Wes Tolman

Wes Tolman is a full-time professional actor, having acted in plays since he was a young child. He trained at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training in Sarasota, FL, where he received an MFA in Acting in 2018. He has since acted in dozens of commercials both National and Regional, primarily as host and spokesperson, and a handful of film and television shows. He is an avid gamer and fitness enthusiast.

What are some of the projects you have worked on in the last 12 months?

This summer I starred in my first play since grad school, as Iago in “Othello” at a small black box theatre in SLC for ‘Little Man Theatre Company.’ I have worked on dozens of commercials. A few that come to mind are a series of spots for Wasatch IT in collaboration with the Utah Jazz/Jazz Bear, and a hosting gig for Maverik’s Peak Adventure Sweepstakes.

Who is your favorite person on set?

HMUA! Not only are they the person who helps me look my best, but they are usually a great confidant and friend. I think most actors form good friendships with their HMUAs as they work with them on different projects.

What project have you worked on that made you a better professional?

This goes back years now, but probably the first Squatty Potty commercial. This might have been the first time I was carrying a big shoot as spokesperson. The circumstances around this shoot were such that I was on set for almost 24 hours. I was powered by Red Bull and peanuts. I found that I can power through pretty much anything, even if it means I collapse in exhaustion the next day. Some shoots are just like that. They require everything. I have discovered a well inside of me that can pretty much handle anything to get the work done, if necessary.

What advice do you have for your fellow actors or for people interested in pursuing acting as a career?

If you have a love, passion, and talent for acting, don’t let anything stop you from trying to pursue it. There is a popular phrase bandied about in teaching circles, and by celebs like John Lithgow (among others): “Only pursue a career in acting if there is nothing else you can do. If you can see yourself doing something else, do that. This career is too hard.” Actors like John Lithgow who tell young artists this don’t know the kind of harm they could be causing. Acting is a marathon. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. There is no “arrival.” An acting career is a life-long pursuit. You don’t have to be ONE thing. You don’t have to be 100% an actor, all the time. To quote a fellow young actor, Dan Tracy, “If you can see yourself doing something else, do that… AND KEEP PERFORMING.” Doing things other than acting whether it’s for work or for a hobby will make you a more well-rounded and interesting person, give you a more fulfilled life, and thereby give you more to draw from as an actor. It is only going to help you. Don’t let cliches pinhole what would be, could be, an amazing career ahead of you. This is something that more young actors need to hear, and I wish someone had told me this 15 years ago.