Alex Collins: Working With Jon Bernthal | The Acting Career Mistake Most Actors Make

🎬 What does it really take to build a successful acting career—and why do so many talented actors struggle to turn their skills into consistent work? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, actor, stunt performer, and acting coach Alex Collins joins Deaton Gabbard and guest host Connor Holden to discuss more than 25 years in Hollywood, working with major stars, audition preparation, and the business of acting. Alex shares how he left a corporate finance job to pursue acting, booked a national Chevy commercial, and moved to Hollywood. He takes us behind the scenes of *The Accountant*, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and Apple TV+’s *Manhunt*, where he portrayed General Sherman. Hear Alex’s story about rehearsing a fight scene with Jon Bernthal, the repeated slaps involved, and the question Jon asked him on set: “How can we make our scene better?” Plus, learn how Alex had just 20 minutes to learn General Sherman’s signature before filming. Whether you're a new actor or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical advice on building your craft and navigating the entertainment industry. **Topics include:** Jon Bernthal, Ben Affleck, *The Accountant*, *Manhunt*, stunt work, audition coaching, acting career advice, audition preparation, acting business skills, accountability, rejection, and dealing with cut scenes. **Episode Chapters:** 00:00 Alex Collins Extended Reel (Go to YouTube to watch this!) 08:00 Podcast Intro 08:51 Meet Alex Collins 09:55 Alex’s 25-Year Acting Journey 11:21 From Soccer to Corporate Finance 11:43 Quitting His Job to Pursue Acting 11:59 The Chevy Commercial That Changed Everything 12:50 Joining SAG-AFTRA Too Early 14:35 Playing General Sherman in *Manhunt* 15:17 Learning Sherman’s Signature in 20 Minutes 17:14 Playing a Blind Superhero 19:15 Working With Jon Bernthal & Ben Affleck 20:38 The *Accountant* Fight Scene 22:22 Jon Bernthal’s Slaps During Rehearsal 23:11 Jon’s Unexpected Question on Set 24:17 Becoming an Acting Coach 28:23 Building an Acting Boot Camp 30:52 Why Actors Need Accountability 31:33 “Full-Time Results With Part-Time Effort” 34:13 Building an Acting Career Outside LA 37:06 Is Acting Too Saturated? 38:55 Why Getting a Callback Is a Win 39:19 The Danger of Social Media Comparisons 41:05 When Your Scene Gets Cut 42:03 The *Sleepy Hollow* Scene That Disappeared 43:30 Focus on the Work, Not the Edit 44:59 How Every Acting Job Can Lead to Another 46:14 Where to Find Alex Collins 46:41 Where to Find Connor Holden 47:25 Final Thoughts 🎭 **Follow Alex Collins** Instagram: @AlexBCollins Website: https://alexbcollins.com/ **Follow Connor Holden:** @ConnorIsHolden on Instagram. Follow Podcast of Traveling Actors for honest conversations with actors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals about the craft and business of building a career in film and television. 🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and leave a rating or review! Business & Guest Inquiries: [podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com](mailto:podcastoftravelingactors@gmail.com) Co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard and Brandon Wall. Thanks for listening!