In an unconventional twist of fate, a man who spent 321 days pretending to be dead has secured an acting role on CSI.
Josh Nalley from Kentucky took to TikTok, where he posted a video every day for nearly a year, feigning his demise.
Little did he know that his unique approach would lead him to his dream opportunity as a lifeless body on CSI: Vegas.
While many aspiring actors strive to enter the industry through auditions, years of training, or connections, Josh took a different route altogether.
It appears that all it takes is dedication, hard work, and several hundred TikTok videos of oneself lying motionless on the ground to catch the attention of a major TV show and earn a shot at fame.
@living_dead_josh
Josh diligently uploaded countless clips of his simulated death, hoping that a production would cast him as a corpse in one of their episodes.
After 321 days, his wish was finally granted when CSI: Vegas reached out to him, having noticed the viral sensation, and offered him the opportunity to portray a deceased character in their series.
@staytunednbc @Josh Nalley has “played un-alive” for over a year. #Hollywood called along the way. #CSI #CSIVegas #acting
Speaking to the Courier Journal, Josh admitted he had no prior acting experience but had honed his ability to convincingly play a lifeless body through practice.
He stated, “I don’t like speaking on camera, but I can lie there and act like I am dead pretty easily. Having done more than 300 of these posts, I have progressed and gotten better. At first, you could see me breathing, or the fake blood looked really bad. I have gotten rid of using the blood and gotten better at holding my breath.”
Josh discovered that the key to a believable corpse shot was to incorporate some movement in the video, making it appear more dynamic than a mere photograph. While he remained still, his surroundings remained active and mobile.
The idea struck him after witnessing a woman gaining attention from retailers by posting about hot sauce on TikTok. This prompted Josh to wonder if he could achieve a similar response by showcasing his talent for playing a dead body on television.
Despite encountering a few bumps along the way, such as accidentally leaving his phone on during a take, resulting in an untimely telemarketer call, Josh remained undeterred.
While he plans to continue managing a restaurant, he has received multiple offers to portray deceased characters in other productions, indicating that his journey to stardom may have just begun.
It seems that hard work truly does pay off in the most unexpected ways.
