The dictionary says: an actor is a person who acts in stage plays, motion pictures, television broadcasts, etc. Absolutely no play, motion picture or television broadcast would be complete or even come close to conveying its message without the dedication, stellar performance and expertise of an actor.
Actors come in all shapes and sizes. Some, but not all are extremely attractive. That being said, beauty is usually a bonus, in a glitz and glam industry but a true actor knows they will be judged based on their performance, abilities and character adaptation... more-so than their looks.
The most successful actors are usually those who excel at their craft and create a demand for their services. The more successful the play, movie or broadcast, the more money, an actor can expect and/or demand for the next project.
When an actor is on top of their craft... they can be extremely selective of the roles they wish to play. Some resent the projects of the past while others, add it to their repertoire and embrace the experience and what they have learned. Recognition... from their peers is an achievement and the ultimate reward for their effort. It is truly a milestone and what a true actor strives for and cherishes when they get it
Which brings us to this question, are actors made or born? Can a School for the Arts actually turn a no talent into a talent? Is such an ability learned or is it already there? If role playing is an essential part of acting... how much is taken from real experience (not acting) and how much is actually, playing the role (acting)?
Whatever the case, actors, good or bad have taken a step few of us will ever take. It's a step in which an individual has decided, against much consternation, that doing something they enjoy is really all that it's about. To be paid for doing it... is really a bonus... of sort. If an actor truly succeeds, they can make us believe that anything is possible and that, fantasy is indeed... reality. If they fail, they usually find they are less and less in demand.
Although actors are worshipped and idolized few if any, do it for the money. They do it because they love to perform. Now... if you believe that... they are better at their craft.. than most. Now... that's acting!