Rob Brownstein on Rejection, Al Pacino and the Actor’s Inner Work

Rob Brownstein (Michael, Straight Outta Compton) joins General Hospital's Maurice Benard. On State of Mind, the actor and longtime teacher reflects on working with Al Pacino, the pressure and precision of soap acting, and an idea that has shaped the way he navigates a career built on uncertainty: maybe rejection is the wrong word. If only one actor can get the role, how much of the pain comes from the decision — and how much from the story we tell ourselves about it? That question reaches well beyond Hollywood. Born in Vietnam and raised across continents, Rob grew up fast, carried adult weight early, and eventually turned to therapy and lifelong self-work. What does that history give an actor — and what has to be unlearned? Why did six months on The Bold and the Beautiful change the way he sees soap actors? What does Daniel Day-Lewis reveal about preparation? And after years in the business, why does Rob still believe the work is never finished? Disclaimer: This program is intended strictly for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute formal medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment protocols. Support Resources: 🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 free, confidential support. Follow SOM, tap 5 stars, & share this episode with someone who needs it. Video Versions of State of Mind available on YouTube! *Watch!*  Buy Maurice’s *New York Times* Bestselling Book! *Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital* Follow Maurice on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricebenard/ X: https://twitter.com/mauricebenard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceBenard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbstateofmind/ State Of Mind Merch:*https://www.mbstateofmind.com* State of Mind Production Team:  *Host & Editorial: Maurice Benard*  *Executive Producer: Paula Benard*  *Director of Production & Video: Anthony Cammarata* *Podcast Strategy Consultant: Aaron Calafato*