Don't you pity the school or college graduate who is constantly asked “What job or major have you chosen?” Even the grammar school child gets “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Can’t anyone think of something else to ask? Doesn’t our society put enough stress on its next generation?
Every young person, when asked repeatedly such questions, begins to wonder what little "niche" they will fit into. Personally I'm all for allowing children to grow up and discover for themselves what they like, not what is forced upon them, but rather be guided toward how to achieve their interests. Hopefully when they are adults, they will make more positive choices vs letting others speak for them. Above all, avoid pigeonholing!
What does this have to do with acting? Acting is a career, but usually the actor is drawn to the profession as an art. From my own observances, experiences and from what I’ve read and heard, actors do get pigeonholed into certain genre. True, sometimes it’s due to an actor’s looks, athletic or singing abilities, high profile parents, or just "being there" at the right time, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Seagal, Bruce Lee, Willie Nelson, Angelina Jolie...
I say “Great!” if one gets roles due to other abilities and/or in addition to acting skills, then go for it. Actually isn’t that good avice that is recommended by acting schools? To be a well-rounded individual in as many areas as possible to land more parts?
Besides, if a less trained or talented individual, actor or not, is successful, happy about it and chooses not to move to another area or genre within or outside his career, than that is his choice. I can only imagine certain actors as cowboys, others in slapstick roles and even others as action heros or romantic leads...
Let's face it, Pee Wee Herman as a romantic lead just doesn't float my boat! (no offense Mr. Herman) But maybe he was considered a great action hero on his bicycle?
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Children need to learn to develop strength and self-esteem in all ways, to get back up and try again. Having thin skin can be a detriment, to all of us, especially in the entertainment industry. History has proven that, by looking back on child actors. If their upbringing wasn’t “handled” properly, disaster could befall these young adults who might become young stars as well. And to so many it did. Now-a-days you see adult actors, for the most part, protecting their children from the lime lights. Even young actors of celebrity parents, using different last names, so that they can prove to themselves, and to others, that they can act on their own without Mom or Dad stepping in.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is for an entertainer to end up in gossip tabloids. Being written about and photographed, and in many instances this can be a good thing, but how the actor or even the public react to it, is another. Such reactions, in addition to having one's name up in lights or being responsible for tickets selling at movie box offices, is sometimes the biggest goal for an actor. Hopefully, most true great actors will not agree - they might call all that attention, "Icing on the cake." The secret, to me, is finding the best of both worlds!
All the above are from opinions of many people who I have read about, including my own thoughts from being in the business over two decades. Of all the careers I have had, this one has been the biggest roller coaster ride. Granted, I have not had to depend on acting for a living, some do. That, my friend, adds a whole new dimension.
Robert Downey, Jr.
Yes, it might mean taking a chance, but acting is a career, where the chances can be big, and the successes even bigger! I feel actors, most of them, should work in any genre they deem appropriate. In other words, they should push the limits becoming different characters and portraying them. To not be one's self all of the time, and let the camera film such different portrayals, for us, the audience, to enjoy.
A good example is that of Robert Downey, Jr. He moved from his action packed character the Iron Man to a comedic role in Tropic Thunder. And it worked! Those brave enough, like him, can do the same - be a well rounded actor of all genres, as a result getting more work, more respect and a larger fanbase in the process! (if that happens to be one or more of your goals) And if we're comfortable with this, finding our "niche," then so be it.
The reality is, though, that there are a handful of actors who have no problem crossing over, and I feel once they do, and it works, they will continue to follow such success. Others just might be better to stay in a few, if not one genre. It all depends on the actor, if he has the desire to make a transition or just stay put. As long as they, children or adults, actors or non-actors, do the best they can do, nothing else really matters, does it?
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"Should actors stick to one genre?"
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Yeah Willie!
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