Marvel Star Reveals He Had to Sell His House, Says ‘Middle Class’ Actors Are Being ‘Squeezed’ Out of Hollywood

Kirk Acevedo, known for his roles in iconic series such as Fringe, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Arrow, has shared his unsettling experience within the entertainment industry during the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent appearance on Ryan M. Perez’s podcast An Actor Despairs, the 54-year-old actor discussed the financial difficulties he has faced since the onset of the pandemic, which have culminated in the need to sell his home.

Acevedo explained how the pandemic led to a significant shift in the availability of acting roles and opportunities. “Twenty twenty-one comes and I’m up for some TV shows; it just goes one way, this way, and that would have saved me. That doesn’t work, and I keep coming in second place, and the reality is second place, you’re the first one to lose,” Acevedo lamented. This echo of frustration underscores the harsh reality many actors face as competition within the industry escalates.

The actor expressed concern that middle-class performers are increasingly struggling to compete against A-list stars who now gravitate towards television roles, particularly as the landscape of the industry has evolved. “In TV now, all the movie stars — since there’s no more films, not the way it used to be — they’re all in TV. Every Oscar winner is doing some eight- to 10- to 13-episode show multiple times,” he noted. This infiltration of big names into television has left actors like Acevedo, who traditionally relied on consistent roles in series, in a precarious position.

A significant aspect of Acevedo’s struggles can be attributed to a marked reduction in pay for television roles. He revealed that when he and his peers manage to secure work, they often receive only a fraction of their previous earnings. “Let’s say you do 10 guest spots… That’s $100,000, right? You have an agent and manager. So, we take 20% out. That’s $80,000. We got taxes, too… $45,000. Let’s say your rent is… say $3,000. That’s $36,000. Can you survive off of 10 episodes?” he questioned, highlighting the untenable financial strain that many actors now experience.

The challenge has become particularly pronounced for older, middle-class performers like Acevedo, who have spent years building their careers only to find the industry shifting beneath them. “This is the conundrum for older, middle class actors… We’ve been in the business working steady, right? And then all of a sudden it just stops,” he explained, articulating the confusion and anxiety that has pervaded the acting community since the pandemic began.

In addition to his professional challenges, Acevedo faced a personal health crisis when he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke shortly before his 50th birthday. Thankfully, he has since recovered and received a positive health report from his doctors. This medical incident added a layer of stress to an already turbulent time, as he was navigating the sale of his home amidst the ongoing financial and emotional strains of his career.

Acevedo’s experience reflects a wider trend in the entertainment industry, where many actors are being pushed to sell their homes due to financial pressures. Billy Porter recently announced that he too was contemplating selling his property during the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. Similarly, actress Jennifer Esposito shared her own struggles, revealing that she had to sell her home, which she had mortgaged in pursuit of financing her directorial debut film.

The insights shared by Acevedo and his peers serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by performers across the industry. His remarks resonate with the ongoing changes that have permeated the entertainment landscape in recent years, spurred by shifts in viewership and content production.

In conclusion, Kirk Acevedo’s account highlights the broader struggles facing middle-class actors within a rapidly changing industry, where the competition and financial viability continue to challenge even those with established careers. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how many more actors will be impacted by these persistent challenges. The stories of Acevedo and others illustrate the need for greater recognition and support for performers who often find themselves at the mercy of an unpredictable and competitive landscape.