Just read that Courtney Henggeler (Cobra Kai) has quietly stepped away from acting after more than 20 years in the game. She talks about no longer wanting to be “a cog in the wheel” — and it really struck a chord.
Do you resonate?
How do you go about recognising burnout, setting personal boundaries, and staying energised and optimised in this (at times) harsh industry?
Here is the article https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/cobra-kai-courtney-henggeler-quits-acti...
3 people like this
Hi, Alexandra Stevens. I get a "Page not found" message when I click the link. I recognize burnout by the physical drain feeling. I'm still working on setting personal boundaries. I stay energized by resting (I need to do it more), and I'm making the best of the harsh industry right now by using the time to get better at screenwriting and learn more about other areas of the industry.
3 people like this
Maurice Vaughan Oops, thanks for pointing that out. I"ve just reposted it and the link should work now. Yes, resting is so important I agree with you and like you, I need to do it more. Sounds like a wise move to get informed about other areas of the industry.. Hope you're enjoying the process?
2 people like this
You're welcome, Alexandra Stevens. I'm enjoying learning more about other areas of the industry. It helps me as a screenwriter. Like acting for example. I study performances and learn things about acting. Those things help me when I write scripts, like acting out scenes as I outline, write, and rewrite them.
3 people like this
Maurice Vaughan it's fascinating learning more about your writing process. I wonder, what is the top thing you learned about acting that has informed your writing?
3 people like this
I think the top thing -- or at least one of them -- I learned about acting that's informed my writing is actors taking pauses, Alexandra Stevens. It's a simple thing, but a pause can have a big impact in a script, movie, show, etc.
3 people like this
Alexandra, thank you for sharing this: I hadn’t seen the article yet, and it really resonated with me too. Courtney’s decision is such a powerful reminder that stepping away doesn’t mean giving up: it can be one of the most intentional, courageous choices we make for our well-being.
Burnout in this industry can sneak up fast, especially when we’re conditioned to always say yes, push harder, and stay visible. For me, recognizing burnout usually shows up as physical exhaustion and brain fog. I get so worn out that I become really emotionally raw and struggle to sleep, no matter how tired I am.
3 people like this
Maurice Vaughan sounds like a learning that can have a powerful impact on your scripts, allowing pauses for actors. And this poetically links back to the article and what you Ashley Renee Smith smith said about the importance of pausing in our creative work when necessary to refuel