Is drinking alcohol necessary to be successful in entertainment?

Substack is a platform for writers to get paid for their work. Please consider upgrading your subscription to paid to get full access to this story and other tales from me, a former Mormon who launched a Hollywood career, with no fancy connections. If an outsider like me can do it, so can you!

I was around 30 years old the first time I tasted alcohol. The only reason I have a picture of that special evening is because it was also the night I attended the Emmys at the famous Shrine Auditorium. I wasn’t nominated, but as a talent agent, you “cover” awards shows & premieres, make set visits, attend tapings, and enjoy parties as part of the job description. Any place where your clients are working could be considered your workplace too. While Hollywood parties and glamorous events like these are fun, they are also work. So technically, drinking on the job was not only commonplace, it was encouraged.

So it begs the question, is drinking alcohol necessary to be successful in Hollywood?