Most of us spend a good chunk of our lives chasing our dreams. Sadly, things don't always work out the way we've planned, so there comes a point when we take a step back and set new realistic goals.
However, there are some people who are willing to do anything and everything as long as it helps them achieve their dreams.
For Todd LaTourette, an actor who appeared in AMC's Better Call Saul, severing his right arm was what he felt was necessary to advance his career.
LaTourette, who claimed that he suffers from bipolar disorder, used his lack of a limb to pose as a war veteran in order to book more roles in film and television.
"I severed my hand with a Skil saw," he shockingly confessed to local news outlet KOB-TV 17 years after he injured himself. "The state of my mind was a psychotic episode."
The New Mexico man may not be a big time star, but the drastic measures he took worked in his favor in some ways.
In addition to appearing as Skell in the fourth season of Better Call Saul, he has landed small parts in George Clooney's 2009 film The Men Who Stare At Goats, Longmire, The Messengers, and Manhattan.
"The film industry took a different angle... that I was different, and so they liked that," LaTourette explained. "They trusted me that I was exactly who I said I was. I was a war veteran. I was hired because I lied."
LaTourette has been back on his medication, but the toll of lying about his identity started to become too much, pushing him to come clean, even though he risks ruining his career in Hollywood.
"I was dishonorable. I'm killing my career by doing this, if anyone thinks this was for personal edification, that's not the case," he said. "I'm ousting myself from the New Mexico Film Industry. And gladly so, just to say what I've said."
However, trying to lead a more honest life isn't the only reason why LaTourette is finally speaking out about his situation.
He wants to raise awareness about mental illness and hopes his story will encourage people to seek help.
"The power is in your hands to take your medication in the morning, or at night. So that, this, this discourse of my life doesn't need to necessarily be yours. Because, it happens quick... it happens quick."
At this time, it's unclear how LaTourette's admission will affect his current roles or if he will face disciplinary action.