Actors are hired for roles in film, television, theater or even events. They can also be employed as ‘extras’. In those roles, they appear on-screen with no lines, as narrators for animations or as voiceovers for audiobooks or other media. Since acting roles range from Hollywood ‘A-listers’ to struggling actors trying to secure a steady job, work hours vary. The hours can also be extensive and even irregular.
Actors bring to life ideas and characters in plays, film, and television. Inherent in these acting skills are good stage and screen presence. Actors must successfully create connections between the characters and their audience through expressions, behaviors, and movement. They must be creative enough to interpret the characters’ feelings and motivations. Their portrayal of a character must be so realistic that it resonates with the audiences.
Many actresses have graced Hollywood sets but not all have been as fortunate as Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn, who was born on May 12, 1907, in Hartford, Connecticut, enjoyed a fulfilling acting career for over six decades. She received four awards for Best Actress and twelve nominations at the Oscars.
Can you tell what these actors and actresses have in common? Alan Bates, Angela Bassett, Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett, Emma Thompson and William Shatner.
No, they didn’t all have a role on the big screen. Nor did they all receive an award at the Oscars. Instead, they belong to a unique group known as classical actors.
Have you ever watched a movie and easily identified the main character? And there were other actors who helped to develop the plot? Some of the other actors appeared for a few seconds with a gesture or one liner. And there was usually one who seemed to appear frequently but was not in the forefront. This person is known as the supporting actor.