So you have been told a thousand times, "You know you remind me of..."
Or you get stopped in the street and asked for the autograph of a celebrity that you look like? Well, these are the indications that you are a good candidate to be a lookalike. The lookalike industry has two types of Lookalikes:

Dead Ringers
You look like the celebrity in question. No make up or costumes, they just ARE dead ringer for the star in question. You could look like a current household fave, Jordan, Abi Titmuss, or Soap Star, or a Hollywood Star, Tom Cruise, Richard Gere or Nicole Kidman, or even a star from days gone by, a legend if you will, Marylin Monroe, Humphrey Bogart or Lauren Bacall. Pop stars are more fleeting unles you happen to get lucky (or not depending on your tastes) and look like Elton John, George Michael or Cliff Richard. Then again the world of politics can also throw up some interesting opportunities, from the UK and gloablly, think big! You may have to grow or shave hair, have hair cuts or do many other things to enhance your look but basically you are always going to look like the star in question.

Impersonators
Using clothes, wigs, props and sometime prosthetics this type of lookalike uses their performance skills to enhance their appearance and are usually actors. Either type of lookalike can find work in the industry and there are openings for either type. Impersonators may initially find it difficult to get work because their pictures are static and do not show them performing as the character or celebrity they are impersonating. Try to film yourself or have someone film a performance, and send this footage together with a covering letter to an agent.

Dead Ringers can learn a lot from the impersonators, study your doppelganger, see how the move and what they sound like, if necessary have some vocal coaching lessons to perfect the pitch, cadence and acdcent of the star you look like. You could also invest in the right wig, or hairstyle, and try to buy clothing in the style of the star. Remeber that a lot of performers have their stage outfits specially made, so you might have to get clothing that is simialr in style and look or have a replica costume made.

Also try to watch footage of the star, how do they move, what mannerisms to they have, do they have a particular trade mark movement? Watch films and TV footage of the clebe bwill reveal all. Short of having plastic surgery, which some lookalikes have had in search of perfecting their look, the impersonators can't really improve their looks, howver they can perfect their act and learn to be as close to the original as possible. Dead Ringers are usually employed to spice up a party or add star status to a product launch or exhibition, and are usually not expected to do much more than stand around adding glamour to an event. This is still quite a task as you wil be expected to talk and chat to people and may have the same conversation with different people all night. You will also be expected to have your picture taken with people so don't apply if you don't like photgraphers.

Sometimes doubles will be employed as decoys at film preniers or other social events to divert attention away from the real celebrity. You may be called upon to be a body double on a film or TV shoot. This is quite glamorous but filming can be a long day and quite arduous with long periods stood about doing nothing (take a good book) if you are out side or on a film set it can be quite cold so buy a warm puffer jacket, and put warm "thinsulate" linings in your shoes, your feet can get incredibly cold if you have to stand around for long periods.

Impersonators will be used to get a party going, either on or off stage. They may be used as MC's or to meet the guests in the reception area, they can be used to promote products at exhibitions and conferences and are usually used in more performance orientated events. They are also used in Film and TV shoots depending on the creative brief. Either style of lookalike is valid and there is a lot of work out there for the right individuals. Do not expect an easy ride, you will need a lot of drive and determination to succeed and don't be put off by rejection.

Now read: How To Get an Agent