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Ian McCleary is an American Actor from Baltimore, Maryland. He first discovered his love for acting in high school when he acted in several plays. Since then; he has appeared in several film and television projects, including Veep, Evil Kin, House of Horrors: Kidnapped, and What Happens Next Will Scare You.
How long have you been a part of the industry?
I started doing plays in 2002 when I was in high school. My first official acting gig was doing background in a John Travolta film called Ladder 49 in 2003.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
The first film that I can remember seeing in a theater was the 1989 Tim Burton Batman movie. That definitely played a part, but I didn’t realize that until much later. I also became a huge James Bond fan when I was a teenager, and I think that is what ultimately influenced me into pursuing an acting career.
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What work are you most proud of recently?
That would definitely be the two years that I worked on House of Cards. I learned quite a lot from being on that set on a daily basis. More recently, I worked on the upcoming HBO limited series “We Own This City.” It’s based on a true story that happened in my hometown of Baltimore. I was really grateful to be involved with that.
What advice would you give to folks in the industry?
I would say being patient and resilient are two traits that will serve you well in this business.
How do you stay motivated and active in your career?
I always check acting websites on a daily basis for casting notices. I also try to take acting classes on a regular basis to keep my skills sharp, and to develop new skills. In terms of staying motivated, I find that it’s important to stay active on social media. I try to engage with casting directors and acting teachers/coaches. I also think it’s important to be involved in an online community with my acting friends. I think that motivates me the most.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently just doing online acting classes via Zoom, along with watching films and shows. I want to be as prepared as possible for any auditions that may come my way.
