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David Janssen found success as an actor because he wasn't looking for it
"I just try to be an asset rather than a liability in a picture," said the actor.
Not only was David Janssen a talented actor, but he was also incredibly secure in his own ability. Of course, vanity isn’t good for anyone, but Janssen had faith in himself as a performer and never let himself stress out when the roles were few and far between.
“I haven’t worried much about where my next job was coming from,” said Janssen during an interview with The San Francisco Examiner. “I’ve always felt I was qualified to play any part in a script.”
Janssen starred in popular programs like The Fugitive before moving into crime shows like Harry O. In both shows, Janssen held the starring role, but still remained humble throughout his career.
“I can understand the anxiety of actors who think that not getting top billing is the end of their careers, but, like the English, I believe any part is worth playing if it makes a contribution. Billing isn’t important.”
Janssen understood that the true promise of a television program didn’t lie in the actors or how much money was spent on production. The actor knew that any role was a good one if the right actor understood how to play the character.
“Some leading men think it’s a step down if they don’t get the girl at the end of the picture,” said the actor. “That’s never made the slightest bit of difference to me. I just try to be an asset rather than a liability in a picture.”
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