Forty-four--Somehow it doesn't seem feasible. But 44 years ago on May 17, 1955, William Paxton was born. If you check my webmaster author page, you'll find me gushing about how he's 'changed my life for the better'. Well, that article was written last year, and I still believe it. In fact, things have gotten better, and does he deserve the credit? No. I make my own fate. Did he inspire? Yes, he has. Likewise, here are this year's birthday wishes and shared thoughts.
I was reading up on Bill, gathering material for this website, when I discovered several sources which spoke of some of the rough times he'd gone through1. What got to me was how he had to struggle to make it as far as he did. There were a surprising amount of times when he couldn't take it anymore, and still kept going.
Why is this significant for me? Well, last year I had to make a hard decision--give up a good job to go back to school, or stay in a field in which I would never be happy just to keep myself out of debt.
Okay, not the exact same problem. But what it came down to was sacrificing everything to do something I really loved (in case anyone was wondering, I'm currently getting my Masters and eventually my Ph.D. in Anthropology). I didn't think I could do it. It meant leaving my job, upsetting my parents, living as a student (which, like being and aspiring actor, is one step above poverty), and putting off marriage an children. But I soon realized that I couldn't not do it and live with myself.
Finding out Bill had the same worries going through his head helped me to decide. It humanized him to me, and I figured that if one of the people I most admire had to make the same hard decisions, then I could, too. So I did, and haven't looked back. I've never been happier, and somehow I've found a way to do all the things I've wanted to do, also.
At any rate, here are the well wishes: As alway, I wish him and his family good health and happiness. I can only hope he'll provide the same loving attention to his own family as his parents did for him, but I have no doubt in my mind that he will. As for his career--finally, some positive recognition. And with my help, I'll make sure he's a household name in no time. Thank you for your continuous inspiration. Many happy returns! Here's hoping you outlive me!
1 The best interview I've ever read was by Joyce Harris of The Dallas Morning News. It was so in depth, so real, that after I read it, I called her to tell her what a fantastic job she had done. Call it the reporter in me, but more interviews should be done like this.
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