What distinguishes a lead actor from a supporting actor?

Question

Whether I'm doing a professional or amatuer production, I find that I almost always get cast in a supporting role. Not that it's a bad thing but I'm wondering what makes a lead actor "type" vs. a supporting actor type. Does it have to do with looks or talent level or simply exuding something such as sexual energy? I'm good-looking but I exude things like mystique and intensity which is why I probably get cast as the bad guy a lot. I've been the romantic lead a couple of times but mostly I do secondary leads or supporting. I'm also 5'7" which is below average height so maybe that has something to do with it. Yes I know people like Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman are short and are leading men but they are few and far between. Is there anything I can do to maybe play more leads or are some people just meant to play certain types regardless of their talent level?

Answer 1

I'd say you probably answered your own question there. You appear to have a fair amount of sensitivity to how the process works, and I believe that you've considered most - if not all -- of the reasons why you're being cast in supporting, as opposed to leading roles.

Sounds as though you're getting a number of opportunities to work, which is always a good thing. It also sounds, however, as though you've pretty much been content to take pot luck. Perhaps the time has come for you to be a bit more pro-active on the casting front. When you show up to read for the next production, why not try specifying at the outset which roles you'll accept...and which you won't. As a frequent director, I can tell you that I encounter this all the time, and it's really not a problem for me.

You can start to target the sorts of roles you'd prefer to play, and you'll save everyone concerned some time.

Answer 2

That's a damn good question. I dont think that it has everything to do with looks, (eg. Billy Bob Thornton), or height, (eg Sylvestor Stallone), or even talent, (too many to mention). I think that you get picked if you suit the part, say you are a 5'7 brown haired, brown eyed guy and the lead character is a rather large Nordic Viking with blonde hair and blue eyes, you really cant play that part can you, but his offsider is a smaller, darker person so you get the supporting role. Most all productions, whether it be professional or amatuer, work off a script where the characters have already been described, the producers then look for someone to suit that part..... well that's just my opinion anyway.. :-)

Answer 3

The answer is yes to all. Lead actors are already choosen to be the main character in a movie. Mainly that actor seem to fit the characteristics of the main character required to play the role. Being a good naturally actor also plays an important role in helping directors & producers choosing him/her. A supporting actor usually is/are already a well groomed actor who can take on any role needed to make the movie or story stand or hold together. Without good supporting actor some movies just don't seem to make that cut, if you will. You can have an inexperienced actor chosen as main or lead character because the person is cheaper, hired to do the job, but with the stipulation of this fact an experineced supporting actor helps make the story or movie holds together. On the other hand, if you have good actors all play in a movie, a bad story can seem to make the movie good. I've seen many movies like these. However, I would not say it's a great movie but good one. One great movie, for instance, with famous stars in the movie is called "Independence Day", lots of action, ideas, had quite a few supporting actors, and with a good simple story. I used to watch it 5 times. Another ones were Matrix, Road to Perdition, Saving Private Rayn, and Minority Report. These movies all have good lead actors & supporting actors, good stories, and as well as higher paid actors. Good enough, yes?

Answer 4

Have you taken any kind of acting classes? Are you consistent in your part? I mean, If you are playing a more dominant role are you that character 24/7 ? Or do you falter or sway from that role even for a second? Are you the whole character, and nothing but the character. Or does your own character sometimes over ride or over come you . Dominate your role Do you always remember your lines, even if there are alot of them? Can you improvise well, when a mistake is made by you , or another performer? Do you interact well with others? Are you shy? Or are you even any good at all? If you believe in your self with confidence and pride, it will show, and you will get those roles you want.

Answer 5

if you have blonde hair that will naturally get bleached by the actual sun in the summer. There has been this guy in my class who also had golden blonde hair that was a medium brown near the base. When he came back to university after summer vacation, it was almost platinum blonde!