Sex & Oatmeal
In the heart of Los Angeles, where everyone is trying to sell a version of themselves, sitting down with Eric Guilmette feels like an anomaly. Most know him as the "Vertical Legend"—the leading man in the booming world of micro-dramas—or the face of over 200 romance novels.
But as we sat down for this episode, it became clear that Eric’s most impressive work isn't on a screen or a book cover. It’s in his notebook.
Eric Guilmette on the set of The Axel Axe podcast in Hollywood, California
The Pivot: From Model to "Poet-Actor"
Last time Eric was on the show, he was a model trying to break into acting. Today, he’s a full-time actor who spent 260 days on set last year alone. But the real shift happened internally.
For Eric, poetry isn't just a side hustle; it’s a form of therapy. It’s where he processes the "darkest negatives" and "strongest positives" of the Hollywood grind. It’s the medium that allowed him to transition from being an "object" in a photo to a "voice" in a story.
“Poetry has been something I’ve been working on for six years,” Eric shared.
”I released my first book, Sex and Oatmeal, last year and it’s done 10 times better than I ever could have imagined.”
The "Vertical Drama" Revolution
We spent a lot of time discussing the "New Hollywood": Vertical Dramas.
These short, serialized shows are exploding, and Eric is at the forefront. While some critics view them as "micro-content," the reality is a grueling production schedule that demands professional precision.
"You’re doing 15 pages a day, just cranking stuff out," Eric explained. But he also warns about the "mask" of success.
While apps advertise billions of views, Eric stays grounded by looking at third-party data like IMDb. For him, the goal isn't just views—it’s building a namesake through trust and character.
One of the most profound moments of our conversation was Eric’s philosophy on romance and past relationships.
In a city where people often become "jaded robots," Eric chooses to wear his heart on his sleeve.
"If we don't make it as lovers, let's not make it as strangers."
He shared a short poem from his book that serves as his life's motto: "If we don't make it as lovers, let's not make it as strangers." This level of vulnerability is rare in an industry built on utility-based relationships. Eric argues that if you liked someone enough to date them, the friendship shouldn't die just because the romance did. It’s this "soft strength" that makes him such a compelling romantic lead on screen.
Deep Rest vs. Depression
The most technical part of our talk centered on the mental toll of acting. Eric referenced a Jim Carrey quote that changed his perspective on burnout: Depression is the body needing "Deep Rest" from the character you’ve been playing.
"I never want to get to the point that I am needing a break from playing myself," Eric said. When the professional Eric starts to bleed too heavily into the real Eric, he knows it’s time to pull back, fill the cup, and return to the poetry.
