character actor
Eccentric role player
A character actor is a performer who specializes in distinctive supporting roles rather than leading parts.
Where leading actors often play variations of a consistent persona, character actors disappear into varied roles—the quirky neighbor, the corrupt mayor, the eccentric aunt.
The term implies versatility and skill at inhabiting memorable secondary figures: You recognize him from everything but can never remember his name.
Performer eclipsing the lead
- memorableWorth holding onto
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
- underappreciatedNot given due recognition
overlooked · uncelebrated · unsung · reliable · respected · veteran · prolific · journeyman
Bearing or sustaining
- sidekickSubordinate adventure partner
- villainWicked story antagonist
- eccentricUnconventional in character
- quirkyIdiosyncratically unusual
ensemble · cameo · recurring · bit part · guest spot · heavy · foil · comic relief
Shaping through liquid form
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- typecastingAssigning actors similar roles
- headshotShoulders-up photograph
- agentOne who acts independently
callback · SAG · day player · contract · billing · credits · resume · demo reel
Orderly way of doing
- transformationThorough change in form
- immersionState of being submerged
- embodimentConcrete manifestation of idea
- portrayalDepiction of someone
nuance · depth · range · believability · dedication · preparation · research · physicality
scene-stealer
Performer eclipsing the lead
- memorableWorth holding onto
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
underappreciated · overlooked · uncelebrated · unsung · reliable · respected · veteran · prolific · journeyman · workhorse
supporting
Bearing or sustaining
- sidekickSubordinate adventure partner
- villainWicked story antagonist
- eccentricUnconventional in character
quirky · ensemble · cameo · recurring · bit part · guest spot · heavy · foil · comic relief · henchman
casting
Shaping through liquid form
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- typecastingAssigning actors similar roles
- headshotShoulders-up photograph
agent · callback · SAG · day player · contract · billing · credits · resume · demo reel · sides
method
Orderly way of doing
- transformationThorough change in form
- immersionState of being submerged
- embodimentConcrete manifestation of idea
portrayal · nuance · depth · range · believability · dedication · preparation · research · physicality · mannerisms
- showbizHollywood, Bollywood, Tinseltown, backstage, behind the scenes
- actorsactors, actresses, actress, performers, thespian
- party entertainersclown, magician, balloon artist, juggler, puppeteer
- performersdancer, actress, singer, musician, comedian
- rolesleader, lead role, villain, supporting role, manager
- Disney performersAnna, Elsa, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella
character actorleading man
Principal male actor
leading lady · lead actor · star · matinee idol · romantic lead
character actoraction hero
Film's combat-driven protagonist
heartthrob · movie star · type · box office draw · sex symbol
actor, character, characters, characterize, characterization, characterized, characterizing, uncharacteristic, mischaracterize