Acting Types

The Star

 

They become actors for the fame, the money and the attention.

They love being famous and the publicity that goes with it. Demonstrate a desperate need for attention, and to establish who they are in real life. Choose roles by how much they’ll be paid and how it will affect their public image, or their image of themselves. Secretly terrified of performing on stage. Need multiple takes when filming.

Have tremendous egos and exhibit a bluff self-confidence, yet insecure at times.

They generally make horrible, simplistic films based on the same character archetype over and over. Prone to weak sequels, celebrity mates, and substance abuse problems. Usually give awful performances, with occasional flashes of talent. Often began acting as a last resort, or to escape from something. Most likely grew up poor.

They do massive box office all over the world, and sometimes attain one-name status. When people talk about “celebrity culture”, these are who they’re talking about. On any given day there about 75 of these ’stars’ in the world.

The Actor

 

They become actors because they love to act. Period.

They love every aspect of it. The process of becoming someone else appeals to them. They like escaping from who they are, unlike the “stars” who promote their own personality. They like to disappear in a role, love live theater and performing for an audience.

They’ve wanted to be actors as long as they can remember– and often come from a showbiz family. Broadway is important to this type. They have a certain snob attitude, and feel they are the “real” actors. The ‘Actors’ take it all very seriously– use the word “craft” when talking about acting.

The Artist

 

By far the most talented and interesting of all the acting types.

Multi-talented with a definite point of view on life. Usually they paint, write or are musically inclined. Almost always they want to direct as well as act. Have no regard for what is commercial. Their art isn’t controlled by current trends and what would make a lot of money.

They care most about the vision in their heads. Will not answer to any executive or suit– they have more esteem for what other artists think. Can play many different kinds of characters. Very rarely in the public eye– when they are, they feel uncomfortable.

Extremely loyal to the people around them who share their vision and help.

The Accidental Celebrity

 

These are “actors” who came to the profession through accidental means.

Either they were part of a big news story, used status from another position, or just kind of appeared on the scene. Like in any other group, some are talented and some are not. They generally have the most natural ‘real person’ vibe.

This type does celebrity endorsements, TV (interviews of themselves, or ’special’ appearances on sitcoms) and cameos in films.