Story posted Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hollywood Or Bust: BG Native Making A Go Of It In L.A.
Lessman
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Approximately six years ago, Buffalo Grove native Marc Lessman packed his bags and headed out west to Hollywood, California, to pursue his dream of acting.
The 31-year-old Lessman is pleased with what he has accomplished so far.
"I have been lucky enough to be involved in some really fun projects so far," said Lessman.
He has been seen on the hit television show "24" during season three as a reporter; "ER" as a Chicago police officer; "CSI" as part of the police force; and "Entourage" as an Orthodox Jew. He has also been in movies such as "National Treasure" and "Princess Diaries 2" as a featured dancer at the princess' birthday party.
A 1996 graduate of Stevenson High School, Lessman took his first acting class during his sophomore year.
"I had always been shy, and during that acting class was the first time in my life that I actually didn't feel shy," said Lessman. "There was something about learning to express your emotions through a character that helped me express my emotions through myself."
During his remaining high school years, Lessman took every acting class offered, and said it was the first time he realized he wanted to be an actor.
After high school, Lessman received a scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for acting.
"It was an intense studio program and you had to re-audition your sophomore year just to stay in the acting program," said Lessman.
Also while in college, Lessman was in a play called "The Taste of Sunrise," in which the two lead parts were played by deaf actors. During that production, he learned sign language, and has since gone back to school to learn sign language in further detail.
"Being an actor definitely has its ups and downs," Lessman reflected. "Especially when you show up to an audition and see 40 other guys that look just like you and are going for the same part. You just have to have a lot of patience, and be able to take rejection as well."
Lessman is currently in a webisode (episode for the Internet) called "That's Right," and is filming more episodes. He was also recently in a Trix cereal commercial that may air soon.
In addition to acting, he is in a "doo-wop" band called Lil' Mo and the Dynaflos. They sing 50s and 60s music, all cover songs and a few originals. Touring throughout California and in Las Vegas, he and the other band members recently came out with their second CD entitled "In 2nd Gear." They are finalizing plans to do shows in London and Germany next year.
To some people, being an actor and living in Los Angeles has some perks.
Lessman said during his first year living in L.A., he found himself grocery shopping next to Eddie Murphy; and most recently while at the store he was standing next to Reese Witherspoon. While filming Princess Diaries 2, he was on the set everyday with Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews and John Rhys-Davies, to name a few.
"I love how you can be a police officer one day, and a patient in a mental hospital the next day," said Lessman. "However, I dislike how competitive the business is in L.A."
Lessman's parents still reside in Buffalo Grove and he attributes his career to teachers back in high school.
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