READY: This Is Us Star Chrissy Metz Reveals The Secret To Her Success!

Chrissy Metz, beloved as Kate Pearson on the hit NBC serial This Is Us, traveled a unique road to get to where she is. While many aspiring performers wait tables or do temp work while auditioning and studying, Metz took a less than traditional path that proved to be of great benefit to her!

The SAG Award-winning actress tells Soap Hub that she worked as an agent for nine years before becoming a working actress.

It’s amazing that you were able to segue from agent to actor as Hollywood tends to put people in boxes.
Oh, sure.

How did you become an agent?
I first became an assistant because my manager said, ‘Go to an agency and learn.’ (Laughs) I said are you telling me I can’t act? I thought well, I’m not going to wait tables because I’m not sure I’d be good at that. If I can sort of understand the business from the other side of the desk then why not do it? It evolved into nine years and a masters’ class in learning the business.

How did being an agent help you with acting?
I learned how to read people, which I think is so much of acting – hearing and listening to what people are saying. Also, when ‘d meet people who weren’t quite ready [to act professionally] but had potential I‘d ask them, ‘Why do you want to act? So often people just want to be famous.’

Were you good at it?
If I put my mind to something, I can be very good and thorough. I did enjoy being an agent because I got to learn a lot. There were times when I’d see clients go out for roles it was a little bit like watching your boyfriend take out another woman because that’s what I wanted to do!

How’d you transition from being an agent to an actor?
It was the role [of Barbara, aka Ima Wiggles] in American Horror Story. A co-worker called me and said, ‘Chrissy, this is your role!’ I said I only have three credits; Ryan Murphy will not hire me! But I said if you…continue reading on the next page —>

Continue reading on the next page…

But I said if you get the audition, I’ll go. I let my boss [at the agency know]. They were like if you go on your lunch break and if you’re back in time, then go. I went and I booked it!

We’re really living in an age where people have to reinvent themselves?
You have to. There’s a way to humbly own a room. You should feel like you deserve [the part] but you’re not entitled to [it]. I want to do the work and relate to people. But I don’t feel I’m entitled.

How did your clients take it when you told them you were leaving behind their agent?
They were happy for me, but it was hard. I wanted to make sure they were all taken care of. I’m still in touch with many of them.

Any teases you can give for the rest of the season?
There are a lot of highs and lows, but there will be joy at the end of it. I read the season finale and I was freaking out, crying! I wish I could tell you more, but I can’t!

This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.