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Vladimir Duthiers Takes on Acting Challenge in 'Never Too Late'

CBS Mornings
CBS Mornings
08 Jun 2025
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Personal Growth
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Reading time: 5 minutes

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In our series, Never Too Late, we show you that there's no limit to what you can learn or try when you're doing something new.0:01
I signed up for acting classes and put everything I learned to the test by acting in a scene with a star.0:07
I visited the renowned Stella Adler Center for the Arts.0:29
After meeting with instructor Pete McEllegate, I was ready for my very first class.0:42
For a deeper dive, I visited the William Esper studio where I worked with Jennifer Monaco.1:05
After all that, I was ready to act in a scene of my own.2:16
With Monaco and McGall there coaching me between takes, we proved it's never too late to begin learning to act.2:34

Vladimir Duthiers Takes on Acting Challenge in 'Never Too Late'

Did you know that many successful actors started their journeys later in life? It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and that’s exactly what I discovered when I took on the challenge of acting.

The Beginning of a New Journey

Have you ever marveled at the performances of classic film stars and thought, "I wish I could do that"? For me, that moment came when I decided to sign up for acting classes. I was determined to put everything I learned to the test by acting in a scene with a star. The thrill of stepping into the world of acting was both exhilarating and daunting.

Learning from the Best

To kick off my acting journey, I visited the renowned Stella Adler Center for the Arts. Founded by the legendary actress Stella Adler, whose students included icons like Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando, this center is a treasure trove of acting wisdom. Meeting with instructor Pete McEllegate was a pivotal moment for me. He emphasized the importance of imagination in acting, saying, "The writer will tell me it's a fine day. It's my job to discover what it is that makes that day fine."

This approach opened my eyes to the depth of character exploration. I learned to visualize a scene vividly, like walking down a country road and taking in every detail around me.

Diving Deeper into Technique

For a more immersive experience, I ventured to the William Esper Studio, where I worked with Jennifer Monaco, an actor trained in the Meisner method. This technique focuses on spontaneity and instinct, allowing actors to react authentically in the moment.

We began with a quintessential Meisner exercise involving repetition, which might sound simple but is incredibly powerful. It went something like this:

  • You have big teeth.
  • I have big teeth.
  • You have big teeth.
  • I have big teeth.

This exercise taught me the importance of listening and responding truthfully, a skill that is essential for any actor.

Embracing the Emotional Depth

As we progressed, we dove into dialogue from one of my favorite films, An Officer and a Gentleman. The scene we worked on was heavy with emotional weight, exploring themes of childhood trauma and the struggle for love. The lines were intense, and I found myself deeply connected to the character's journey.

"I don't want you to love me," I repeated, feeling the weight of those words. It was a heavy duty, but it was also liberating to explore such complex emotions.

Putting It All to the Test

After all that preparation, I was finally ready to act in a scene of my own. Monaco wrote a romantic comedy scene titled "10 Days," which we developed based on our work together. Learning my lines and rehearsing with both of my instructors was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves.

When it came time to film, I was thrilled to have Khloe Fineman, an alumna of Stella Adler and a current actor on Saturday Night Live, as my scene partner. With Monaco and McEllegate coaching me between takes, I felt supported and ready to shine.

The Moment of Truth

As the cameras rolled, I found myself immersed in the scene. The dialogue flowed, and I could feel the chemistry building between Khloe and me. Here’s a glimpse of our exchange:

"I think maybe it was my fault."
"Oh, you think?"
"No. No, it was me. It was my fault."

The banter continued, filled with humor and tension, and I realized that all my hard work was paying off. The experience was exhilarating, and I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never experienced before.

A Newfound Passion

Reflecting on this journey, I can confidently say that acting has opened up a new world for me. As I received feedback from industry professionals, including Amy Rezenbach, the president of CBS Entertainment, I felt a surge of validation. She noted my genuine screen presence and encouraged me to continue pursuing this passion.

Takeaway: It’s never too late to learn something new and pursue your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

So, what’s holding you back from trying something new? Whether it’s acting, painting, or even learning a new language, take that leap of faith. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve!