"I do remember that I was sitting in the make-up chair before the shoots for a commercial or film or other, and I thought: Sometime soon they are going to make a close-up of me and millions of people can see how many pimples I've got on my cheeks"

Jonathan Brandis reflects on a moment of vulnerability common to many people, especially those in the spotlight. As he sits in the make-up chair, anticipating the day’s shoot, his thoughts are not on his lines or performance, but fixated on his physical appearance, specifically his pimples. He recognizes that, soon, the camera will be focused closely on his face, magnifying every flaw, and that this image will then be broadcast to millions. The intimacy of a close-up contrasts sharply with the magnitude of the audience, turning what could be a mundane part of adolescent experience, having pimples, into something overwhelming and public.

Brandis’s sentiment underscores the pressure actors often face to maintain a flawless image, both for themselves and for those who watch them. He exposes the often-invisible anxiety that runs alongside fame, how the perceived perfection on screen can mask private insecurities, and how the gaze of millions can elevate simple self-consciousness into something much greater. The reminder that he was “sitting in the make-up chair” hints at all the processes and artistry involved in preparing actors for these moments, yet even this buffer cannot always shield individuals from concern over how they will be perceived.

There is also an element of universality in his reflection. While not everyone will be scrutinized by millions, almost everyone has experienced the worry of imperfections being seen by others, especially during formative or highly visible moments in life. Brandis articulates the tension between the personal and the public, the way self-image can be affected by external attention, and reveals the human side of celebrity. His honest observation invites empathy and serves as a reminder that those who seem perfect from a distance may be contending with the same insecurities and pressures as anyone else, magnified through the lens of fame.