Before he was a lieutenant at Firehouse 51, a man of few words with a heart of gold, and a fan-favorite on Chicago Fire, Taylor Kinney was a young man with a dream. Like countless aspiring actors who move to Los Angeles, he was looking for a break, a way to make ends meet while chasing his passion. The journey to becoming a star is rarely glamorous, and for Kinney, it was no different. He recently opened up about his first job in Hollywood, a role he described as “frustrating” but one that provided the foundational support for a young actor’s simple pleasures: pizza and Blockbuster nights.
This seemingly minor detail about Kinney’s pre-fame life offers a profound glimpse into the realities of an actor’s journey and provides a powerful reminder that every success story is built on a foundation of grit, perseverance, and often, a little bit of frustration. It also reveals a charmingly relatable side of the star, proving that even Hollywood’s heroes have to work their way up from the bottom.
The Frustrating Reality of a Young Actor
Kinney’s first Hollywood job was as a production assistant (PA) on a television series. For those unfamiliar with the role, a PA is the entry-level position on a film or television set. They are the unsung heroes who handle a wide range of tasks, from running errands for the cast and crew to managing paperwork, all while navigating a demanding and often chaotic environment. The job is notoriously difficult, with long hours, low pay, and a constant pressure to perform.
For Kinney, the job was a necessary evil, a way to pay the bills while he pursued his true passion. He described the experience as “frustrating,” and it’s not hard to see why. The role of a PA can be a thankless one, where you are often seen as an invisible cog in a giant machine. The hours are brutal, the work can be mundane, and the constant hustle can take a toll on a young actor’s spirit. It’s a world away from the glamour and prestige of being on-screen, and it’s a role that tests a person’s resolve and dedication to their craft.
The frustration, however, came from a place of ambition. Kinney wasn’t just there to be a PA; he was there to learn, to watch, and to absorb everything he could about the industry. He was a student of the craft, and the menial tasks of a PA’s job often stood in the way of his real goal. It was a classic Hollywood paradox: you need to work to get a foot in the door, but the work itself can feel like it’s keeping you from your ultimate goal.
The Simple Pleasures That Kept Him Going
Despite the frustration, Kinney’s first job provided him with a crucial sense of stability. The paycheck, no matter how small, was enough to fuel his simple, post-work routine: pizza and Blockbuster nights. This detail, more than any other, provides a charming and relatable window into the actor’s early life. It reminds us that before the red carpets and the magazine covers, he was just like us—a young person finding joy in the simple things.
Pizza and Blockbuster were more than just a meal and a movie; they were a ritual, a way to decompress after a long, difficult day. They were a source of comfort, a reminder that even in the midst of the struggle, there was still joy to be found. For an aspiring actor, those nights were a much-needed escape, a chance to get lost in a world of stories and to be inspired by the people who had already made it. It was a way to keep the dream alive, even when the reality of his job was a constant source of frustration.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Kinney’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance. It’s a reminder that success is not an overnight phenomenon, but a long and arduous journey that is filled with setbacks and frustrations. The fact that he was willing to endure a job he didn’t enjoy, all for the sake of his ultimate goal, is a testament to his character and his dedication. It shows that he wasn’t just a talented actor; he was a hard worker who was willing to put in the time and effort to make his dreams a reality.
His story is also a powerful reminder of the importance of finding joy in the small things. The pizza and Blockbuster nights weren’t just a way to pass the time; they were a lifeline, a way to keep his spirits up in the face of adversity. They were a reminder that even when things are difficult, there is still beauty to be found in the world.
In the end, Taylor Kinney’s first job was more than just a paycheck. It was a crucible, a trial by fire that taught him the value of hard work, the importance of perseverance, and the necessity of finding joy in the small things. It was a job that, while frustrating, ultimately fueled his dreams and paved the way for the successful career he enjoys today. His story is a testament to the power of a dream and a reminder that even a “frustrating” job can be a stepping stone to something truly great.
