Q&A for How to Look Sick

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How do I act sick?

Lesly Kahn, MFA
Acting Teacher & Coach
Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.

Lesly Kahn, MFA

Acting Teacher & Coach

Expert Answer

Imagine how you felt during a time when you were sick, and then try your best to show those actions and symptoms.

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Question

Can I use red eyeliner if I am trying to fake a cold?

Community Answer

Yes, but don't use too much. Also, be sure to smudge it to make it look believable.

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Question

What if I’m actually sick and my parents don’t believe me?

Community Answer

Tell them all of your symptoms, and be specific. Suggest that they make an appointment with your doctor. If you were faking, you definitely wouldn't ask that. If they're trying to make you go to school, just go, and then go to the nurse's office when you get there.

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Question

How do I make it more realistic if I've tried faking sick before and my parents didn't believe me?

Community Answer

Plan it out over a few days. Start with a few mild symptoms and then gradually get worse day by day. Most illnesses don't come on all at once, so this is the most realistic way to do it.

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Question

How can I fake a stuffy nose if it is clear as day?

Community Answer

Plug your nose from within and breathe through your mouth. If you're careful not to touch your nose, you could put a small amount of matte red eyeshadow on it.

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Question

Can I make bruises as if I bitten by a black widow spider?

Community Answer

You could, but I definitely wouldn't try to convince your parents you were bitten by a black widow, as they would definitely take you to the doctor.

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Question

How do I fake a sore throat?

Tara Burke

Top Answerer

Speak croakily, clutch at your throat as if it hurts, wince when you swallow/talk, and add in weak coughing.

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Question

How do I make it seem like I'm cold and hot at the same time?

Kathryn

Community Answer

If you want it to seem like you're cold and hot at the same time, you could add just a dab of warm water to your forehead so you look like you're sweating a little bit. You could also drape a blanket or put on a jacket so it looks like you're cold and hot at the same time. Make your hands cold and your face/neck hot. For added effect, shiver (just a /tiny/ bit) and block up your throat so you sound sick.

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Question

Can this make me look like I’m going to pass out?

Community Answer

No, that would send you to the hospital, where a doctor would say that you aren't sick at all after running some expensive tests on you.

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Question

What if I actually want to get sick? What do I do?

Community Answer

Don't try to get sick. It could bring long-term, negative consequences that you would seriously regret later.

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Question

What should I do if the school nurse rejected my illness and blew my cover?

Ainsley

Community Answer

Too late to do anything about it. Try better next time, although the nurse might be suspicious at first if you faked being sick before.

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Question

When I gag, it actually makes me throw up. So what do I do?

Jollyjellies19

Community Answer

Throwing up is what you would want if you're trying to fake being sick. Gag and then run to a trash can or toilet and throw up. This would cause people to believe you are actually sick.

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