March 5, 2012
Over the weekend I decided to embark on my annual treasure hunt through memorabilia boxes stacked neatly away in storage. Frequently my efforts uncover some long-lost keepsake. This year it was page 224 from the August 1976 edition of Glamour Magazine titled “DON’T GIVE UP!” Next to photos of eight well-known individuals are brief descriptions of failures that preceded their fame.
If you have ever felt like giving up, read on. For the record I haven’t confirmed the accuracy of these reports, but according to Glamour:
Malcolm Forbes, the late publisher of Forbes magazine, did not make the cut to work on his college newspaper.
Liv Ullmann, nominated for more than 40 film awards including lifetime achievement, failed an audition for the state theater school in her native Norway because she “had no talent”.
Geraldo Rivera, attorney, journalist, author and talk show host took remedial courses in English and math before he could be accepted to college.
Sarah Caldwell, the late first female conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, was told by her conservatory violin professor to choose a different line of music.
And finally,
Woody Allen, one of the most recognized and respected film makers of our time, flunked motion picture production and an English course in college.
If they can come back, so can you.
