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By definition, an actor is a person who plays a role in a dramatic production. But what makes an actor good at what s/he does? Actors have a deep sensitivity to the inner workings of the human psyche. They are able not only to ascertain the motivations and emotions of those around them (which might be considered research), but they are able to render these same motivations and emotions convincingly when they portray a character.
I know a lot of actors, and not all of them are as sensitive as you say they are. Some of them are Pretenders. They pretend to care, to cry, to live, to love -- this is true of non-actors as well, but sometimes actors use their 'skill' to manipulate the world around them, and that, my dear, is unpleasant, unromantic, and impolite. I know some great actors who don't take advantage of those who may fall victim to their dramatic charms, but I've also been deeply, deeply hurt by several actors recently, and if you're going to join that profession, it would behoove you to be ethical in your interactions with other non-acting folk. I met George Clooney a long time ago, and he is an example of someone who uses his talents for good and not for evil...and if George Clooney can do it, so can the rest of the acting profession. It sure would be nice if they did.