Martin Thompson puts on a good show.

“I really got into it in high school,” Martin says of his love for acting. “And then I went to New York City to pursue a career as a waiter.”

All joking aside, Martin has worked with household names including Dustin Hoffman and Jim Belushi, and early in his career, worked behind the bar with Bruce Willis. “Actors are unemployed most of the time. As an actor, I’m successful because I earn my meager living at it,” he says. “Well, I don’t know how to do anything else.”

Martin puts his talents to use in film, on television and on stage (he lists more than 10 different accents, and skills including “magician” and “ballroom dancer” on his resume)—but he also shares his passion for the craft as a teacher at Charlotte’s Actors Studio. “I love teaching,” he says.

What he likes most about skirt!? “It’s free!” And wearing a skirt?” I don’t know if I have a favorite thing—it’s not something I do often.”