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I don't get it. If a certain kind of acting versatility is a defining characteristic of a character actor, then how can being a supporting actor be another? Does this mean a character actor is no longer a character actor when cast in a lead role? --77.173.90.33 (talk) 23:04, 17 May 2019 (UTC)
I think this seems to be be an arbitrary label. Probably more deserving of a sub-heading under supporting actor.Halbared (talk) 22:35, 27 June 2023 (UTC)
The last sentence of the first section, "Actors with a long career history of playing character roles may be difficult for audiences to recognize as being the same actor," does not reflect the common usage of the phrase "character actor." When people, whether professional critics or just film aficionados, talk about a "character actor," invariably they are talking about an actor who is more or less well-known and recognizable (by appearance if not by name) by the audience. This is one of the defining features. An actor whom no one reliably recognizes cannot be a "character actor" as this term is commonly used. I understand that there is a citation given to a published article, but the article's definition is quirky and unsupported. Common usage should be our guide here; otherwise, the author is just speculating or arguing. One reason why character actors are successful, acting in many films, and why they sometimes land leading roles, is that they are well-known. In many cases, it's not the "eccentric" roles they are cast in that make them "character actors," but rather a distinctive face, appearance, and mannerisms such as voice and posture. That's another point that needs clarification. It's true, of course, that the distinction between a character actor and a leading actor is not hard and fast. Avant-garde directors are well-known for casting a character actor as a leading character. Harry Dean Stanton is a good example of a character actor who has been cast as a (more or less) leading character in some films. Julian Richings is a another example of a character actor distinguished by his face. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Leghorn (talk • contribs) 02:33, 2 November 2022 (UTC)
An organised list of examples would be useful here; not to mention relevant. The article is poor. 86.183.86.187 (talk) 20:33, 4 September 2023 (UTC)