Members of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2026 supporting class discussed the careers they would have chosen if they were not actors.
These interviews provide a rare glimpse into the personal aspirations of high-profile performers during a critical awards cycle. By sharing their alternative paths, the actors humanize their public personas while promoting the talent pool eligible for the 2026 [1] Emmy awards.
The video, released on The Hollywood Reporter’s YouTube channel, features a variety of performers including Timothy Simons, Naomi Watts, and Erika Alexander. Each artist reflected on the skills or interests they possess outside of the entertainment industry, a process intended to give fans deeper insight into their personalities.
The segment is part of a broader effort to highlight the 2026 [1] supporting class. This group represents the diverse range of talent currently contending for recognition in the television landscape. The discussion focuses on the "what if" scenarios of their professional lives, moving away from their current roles to explore untapped interests.
Because the video was produced as a short-form feature, the responses are concise. The participants shared their thoughts on how their lives might have differed had they not entered the acting profession. This promotional content serves as a bridge between the actors and the audience leading up to the Emmy season.
“They opened up about what they would be doing if they weren’t actors”
This promotional content reflects a growing trend in awards-season marketing, where studios and publications use short-form social media video to build emotional connections between voters, fans, and nominees. By focusing on personal identity rather than professional achievements, the campaign seeks to increase the visibility and relatability of the 2026 supporting class.
