I've been a commercial actor for over 18 years. Have done hundreds of commercials, union and non-union (I live in Florida, which allows me to do both) including a Super Bowl commercial . I have made and continue to make enough money to keep my wife home from work for over 11 years to raise our daughter since the moment she was born. The union commercials have allowed me to get the SAG insurance and participate in their pension plan too. I don't accept every casting that comes along. My criteria are rate, terms, duration (no perpetuity), anything I find morally wrong for ME, and no conflicts with past jobs that are still under contract. Yes, I've done pharma (I was one of those guys in the bath tub for Cialis), but only if there is no consumer deceit involved. The money allowed me to go to acting workshops, networking and not have to take a 9-5 job that wouldn't allow me to attend castings. Casting Directors get to know you and I began booking co-star and guest star roles on network shows. Look at the resume of a lot of the A-listers...they started in commercials. Laurie is right...great money and it can lead to other things.