what does it take to become a famous actor?

I can tell you how it works in NYC...or, at least what my experience with it was. First, you get yourself a subscription to Backstage magazine (it's Backstage East if you're in NY, Backstage West if in LA)as well as to Variety. You'll find a lot of auditions there. Next, you find yourself a decent acting teacher with a good reputation. Third you get some headshots and make a resume. Then you go to every audition you possibly can. Try to get an agent or manager to represent you. It will be tough, without any experience. Brace yourself.....your chance of becoming a "famous actor" is virtually 0% UNLESS you know somebody in the business. 98% of getting work as an actor comes through contacts. My career in a nutshell... I started out by doing standup comedy, studying at a place called the American Comedy Institute. The guy who ran it was extremely well known in the industry. My first performance was at Caroline's Comedy Club on Broadway. This guy offered a class through one of his associates called "Acting for Comedians". I took that class and was with my teacher for nearly 10 years studying the Meisner method. With what I learned from her, I began to audition. I got hired by a "membership company". At that time, I had to pay $100 but was guaranteed 5 roles with the company per season. After my first acting role, I was asked to direct with the company. I went on to direct about 30 productions through them and also started getting outside offers. In total, I directed about 50 or so productions at various venues around NYC. While I was studying acting, I did a LOT of extra work. It's tedious. Long hours and generally not worth it. You do NOT get paid for extra work. If you're lucky you might get a donut and a cup of coffee! lol. You might want to do some though, just to get a feel for how the business is. Get friendly with the tech people, if they're willing to talk to you. Talk to casting associates. Talk to fellow actors. Always keep your headshot and resume with you. You never know who you might meet. The reality is, unless you have some decent representation (agent or manager) and are a member of SAG & AFTRA, you can't get much more than community theatre projects or non-paid work to get experience. Again, contacts are the most important thing. Best way to make contacts is through fellow actors or reputable teachers. Good luck!