"Most actors spend a lot of time training themselves to be an actor. And I kind of didn't do that. I just started doin' it in front of an audience and had to deliver"

David Carradine reflects on his unconventional path as an actor, contrasting his journey with that of most performers who dedicate extensive time to formal training. Unlike those who enroll in acting schools, study theory, and practice techniques in controlled environments, Carradine immersed himself directly in the process by stepping onto the stage or in front of a camera without the traditional preparation. This plunge into performance emphasizes a trial-by-fire approach, relying on instinct, presence, and raw connection with the audience rather than rehearsed skills polished behind closed doors.

His choice reveals a belief in the transformative power of immediate experience. Instead of meticulously sculpting his craft away from public scrutiny, he was willing to face the risks and uncertainty of live performance from the outset. The necessity to "deliver" in front of an audience meant learning and adapting in real time, responding to the dynamic energy between performer and viewers, and finding out what worked by exposure rather than hypothetical scenarios. This method fosters authenticity, as there is less separation between life and art, and the process becomes a living dialogue with the audience.

For Carradine, the role of instinct and adaptability becomes foundational. There is an implicit trust in personal expression, a willingness to be vulnerable and exposed, and a hope that genuine engagement will outweigh technical precision. He suggests that while formal training can be beneficial, it is not the only route to artistic competence or mastery. Each performer forges their own path, with some thriving in structured environments and others finding creativity in direct confrontation with the challenges of live performance.

Ultimately, Carradine proposes that art can emerge organically from experience and immediacy. By embracing improvisation and presence over perfection, he illuminates an alternative philosophy of acting, one rooted in directness, spontaneity, and trust in one's unique voice.