How This Star Stays Humble With Over 100 Roles on His Résumé

Published: November 19, 2024

How This Star Stays Humble With Over 100 Roles on His Résumé

By Movieguide® Contributor

Actor Nathan Fillion explained the worldview he takes to make sure he stays humble despite incredible success within the entertainment industry.

He’s had over 100 roles in his 30-year career, but Fillion keeps himself grounded by remembering that he isn’t any better than those around him, despite his fame and success. His approach carries over into his acting roles, where he makes sure his characters don’t have too much hubris either.

“I never enjoy it when characters look extremely cool because it’s not something I can relate to,” Fillion told Mike Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It” podcast. “So anytime I’m doing something on TV where my character looks really, really cool, I’ll do something that kicks him in the nuts.”

Fillion’s humility extends to those around him as well. He made a name for himself on soap operas and credits his skills as an actor to what he learned on those shows. He now uses those lessons to help younger actors.

“Everything I use every day I learned in the soaps,” Fillion said. “I was with people who had been in the business for 15, 25, 40 years, and, God bless them, they were all willing to teach me anything I asked, anything I wanted to know. They were willing to share their wisdom.”

Being so humble, however, has a major downside in an industry where confidence holds so much weight. Instead of relying on his hubris to give him that confidence, Fillion has found a different method in situations where it is needed.

“I don’t have a way to stop being nervous, but I do have a way to act like I’m not. It started with auditioning. Auditions are so awkward and awful, and it is this whole process that just [messes] with the brain and mind and further along…the stakes keep getting higher and higher. I finally found the hack of I’m playing the character of Nathan Fillion, professional actor,” he explained. “And it starts in the parking lot and how I walk in and how I sign in and how I compose myself.”

“This is a guy who can look you in the eye,” Fillion continued. “This is a guy that doesn’t laugh at your joke if it’s not funny. I’m not thrown. I am rock steady. And if you hire me, this is what you get, someone who’s rock steady, who’s not dying to be your friend. I’m just here for the audition.”

The actor is getting ready for the debut of THE ROOKIE Season 7 where he plays John Nolan.

“The fact is… we’re back,” Fillion told the camera in an Instagram video. “Season 7! Woohoo!”

“THE ROOKIE season 7 will return with new episodes starting January 7, 2025 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC,” Good Housekeeping reported.