Actor Asia Kate Dillon Seeks Food Service Work Amid Acting Drought
The non-binary performer, known for 'Billions' and 'Orange Is the New Black,' cited a significant decrease in acting opportunities, particularly for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.
Asia Kate Dillon, an actor known for their roles in Showtime's "Billions" and Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black," has publicly sought employment in the food service industry due to a scarcity of acting roles.
Dillon, 41, shared their resume on Instagram, explaining that acting work has "all but diminished," particularly for performers who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. They noted a personal history in food service, having worked as a dishwasher and food runner as a teenager before advancing to floor manager positions in Brooklyn.
"Now, like for many, many performer colleagues of mine - particularly those of us who are trans/nonbinary/gender nonconforming - acting work has all but diminished, and I'm in need of service work once more," Dillon wrote in their social media post.
Dillon's acting career began in earnest in 2015, with over a decade spent working exclusively in theater, film, and television. They are recognized for portraying Taylor Mason in "Billions" from its second season until the show's conclusion in 2023. Their other notable roles include Brandy Epps in "Orange Is the New Black" and The Adjudicator in "John Wick: Chapter 3." Most recently, Dillon appeared in the independent film "Outerlands."
The actor's situation highlights broader challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ performers in Hollywood. Last month, transgender actor Jack Haven also posted a public appeal for acting work, aiming to secure the $4,000 needed to maintain health insurance through the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) for 2027. Haven, who starred in "I Saw the TV Glow" and Netflix's "Atypical," expressed an urgent need to find work within a limited timeframe to retain their insurance benefits.
Haven's plea, shared via YouTube, detailed their efforts to secure employment, stating a willingness to perform various jobs and highlighting skills such as singing, dancing, and accents. While Haven received job offers following their appeal, they also acknowledged public criticism and the suggestion to find a "real" job, noting that such alternatives would not address their immediate healthcare needs.