Dual role

Dual role refers to one actor playing two or more roles, which may be deliberately scripted in a play or film, or merely be a by-product of a low budget in one particular production.

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In theater, such as in the works of absurdists such as Tom Stoppard, characters played by the same actor may be of thematic significance. A good example of this is Tony Kushner's Angels in America, which has a cast of eight despite having many roles. Debate exists over William Shakespeare's use of such, with a famous example being whether the characters of Cordelia and the Fool in King Lear are one and the same.

Related Topics:
Theater - Absurdists - Tom Stoppard - Tony Kushner - Angels in America - William Shakespeare - King Lear

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In film, this technique has often been used for comic effect, examples being Peter Sellers in movies such as Dr. Strangelove and Mike Myers in the Austin Powers films. Buster Keaton infamously played nearly every part in his 1921 film The Playhouse.

Related Topics:
Film - Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove - Mike Myers - Austin Powers - Buster Keaton - 1921 - The Playhouse

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In some cases of low-budget films, or community theater, actors may play more than one role to save money.

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In television, soap operas will commonly use the technique to either portray twins (or even similar looking relatives), or to bring an actor back whose character has been killed. This technique is uncommon, although not unheard of, in primetime television.

Related Topics:
Television - Soap opera - Twins - Primetime

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Notable soap opera examples include:

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• Dr. Sonni Carrera and Solita Carrera (played by Michelle Forbes) in The Guiding Light.
• Angie and Josie Russell (played by Laurie Foell) in Home and Away.

Notable primetime examples include:

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• Samantha and Serena (played by Elizabeth Montgomery) in Bewitched.
• Laura Palmer and Maddie Ferguson (played by Sheryl Lee) in Twin Peaks.