diff --git a/python/lvmecp/actor/actor.py b/python/lvmecp/actor/actor.py
index 5462608..4402b76 100644
--- a/python/lvmecp/actor/actor.py
+++ b/python/lvmecp/actor/actor.py
@@ -62,6 +62,14 @@ def __init__(
         self._emit_status_task: asyncio.Task | None = None
 
 
+    async def start(self, **kwargs):
+        """Starts the actor."""
+
+        self.running: bool = False
+
+    async def start(self, **kwargs):
+        """Starts the actor."""
+
         await super().start(**kwargs)
         self.running = True