Tim Minchin begs parents to ‘stop bringing kids up to want to be famous’ as he admits his own success is based on ‘luck’

Tim Minchin begs parents to 'stop bringing kids up to want to be famous' as he admits his own success is based on 'luck'

As a dedicated follower of Tim Minchin, I wholeheartedly agree with his perspective on the perils of chasing fame and fortune. Having spent years observing the entertainment industry from both within and without, I can attest to the fact that the road to success is rarely paved with gold and often fraught with pitfalls.


Comedian Tim Minchin has begged parents to stop encouraging their kids to idolise and chase fame. 

On Jess Rowe’s popular talk show, The Big Talk Show, the renowned global actor expressed that the notion of fame is increasingly appealing to today’s youth.

He expressed his strong opinion that it wouldn’t be wise for everyone to instill in their children the belief that becoming the President of the United States is achievable simply by working hard.

Regrettably, it often becomes entangled within the less favorable aspects of the belief that if one simply works diligently and remains steadfast in their aspirations, they will inevitably achieve success.

‘That sounds positive, but the dark side of that same coin is, and if you don’t get there… If you are poor or struggle with your mental health or you fail to get the raise or get the role, that’s your fault. 

‘Because you didn’t dream big enough. You didn’t work hard enough.

‘On the downside, pursuing an unrealistic dream often causes more harm than benefit, since it rarely leads to fame or recognition.’

In his own words, the composer of Matilda the Musical expressed that among those he considers genuinely content, none are either wealthy or well-known.

‘You almost definitely will work really hard and not become famous and not become rich,’ he said. 

Tim Minchin begs parents to 'stop bringing kids up to want to be famous' as he admits his own success is based on 'luck'

Tim Minchin begs parents to 'stop bringing kids up to want to be famous' as he admits his own success is based on 'luck'

Minchin went on to say: In statistical terms, if your goal is to be an artist, you’ll likely put in a tremendous amount of effort, ultimately finding yourself as a teacher.

‘It may seem surprisingly straightforward, but what stands out about the contented individuals I respect is that they aren’t wealthy or well-known.’

In his latest book, “You Don’t Have to Have a Dream,” the subject of offering guidance from parents, as well as giving advice in any context, is consistently present.

Minchin and his wife Sarah, whom he married in 2001, have two teenage children, Violet and Caspar.

He cited the famous Morning Consult study that found 57 per cent of Gen Z Americans (people born between 1997 and 2012) said they want to be influencers.  

In a 2022 Australian study, it was found that among women aged 15-25, about 56% expressed a desire to abandon their careers or studies to become social media influencers, while 39% of millennial women held the same sentiment.

Tim Minchin begs parents to 'stop bringing kids up to want to be famous' as he admits his own success is based on 'luck'

It seems I have to repeat myself often with the younger generation, but it’s puzzling how many of them respond ‘famous’ when asked about their future careers. In fact, over half of them express this desire.

In their conversation, Rowe noted that the term “authenticity” is often used excessively. They pondered if the essence of this concept might have been twisted in the sphere of influence marketing.

Minchin stated, “As a society, it’s crucial that we cease to exalt individuals like myself, and instead, uplift professions such as teachers and nurses.

He explained to Rowe that he puts his own success down to privilege, luck, and doing what he liked. 

‘It’s absurd that I’ve ended up where I’ve ended up,’ he added.

‘I’m compassionate, considerate, and usually quite giving. There might be a quirky side to my ego, and I sometimes come across as somewhat prideful, but overall, I tend to be a good-natured individual.’

Tim Minchin begs parents to 'stop bringing kids up to want to be famous' as he admits his own success is based on 'luck'

Minchin stated, “I’m not taking the credit for that; it seems more like good fortune. I had loving parents and grandparents, a nurturing environment, and the gift of intelligence and quick reflexes.

‘I got given it all and someone who murders someone in a park got given bad stuff.’ 

Minchin playfully mentioned his inability to read or compose music, yet during his high school years, he dabbled with the piano for a while, allowing him to show off his skills if ever he came across one at a party and wanted to impress a girl.

He stated that he merely gave his all, considering the circumstances at hand. He never imagined himself performing on Broadway.

‘I became engrossed in doing something effectively, which ultimately led me here. This is the lesson I want to pass on.’

Minchin is famed for his acting roles, notably in the series Californication (2007) and the critically acclaimed Australian production Upright (2019), where he both penned the script and appeared alongside Millie Alcock, who also stars in House of the Dragon.

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2024-10-09 09:49

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