It’s no secret that Robert Pattinson has worked his way up from humble beginnings. What many people don’t know is that the actor got his start washing cars at a car wash in Queens, New York.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Pattinson opened up about his brief career as a car washer and what it ultimately taught him about the acting business.
Life Before Hollywood
Pattinson was just 18 when he moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career. But as he soon learned, the acting world isn’t always kind to young, aspiring stars. That’s when he stumbled across a job opening at the local car wash. He jumped at the opportunity and soon found himself spending his days scrubbing down cars.
But Pattinson didn’t let his car wash job get him down. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to hone his acting skills. In the interview, he said:
“I was really desperate for money at that car wash. I think it was one of the best acting experiences I ever had because it was just intense and I had to really focus on the people and having to get the money out of them. It was kind of like acting for me.”
Pattinson soon realized that the same techniques he was using to get customers to pay for their car washes were the same techniques he could use as an actor. He began to practice his craft, even at the car wash, and eventually it paid off.
Making It in Hollywood
In 2004, Pattinson landed his first major acting role in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. From there, his career skyrocketed. He went on to star in the Twilight franchise and has since starred in a number of high-profile films, including The Lost City of Z and Good Time.
Pattinson credits his car washing experience for helping him hone his acting skills. In the interview, he said:
“I think it was the perfect job for me, because I had to play the same character all day. I think that was when I was like, ‘OK, I kind of know what I’m doing here’.”
It’s clear that Pattinson’s time at the car wash taught him a lot about acting. Ultimately, it prepared him for the Hollywood life and allowed him to become the successful actor he is today.
Takeaways
Pattinson’s story is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success. He clearly put in the time and effort to make his acting dreams a reality and it paid off in the end. His story serves as a reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard it may seem.