What is a Character Actor?

One of my favorite things about movies and TV is when an actor comes on screen and just steals a scene away from the stars. These actors may not have a huge role, but they make the most of it and can be some of the most memorable parts of the program. I usually call these people 'character actors.' Now, I know I said "actors," but I use that term to cover all the genders and identities of people playing these roles. Today, I want to go over the definition of character actors and look at some examples across film and television. Let's dive in. Character Actor DefinitionA character actor is someone who specializes in playing distinctive, often eccentric or unusual, supporting roles rather than leads. The key to being a character actor is the ability to portray a wide range of personalities, often with unique quirks, mannerisms, or appearances. All Actors Need Versatility Hollywood is a place built on star power, but it really is the other roles that can make a movie or TV show come to life. The term 'character actor' I think gets tossed around a lot, meaning any actor in Hollywood who is not up for leading roles. But the fact is that today, actors go back and forth from starring to supporting roles pretty frequently. And a lot of times the way to move up the food chain and to get recognized is to do some of these thankless roles and shine in them. Versatility is the key to lasting success as an actor. And there has to be a humbleness as well. You have to be okay with not being the top-billed person. But put in all the effort in the same way. Character Actor ExamplesLike any other definition, I think it's best to look at some examples of character actors across film and TV and herald them for their work. This should not diminish their work or make you think of them not as people who can lead a film or TV show, but it should open you up to understanding who they are and what special thing they bring to their projects. Christopher Lloyd: Known for his eccentric and often quirky characters, like Doc Brown in Back to the Future and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. He's perfect for playing someone weird, and in his advanced age, he can pull off the crotchety old man as well. Jennifer Coolidge: She's had a storied career as a character actor. Her distinctive voice and comedic timing make her unforgettable in roles like Stifler's mom and Tanya in The White Lotus. J.K. Simmons: He has a talent for playing intense and often authoritative figures, such as J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man films, and an incredibly strong supporting venture as Terence Fletcher in Whiplash. Samuel L. Jackson: While he has had leading roles, he is also known for playing very strong and memorable supporting characters. He ties all of Marvel together as Nick Fury and steals every scene in Django Unchained as Stephen. Lance Reddick: Going from The Wire to John Wick is a pretty incredible journey. He can seamlessly slip into any genre and gives authority to his roles. Margo Martindale: I just over her in everything. From the crazy grandma in Instant Family to being a dangerous spy on The Americans. She can do anything you give her. Summing Up What is a Character ActorCharacter actors are often praised for their versatility and ability to "transform" into different roles. They can play villains, comedic sidekicks, authority figures, or any number of other diverse characters that your story throws at them. These are some of my favorite roles to write because you can picture awesome actors embodying the story and delivering scenes people talk about later. There's a lot of nuance to this definition, so if you have questions, just do some research. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Apr 1, 2025 - 00:01

One of my favorite things about movies and TV is when an actor comes on screen and just steals a scene away from the stars.

These actors may not have a huge role, but they make the most of it and can be some of the most memorable parts of the program.

I usually call these people 'character actors.'

Now, I know I said "actors," but I use that term to cover all the genders and identities of people playing these roles.

Today, I want to go over the definition of character actors and look at some examples across film and television.

Let's dive in.

Character Actor Definition

A character actor is someone who specializes in playing distinctive, often eccentric or unusual, supporting roles rather than leads.

The key to being a character actor is the ability to portray a wide range of personalities, often with unique quirks, mannerisms, or appearances.

All Actors Need Versatility

Hollywood is a place built on star power, but it really is the other roles that can make a movie or TV show come to life.

The term 'character actor' I think gets tossed around a lot, meaning any actor in Hollywood who is not up for leading roles.

But the fact is that today, actors go back and forth from starring to supporting roles pretty frequently. And a lot of times the way to move up the food chain and to get recognized is to do some of these thankless roles and shine in them.

Versatility is the key to lasting success as an actor.

And there has to be a humbleness as well. You have to be okay with not being the top-billed person. But put in all the effort in the same way.

Character Actor Examples

Like any other definition, I think it's best to look at some examples of character actors across film and TV and herald them for their work.

This should not diminish their work or make you think of them not as people who can lead a film or TV show, but it should open you up to understanding who they are and what special thing they bring to their projects.

Christopher Lloyd:
- Known for his eccentric and often quirky characters, like Doc Brown in Back to the Future and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family.
- He's perfect for playing someone weird, and in his advanced age, he can pull off the crotchety old man as well.
Jennifer Coolidge:
- She's had a storied career as a character actor. Her distinctive voice and comedic timing make her unforgettable in roles like Stifler's mom and Tanya in The White Lotus.
J.K. Simmons:
- He has a talent for playing intense and often authoritative figures, such as J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man films, and an incredibly strong supporting venture as Terence Fletcher in Whiplash.
Samuel L. Jackson:
- While he has had leading roles, he is also known for playing very strong and memorable supporting characters. He ties all of Marvel together as Nick Fury and steals every scene in Django Unchained as Stephen.
Lance Reddick:
- Going from The Wire to John Wick is a pretty incredible journey. He can seamlessly slip into any genre and gives authority to his roles.
Margo Martindale:
- I just over her in everything. From the crazy grandma in Instant Family to being a dangerous spy on The Americans. She can do anything you give her.

Summing Up What is a Character Actor

Character actors are often praised for their versatility and ability to "transform" into different roles. They can play villains, comedic sidekicks, authority figures, or any number of other diverse characters that your story throws at them.

These are some of my favorite roles to write because you can picture awesome actors embodying the story and delivering scenes people talk about later.

There's a lot of nuance to this definition, so if you have questions, just do some research.

Let me know what you think in the comments.