some of the acting and life lessons that she teaches in her acting class and how she encourages wannabe actors to keep the fun at the heart of what they do. We swap notes on working in a medical background and how our skills of listening and teamwork translate really well into the acting industry.

In the episode, you’ll also hear Janet discuss some of her best on-set moments with some really talented actors and the advice that she gives to people who want to follow her example and make their acting dreams come true.

This is such a lovely, fun discussion that’s sure to put a spring in your step. If you enjoyed listening to two actors talking about their love of acting, subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more content like this.

Timestamps

[0:45] “It was kind of a surprise how I came back into acting”: Janet’s journey from being a dental hygienist to an actor

[6:26] What Janet really loves about acting and acting classes

[9:03] The four Ps of acting to help you through the struggles of working in acting

[10:10] What Janet brought from her dental hygienist role to the stage and screen

[14:28] Janet’s Shifting Lanes acting class

[17:30] What advice would Janet give for older would-be actors?

[21:56] How to present yourself to a casting director

[24:50] Let’s get rid of “standard” accents!

[27:45] What surprised Janet about getting back into the acting industry

[32:27] You have to be patient and persevere to make it

[34:56] Janet’s favourite on-set moments