Guy Pearce, the Australian actor best known for his roles in *L.A. Confidential* and *The King’s Speech*, has never been one to tolerate snobbery in the entertainment industry. 

Recently, the 57-year-old actor shared an anecdote that revealed just how deeply he despises elitist attitudes

particularly one incident involving a former co-star who criticized Pearce’s past work on the popular Australian soap opera, *Neighbours*. 

The actor recounted the experience to *The Times*, where he openly discussed his thoughts on the role that launched his career. 

Pearce first appeared on *Neighbours* in the 1980s, shortly after completing his drama school education. 

His portrayal of Mike Young, a handsome and hardworking young man, quickly gained him popularity, but as Pearce revealed, the role was initially met with disdain by some of his peers.

“In the old days, you were either a theatre actor or a film actor,” Pearce said. “If you got stuck in a soap, you were considered the lowest of the low—but what an opportunity,” he added. Despite the dismissive attitude surrounding soap opera work at the time, Pearce embraced the role, noting, “I had no clue what I was doing but learned a lot.” His time on the show helped shape his acting career, and despite the stigma, Pearce is grateful for the early experience.

However, Pearce’s opinion on soap operas clashed with a particular actress he worked with years later. He recalled the actress’s condescending attitude toward his soap opera history, saying, “I did a play a year after I left, and this snobby actress said, ‘How could you even do that?’” Pearce’s immediate response to the comment? “I wanted to punch her!” he admitted with a laugh. Thankfully, he restrained himself, but the encounter left a lasting impression.

Pearce’s story took a humorous twist when he recalled how, five years after that encounter, the same actress appeared in a low-budget advertisement on television. “I so wanted to go and find her and say, ‘OK …’” Pearce said, amused by the irony of the situation. The actress, once a critic of Pearce’s career path, had found herself in a commercial that offered little prestige in the acting world. The star of *Neighbours* had gotten the last laugh.

Born in England but raised in Australia, Pearce’s career has been marked by a series of diverse roles. He starred on *Neighbours* from 1986 to 1989, working alongside fellow future stars like Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. Pearce’s return to the show for its 2022 finale and its 2023 relaunch was a nostalgic moment for fans and a nod to his roots in Australian television.

Currently, Pearce is receiving widespread acclaim for his role in *The Brutalist*, a film in which he stars alongside Adrien Brody. His performance has earned him nominations for both the BAFTA and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Pearce attributes much of his success to what he refers to as “luck,” humbly admitting that when young actors ask for advice, his response is simple: “Get lucky.”

Pearce’s career choices have always been driven by instinct, a deep connection to the material, and the talent of the director. He noted that he evaluates each script with a critical eye, looking for that elusive spark—something that pulls him in the way *L.A. Confidential* did. However, he admits that even after reading countless scripts, it’s rare that a project matches the intensity of his iconic films. “But I probably only do 5 percent of what I read,” he confessed, with a rueful smile. “I start every script hoping it will be another *L.A. Confidential*, that feeling you’ve been sucked into a vortex. But a lot of times, by page 20, I think, ‘Ah, damn.’”

At this stage in his career, Pearce is no longer chasing fame or accolades. Instead, he focuses on choosing roles that resonate with him personally. His candid approach to his career and his strong sense of self make him stand out in an industry often driven by image and public opinion.

Despite the controversies and challenges, Pearce’s career trajectory is proof that talent, determination, and a little bit of luck can go a long way in overcoming the obstacles of snobbery and judgment in the entertainment world. Whether he’s taking on a character in a low-budget soap or a critically acclaimed film, Pearce continues to prove that authenticity and a love for the craft will always lead to success.

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