"A lot of parents tell their children that if they want to be an actor, that's fine, but they should do something else first, so they've got something to fall back on. It doesn't work like that, as far as I'm concerned"

Ewan McGregor’s words challenge a deeply entrenched societal belief: the notion that creative aspirations, like acting, ought to be treated as risky ventures requiring a “fall back” plan. He highlights the common parental guidance to young people who dream of a career in the arts, the suggestion to pursue something “practical” first, to ensure security in case their artistic ambitions don’t materialize as hoped. Yet McGregor flatly dismisses this advice, arguing that from his perspective, the idea simply doesn’t hold up.

The advice to have a back-up option is rooted in fear and practicality, based on concerns about the instability and fierce competition in artistic professions. Acting is renowned for difficulty, with many more hopefuls than successes, so it seems prudent to prepare for disappointment. However, McGregor suggests this mindset undermines the commitment and immersion required to actually succeed in such a demanding field. Pursuing another occupation “just in case” uses time, energy, and psychological space that would otherwise be devoted to honing one’s craft, developing resilience, and seizing the rare opportunities that arise in the industry.

Moreover, the expectation of failure embedded in the “fall back on something else” narrative can dilute passion and perseverance. If one is always thinking of a Plan B, they may never fully invest in Plan A, an essential ingredient for creative success. Unwavering commitment often separates those who eventually thrive from those who drift away.

McGregor’s statement is also a challenge to risk-averse thinking more broadly. Professions like acting require one to throw themselves wholeheartedly into a path fraught with uncertainty. The safety net, rather than being a comfort, can become a weight that hinders daring leaps forward. For many artists, the very act of removing the safety net is what sharpens their determination, pushes their creativity, and ultimately allows them to stand out in a crowded, difficult field.