Being an actress in Hollywood showed me how influential this city can be in the lives of teens. I grew up on a farm in Pulaski, Wisconsin, and at age twenty, I packed my Toyota truck and headed west to Hollywood to work in film and TV. Over the past 8 years, I have worked with many celebrities in movies, TV shows, photo shoots and music videos. I’ve worked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Young & the Restless,” “Malcom in the Middle,” “The OC,” and “Lizzie McGuire,” to name a few. Even though it is exciting to be on camera on a Hollywood set, I saw first-hand how the media twists the truth. Much of today’s programming glamorizes sex, drugs, alcohol, and violence. They’re not telling the truth.
Showing two teens jumping into bed on a TV show one week – with no consequences the following week – is deceiving. That’s not the way it is in real life. The celebrities know it, and I’ve talked to many of them who told me that they protect their own kids. They make shows for other people’s kids, but won’t allow their own kids to see them! All the lies and hypocrisy I saw on the inside caused me to leave Hollywood and start speaking out about the media’s only real interest – MONEY.
Throughout my Hollywood acting career, I have turned down beer commercials, saying swear words in TV shows, wearing inappropriate clothing – or no clothes at all! People say it’s just “acting”, but what you do is what you believe – and what you believe is who you are. I want the best for my life.
Many celebrities sign a contract to do what they are told even if they disagree with the role they have to play! They sell their souls to get ahead. Teens are being misled to believe that it’s cool to dress provocatively, get drunk at parties, or have sex in order to fit in. It’s frustrating for me to know that many of these people are making millions of dollars in Hollywood by spreading lies and hiding the truth.
Believe it or not – you can make a difference. If you don’t buy it, the media won’t supply it. If you don’t watch those movies and shows, the ratings will fall and they will have to respond to market demand to create better programs. Use your voice and speak out about how you feel! Write to these producers, rappers, actors, directors and studios. You CAN create change!
