What do you think about comedians switching to serious roles?

Question

Hossan Leong will next be seen playing the nerdy florist Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors”, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. Also starring Dim Sum Dollies. Directed by Glen Goei. Opens 2 Nov, Victoria Theatre. Tickets from Sistic now! http://www.sistic.com.sg/cms/events/index.html?content=461

Yahoo! Staff Note: This is the real Hossan Leong, comedian extraordinaire in Singapore. Read more at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-MGDi7jooRKdkeRYUnxy0dM2nzwlKPgAuVA--?cq=1&p=318

Answer 1

As a theatre/movie buff, I think it's a great way for an actor/comedian to stretch their abilities. To me, a comedian is already an actor doing a comedy role. To have them move to a serious piece can really be challenging, but it offers them the growth to become not only a well rounded actor, but a better person as well (tears of the clown and all that).

A great example of the switch over is Robin Williams (he's not the only one, just the first that came to mind). Besides, if a dramatic actor can move to a comedy piece why not the other way around?

Answer 2

Know what. Ignore the negative comments up here. I am sure you have absolutely overwhelming passion for the Arts- theatre and acting. It is not easy doing what you are doing- in fact, most of the people who gave negative feedback have probably never been in your shoes.

Truly, it would make sense that the audience will find it hard to accept your serious role; they have identified you as Hossan Leong the comedian actor. I felt that perhaps you should have tried on these serious roles earlier to avoid this difficult transition. then again, it is never too late. the first few serious roles may be difficult, but if you can pull it off well, in good time, the audience, haters and lovers alike will be able to appreciate your new serious role. versatility. determination. passion.

Go, Hossan!

Answer 3

personally I believe its possbble but it depends on individual actor. If the comedian blood is so thick then the serious role may turn out with a nice twist. Then again, if the actor is a true professional nothing should be impossible though the same part may require a couple more takes :-) All the best and I have full confidence in Hossan Leong's acting skills! God bless.

Answer 4

A comedian is someone who makes people laugh regardless its on TV or real life.Comedians can be classify under 2 different types-One who has the natural charisma and the others are those who tried "to act" to have the charisma which the latter is usually not appreciated by audience but rather as trying too hard. For a comedian to switch to a serious role is definitely something to show the versatality and adaptablity of a actor. But before a comedian do a switch, the comedian should know if he has the "Natural face and Personality" to bring out his best in the serious role or he should seek comments from friends/relatives or even fellow colleagues/producers if he has the "potential" to do a serious role. Not all actors are born equally, some of them are born natural charismatic and have the versatile look,some are born with a comedian look and personality.Depending on the actor himself, one should know his stand and only by knowing of positioning oneself in the mind of the audience, this actor could be the next Jim Carey. If not, this actor could only be someone where the audience see,laugh and forget the very next minute.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the type of roles comedians have been playing. If certain comedians are successful in striking memorable roles, audiences would most likely remember comedians for that regardless of whether they are playing a serious role or a melodramatic role in a soapie. However, if i were to see you in a serious role, i am sure you will do a fantastic job at that. This would be a fresh role for you and audiences, but most audiences (at least in my opinion) would most probably prefer to have you back with comedies after a couple of serious roles:)
We love you just the way you are :) Funny.
*(Even though it IS and can be a tough job being 24 hours funny 364 days a year:)

Answer 6

Actually comedians are actors too,so whether its a serious role or a funny one,they are should be taken seriously! Sadly some often think that comedians 'cannot make it' in serious scripts ,which is so not true.An example,Patricia Mok in drama serial 'Holland Village'.I say,Hossan Leong,give your best shot and people will notice that comedians are actors who can play any role in any agenda!!

Answer 7

well, I think its a great challenge for the comedians... i was wondering if anyone of you remembered that Hossan did a Chinese drama, maybe 1 or 2 years ago name "You Fu", he was the buddy of the main character, he was "quite serious" in that show. So, as long as these comedians are good actors or actresses, I am sure they will prove to the audience how well they can act, so i think its not a problem of them switching roles..

Answer 8

I think for comedians who will be switching to act in serious roles must be professional and not afraid to get the bad guy roles and really act like one. But first of all, the comedian must be able to hide their smiling faces aside and act out the tough side in their serious roles. E.g: Patricia Mok is a good actor, she co-acted as the 2nd sis in "Holland Village" and won many audiences' hearts. So far, I'vent really seen Mr Hossan Leong, you, to act in serious roles before. But I believe you'll succeed coz I think you're a great actor and you're born to be a comedian as I think you've a funny outlook & character that makes people laugh. My concern is what kind of serious roles will you be getting in the future? For me personally, I really hope to see you act as a psycho in the near future. I think you can make it. Apart from having good skills, a good actor must be able to show great passion in acting and always finding new ways to improve himself.

Answer 9

all support to local artists!! of cos it's good that a true artist explore different roles and is able to do them well. however, audiences might have already stereotyped you as a comedian. eg. Popular Tw Comedian-Host, Jacky Wu, even with a serious role (as a doc.) in the show "Magical Hands", audiences still can't help it but to laugh when ever he starts speaking! It take much time and effort to make people 'treat him seriously'. Still, with hard work, it will still be a success for comedians switching to serious roles. All the best!!

Answer 10

A good actor/entertainer will be able to handle all types of
roles in TV/Movies/Stage. I think a creative actor or actress will
like role switching and not be tagged as a villian,hero,nerd or
comedian. Are you asking whether you should switch to serious
roles. Well if you like to tagged yourself a comedian then you are
not making progress as a 'actor/entertainer'. I remember a
very famous Hong Kong comedian, Mr. Michael Hui, who make
a very successful role as a very serious army-general in an award winning full length movie but yet he was very success in his comedies. Sean Connery is very successful without the James Bond tag and so are Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones), Christopher Reeves (Superman) and many others. Are you
a 'comedian' forever ???