Last week I had the opportunity to work on the Netflix series “House of Cards.” It stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. As you can see in the photo I was fortunate enough to have a principal role as Vice Chief of the Air Force. It was only a few lines but it was a really nice scene with Robin Wright. Wow!!! Is she beautiful! I kept thinking to myself the whole time, “Run Forest! Run!” and of course, “As you wish!” She is in two of my favorite films of all time and here I am working with her. It was an honor.
An honor which I really earned.
I don’t say this to be cocky. I say this because I auditioned for this show a grand total of 19 times! I guestimated that I spent over 50 hours of my life trying to get a role on this show. I can’t even tell you how much I spent in gas, tolls and time away from work/family to go to the auditions. But that is the life I have chosen. The life of an actor. Persistence is the key to success at anything you do in life. Thomas Edison was at 10,000 tries at the light bulb before he had a success. For my friends out there who heard me complain about how many times I had to audition thank you for humoring me. In the end, after all was shot and done, I walked away with another incredible life experience that makes me who I am. Hopefully I can pass on some of the things I learn to my children. Maybe even to other actors who are trying to make it and get that break. Or maybe just someone who needs a boost to hang in there long enough for good things to happen!
They will!!! If you put in the work and put forth the effort. And I would have gone back for #20 too. Just saying.
Ken
Ken Arnold 
Congrats Ken for keeping the faith and pushing through.
I needed a little “pep talk” it’s been a tough road this last year…breath and keep moving.
Youngest 4 Star I’ve ever seen! Wow! You ARE good! Congrats Ken and keep up the tenacity!
I’ve got some city miles on me Mark!
Congrats, Mr. Arnold! Your story is encouraging and so true. I believe I auditioned 10 or 11 times for Homicide, was called back 3, and never got cast! I think I finally made it onto The Wire (once on the same episode as you!) twice between 5 or 6 tries. It is an exciting, but rough life:)