Reality Shows...Are they acting jobs?

Hmm, I've managed to avoid them in my career, although I've been asked to participate in a few. Hidden camera shows, sketch comedy/man on the street shows and shows like "Punk'd" are not reality to me, since they are actor-heavy and plot-driven. Even shows like "The Hills" are scripted to a certain point, but I do think this is where serious actors have to draw the line. What reality show star do you know who has made a real transition into acting? The only one I can even think of is Greg Kinnear. He was a host on "Talk Soup" and made an amazing transition into a stunning film career. But he was more of a host, not a reality star.

I guess my opinion, then, is to avoid reality shows as a serious actor. If you want to be a celebrity or to just forge out a career in the new world of reality (which can be very lucrative!), then go for it! But if you are concerned about doing the best work you can and not just about being in the spotlight, then stay away from "unscripted" (yeah, right) TV or web projects. I think it can be harder to dig out of that hole than to create a name for yourself from the start.