How does an actor avoid being typecasted?

Question

Its not that I don't enjoy playing dorky goofy roles. In fact, I am NOT trying to AVOID them. But I am trying to get out there on the other side of the spectrum. I know I am very capable. Like Robin Williams for example, from making you wet your pants to making you tear up. My goal is to be versatile.

Answer 1

Good question with a tough answer. You've got to be 'everyman' and be able to play any type at will. But it doesn't just come from acting classes, even though they are important. You've got to start in your mind, creating the different archetypes of the characters you want to be. You create them through yourSELF. Then, it takes time to grow into them, as you make personal decisions about what influences will nurture you, nurture the personalities. Some people are good at this naturally, but we all have the capability to switch it on. The key is persistence and patience, the ability doesn't manifest overnight. It's like building a puzzle, small pieces to different sections at the same time. Eventually the picture becomes clear and real.
Let every rejection be a sign to stronger patience and more assured persistence.

Answer 2

Then BE versitable. Look into the current genre of roles you've accepted....and radically go across the pond into different roles.

Not only has Robin Williams done this successfully, but Jim Carrey, Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Leslie Nielson all have jumped the spectrum and have done impressively well.

Tell your agent to get the lead out and start snagging you that versitle role....along with a killer savvy PR team to promote your efforts.

Risks? Hey: drinking a glass of water in itself carries risks: pour the cold glass over your head and enjoy the sensation doing so gives you. Remember: you can always dry off and be as you were before.

Answer 3

It's a tricky question.

Up to a certain point in an actor's career, he or she is more or less obliged to "take what they're giving" in terms of castings. And, if you think about it, "type casting" isn't necessarily a bad thing; after all, actors are generally "typecast" after they demonstrate that they're highly PROFICIENT at a particular type of role.

Frankly, some actors never overcome the audience's association of them with certain kinds of parts. But -- and this is the tricky part -- at a certain point, the actor has to "JUST SAY NO" to roles which force him or her to stay within those confines.

It's never easy for actors to turn down work...especially well-paid work. But, if personal GROWTH and the demonstration of RANGE is the most important consideration...you do what you gotta do.

Answer 4

Take on different roles. If you played a goofy guy in the last project, be sure to take a different kind of role for the next project. You'll have to express your interests to your agent and you will likely have to turn down the goofy guy offers that come in (which means less money in the short term). Consider doing local theatre as well to continue sharpening your skills. All the best to you!

Answer 5

One avoids being typecast, by creating compelling roles, that have depth and heart.

Think: James Dean! DeNiro (his earlier work), Harvey Keitel, Brando and Sean Penn. Rent the films of these guys, especially Dean, Brando, Penn and Keitel. One must mesmerize an audience.

When you create characters with layers, with which an audience can relate, you won't be typecast. Unless you book a sitcom and always play the "goofy guy!"

Answer 6

You can't - it's the Casting Directors and Directors (or their asistants) that make the casting decissions. They generally have very narrow views based on what they've seen you do.
UNLESS, you determine what you want them to perceive you as and find the role that you can master, produce it (because no one else will) and do everything in your power to get them in to see it.
Lots of luck!
On the other side of the coin, being type cast isn't all that bad if you are good at what you do - and who knows, once in a while you'll get a role that will allow you to show your depth and versitility while still serving the character.

Answer 7

I think being on a successful sitcom in your very first role can be bad esp. if your charcter is a certain way...like dumb or something. Also, try to switch up roles you play. If you play a dumb person every time, then that's just what people will think of you...like that's all you can play. People thought that about Reese WItherspoon until Walk the Line came out.

Answer 8

If you don't want to be typecasted, then dont have auditions that would typecast you. Use serious monologues, not comedic monologues. Show on your resume that you have played goofy roles, but show in your acting that you can play other roles too.

Answer 9

Find two or three contrasting monologues that demonstrate your range, and show that you can play someone other than a dork. Make those monologues work for you... when you audition, ask if you can have a minute to show them something about yourself, and then jump right in with a monologue that shows you are anything but what they expected.

Answer 10

By doing a variety of roles.