Why do actors get type cast?

Question

Why do actors get type cast?

Answer 1

Not all do but generally, when they do become type-cast, it is because they are good at the role or roles in question! This in turn makes them popular with the public - or they would not survive.

The public often like to see 'favourite' actors 'doing their thing' Familiarity and 'safety' in expectations are important. here.

Agents, producers, programme commissioners, etc. also like to be on safe ground when choosing actors. They want to make money. Once an actor is established as a winner, he or she will be 'much sought after' when casting takes place.

Actors themselves can contribute to the problem, as many will 'take anything' to be in work. It takes courage either for producers or actors to 'go against type' but often, as we know, the results can be stimulating.

An example is Sir David Jason. As you know, he developed as a brilliant comic actor in such shows as 'Open All Hours', 'The Darling Buds of May' and 'Only Fools and Horses'. However, his performances 'Inspector Frost' and as 'Scullion' in 'Porterhouse Blue, demonstrate his versatility in serious roles. He resisted being totally type-cast and, as I suggested, the results can be great.

Being type-cast is not always so bad, especially if it keeps bread on the table. What would the likes of John Wayne have done without it - even if he did venture out into some odd roles from time to time?

Answer 2

As others suggest, it's often a by-product of PERFECT casting initially, and one so suited for a particular role, they may have difficulty stretching the boundaries.

   Two comedic actors that come to mind immediately,,, Robin Williams, and Jim Carey, managed to break their own molds, albeit comedy may be their forte.

   Harrison Ford will likely be remembered as "Indiana" far longer than as "Han Solo", but he too has broken the mold, so to speak.

   For some it's quite lucrative, and fits them in their sense of comfort, specifics to that TYPE of character, and development of the TYPE. James Bond might be one such example.

   For those few; type casting may mean more work, more often, especially if they aren't on an "A" list. For someone like FORD, in his 60's, it seems an Indiana reprise, was likely at some Hollywood notion of , "Well whadda wanna try next guys?"

Just my 2 "scents"

Answer 3

Some actors become so identified with a specific character type that casting directors, directors, producers and other film and TV decision makers just don't beleive that an audience would beleive that as a different character type. For example...would you beleive Tim Allen in a James Bond-type role? Probably not, unless it were a parody of the genre, and Allen was dim-witted klutz with a heart of gold that comes out smelling like a rose at the end.

Answer 4

I think it means that people get so used to seeing them in a certain program and as that certain character, that people don't hire them because the people who hire the actors, think they can only act in roles that are similar to the role.

One such person could be like Joey out of friends, you couldn't really imagine him being a serious character so he might always get put into similar type roles.

Answer 5

Often it's because of their Physique. A muscular, tall man is more likely to get the part of a hero over a small, skinny man. (In Most Situations)