Meaning of character actor | Babel Free

Definitions

A supporting actor who specializes in playing eccentric or unusual roles.

Equivalents

Examples

“In an interview with Charlie Rose in November 1999, Johnny Depp stated that he really would like to be known as, and work as, a character actor. Depp cites Lon Chaney as his model and hero, “the greatest character actor of all time."”

“One of the great signature traits of the studio years in Hollywood was its wealth of character actors.”

“The character actor has a much less glamorous effect on their audiences, their impact being made more traditionally over time. Character actors are those who early in their careers discover the chameleon-like ability to play a great variety of roles, each time subsuming themselves into the part until they are almost unrecognisable.”

“But Renner, who’s less of a star and more of a great character actor, remains second fiddle to Hunt, whose future seems secure as the films continue to rake in profits.”

“Merkel is played by Katharina Thalbach, one of Germany's best-loved character actors.”

CEFR level