Character actor

A character actor is an actor who predominantly performs supporting parts, often in similar roles throughout the course of a career. While some actors aspire to leading man or leading lady status, many notable actors have had enduring careers in less prominent, but important and memorable character parts. Character roles run the gamut from bit parts to secondary leads.

Crossover actors

Many character actors have, however, gained star status; some have become widely known lead actors. Examples include Claude Rains, Peter Lorre, Gene Wilder, John Malkovich, Ed Harris, Jack Black, Tom Hanks and Lynne Thigpen. Other character actors have developed a cult following with a particular audience as well, such as the fans of Star Trek or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This notwithstanding, a hallmark of many great character actors is that their names are not widely known yet their faces or voices are instantly recognizable; Paul Henreid, Sydney Greenstreet, or Barry Fitzgerald might serve as examples.

Related Topics:
Claude Rains - Peter Lorre - Gene Wilder - John Malkovich - Ed Harris - Jack Black - Tom Hanks - Lynne Thigpen - Cult - Star Trek - The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Paul Henreid - Sydney Greenstreet - Barry Fitzgerald

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~