diff --git a/direct/src/interval/ActorInterval.py b/direct/src/interval/ActorInterval.py
index 8b2c8c8dce..ba222d87a9 100644
--- a/direct/src/interval/ActorInterval.py
+++ b/direct/src/interval/ActorInterval.py
@@ -48,6 +48,9 @@ class ActorInterval(Interval):
 	""" updateFunc(t, event)
 	    Go to time t
 	"""
+	if (self.actor.isEmpty()):
+	    self.notify.warning('updateFunc() - empty actor!')
+	    return
         # Update animation based upon current time
         # Pose or stop anim
         if (t >= self.getDuration()):