Glen Powell, the rising star known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Set It Up, recently opened up about his years-long struggle in Hollywood before achieving his current success. Powell revealed that,

like many actors trying to break into the industry, he faced countless setbacks and moments of self-doubt. In a candid interview, he admitted that one of the ways he coped with the uncertainty

and rejection was by “lying to yourself” — not in a malicious or deceitful way, but rather as a form of self-encouragement to maintain belief in his dreams during the most challenging times.

Powell’s openness about his journey is a rare glimpse behind the glossy facade of Hollywood, where many stars endure years of struggle before finding their big break. Powell’s story is not unique

in Hollywood, where success often seems to come to those who are not only talented but also exceptionally resilient. Despite his undeniable charisma and talent, Powell spent years working odd jobs,

taking small roles, and auditioning for parts with little to show for it. He confessed that there were moments when it felt like he was stuck in a cycle of auditions without any real progress.

This led him to develop coping mechanisms, one of which was telling himself he was “just one role away” from breaking through. The mantra became his lifeline during the many tough times

when rejection seemed inevitable, and Hollywood’s harsh realities threatened to derail his dreams. For Powell, the constant self-reassurance became a way to push through the disappointment and keep his focus on the long-term goal.

But it wasn’t just the endless rejections that made Powell’s journey difficult. The nature of the industry itself often made him question whether he truly belonged. Hollywood is infamous for its emphasis on external appearances, and Powell, like many actors, often found himself in situations where his looks were judged before his talent. Despite his charm and on-screen presence, Powell had to fight for roles that showcased his range beyond the stereotypical “leading man.” His early career was filled with minor roles, and while he was grateful for every opportunity, he often felt overlooked or miscast. The pressure to fit into a specific mold, coupled with the constant comparison to other rising stars, made it hard to stay confident. Yet, through it all, Powell continued to remind himself that persistence was key, and that, one day, his moment would come.

In recent years, Powell’s perseverance has paid off, culminating in his breakthrough role as a key member of the ensemble in Top Gun: Maverick, where he earned critical acclaim for his performance. This success, however, did not come without its own set of challenges. Powell admits that his rise to fame, while thrilling, also came with new pressures, including the need to live up to the expectations set by his new-found visibility. For someone who had spent years struggling to get noticed, the reality of success can be just as daunting as the struggle itself. Powell reflected on how he had to constantly remind himself not to become complacent and to keep working hard, even after achieving what he had once considered a dream role. “You can never stop,” he said. “Success doesn’t mean you’re done. It means you’ve got to keep going.”

Now, as a sought-after actor with several high-profile projects under his belt, Powell has gained a new perspective on his journey. Looking back, he acknowledges that the struggle was essential to his growth, both as an actor and as a person. The resilience he developed through years of setbacks has been crucial to his ability to handle the pressure that comes with fame. Powell has learned that while the entertainment industry is full of rejection and disappointment, it is also a place where perseverance truly pays off. He’s become a firm believer in the idea that success is not about avoiding failure, but about learning to navigate through it and continuing to push forward.

Glen Powell’s story serves as a reminder that the road to success in Hollywood is rarely linear. For many actors, the journey is full of false starts, frustrations, and moments of doubt. Powell’s willingness to share his personal struggle is an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. His advice to “lie to yourself” — to keep believing in the dream even when it feels like it’s out of reach — is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination. Ultimately, his story is one of resilience, illustrating that while the entertainment industry can be unforgiving, persistence, hard work, and a bit of self-encouragement can lead to the success many dream of but few achieve.

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