I used to work long hours as a waiter. And although I made a lot of money, it was killing me. Now I'm doing something I actually love, which is writing.
Note that in this usage of actually, we normally stress the word that follows in order to show a contrast. Here, red is stressed because it contrasts with salmon.
I didn't like the first shirt you showed me because it wasn't quite red — it was more of a salmon color. I like this one more because it's actually red.
Also, because the stress makes it clear that there's a contrast, the second part can be left out and implied:
Of all the employees, why did Mr. Riley choose me to write this email?
— Because it's important, and you actually know how to write! [...the others don't!]
Dave: Your place is fire. Now that you’re closer, we can hang out all the time. Hey, let me take you to lunch — I’ll show you around downtown.
Rita: I'd love that! Oh, and I need to buy Connie a gift and a card. She’s been such an excellent friend. She even helped me move in.
Dave: Ouch! And what am I, chopped liver? I told you I’d help you if you wanted me to.
Rita: Yeah, but she actually showed up...
Barbara: So I noticed you're wearing a wedding ring... how's Jimmy these days?
Nina: Actually, Jimmy and I broke up years ago. I married Ethan.
Barbara: Ethan who worked at the camera store?!
Nina: Yep. Actually, he owns it now.
So that night, I get a text from Samantha: "Hey, my dog-walker just bailed on me last minute. You think you can help me out?" Well, I was livid. It was so obvious that she had actually fired the dog-walker because she figured I was willing to do everything for free.
I recently came across this article online about a woman in New Zealand who has a little girl named Mahinarangi (and I know I’m pronouncing it correctly because I actually googled the pronunciation).
Brad: So the break room is over there, the restroom is behind it, and there's a balcony out back if you're a smoker. Now I need to get to a meeting, so if you have any questions, ask that guy over there. His name is Bo...
Danny: ...Bobby Sullivan.
Brad: Oh, you know him?
Danny: We were actually classmates in high school.
Bill: I'll call Manny and see if he wants to join us for dinner while you're in town next week.
Don: That's a great idea. I actually saw his book for sale at an airport last month. I can't believe I know a published author!
3c Actually is used in front of the main verb to express (a) disbelief, shock, disapproval at something that someone HAD THE AUDACITY to do, in reference to something reprehensible, or (b) HAD THE GUMPTION to do in reference to something brave or admirable.
Here, it has a nuance of «You're not going to believe this!» with the corresponding intonation to express wonder and admiration. Many times, speakers will slow down their speech and not use contractions in order to make this sound even more impactful.
(a)
When Angie sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. She wanted to work for a Japanese import company, but was told she needed to know basic Japanese. She actually taught herself the language in six months!
(b)
Angie is the most underhanded person I've ever met. She needed to learn Japanese in order to land a job at an import company, and she figured the best way to do that was to have a Japanese boyfriend. So she actually befriended her coworker Komiko, became her best friend and then stole her boyfriend!
Barbara: Wow, is that the time? I can't believe we've been sitting here for almost three hours. I hope I'm not keeping you from something...
Nina: Not at all! Apparently, we had a lot to catch up on. But I think I'm going to have to put something in my stomach — I had a very early breakfast. Shall we go get some pastries?
Barbara: Yeah, I could use something too.
Nina: Oooh, their almond croissants are the bomb. Can I tempt you?
Barbara: I actually can't stand almond paste, but knock yourself out — this is on me.
____________
Barbara: What? You speak French?!
Nina: Not only do I speak French, I was actually a French teacher at the local high school for a year.
Barbara: Get out of here! I'm starting a French school! Well, we still don't have a building, but the public library lets us read French stories to kids on Saturday mornings. I'll send you our website and you can tell me what you think. Actually... I have to go look at a possible location this afternoon. If you're not busy, you could come with me and check it out. I'd love to get your opinion.
Nina: Absolutely. Count me in!