What is the difference between a character actor and leading man? (Can an actor be both?)?

Answer 1

Some actors do not like the distinction, since technically all roles are "character" parts. Traditionally, however, a character actor can be a supporting role, perhaps a bit more offbeat or comedic, and is not the driving force of a piece.
The leading man is usually the glue of the play, the center of the action. In the movies, the leading man is sometimes not as colorful as the "character" parts. The leading man faces the central conflict, and often ends up with the girl in the end.
In recent years, actors like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt have blurred the line, and helped create more diverse types of leading men.

Answer 2

A character actor is exactly what it says. It's someone who plays a character that differs greatly from the actor's own personality. Usually the character actor is a supporting role to the leading man or lady. They may have to put on an accent, where lots of make up or even play a different age. An example of a character actor would be Danny DeVito.

A leading man is someone who usually plays a romantic role that doesn't vary much from show to show. It displays the actors unique talents to be charismatic or to sing and dance, but the person pretty much doesn't have to take on characteristics that vary widely from his own personality. An example of a leading man is Carry Grant or Tom Cruise.

Answer 3

exactly, there is no difference all actors who are effective do the same thing. there is also no such thing as a difference between a 'personality' actor and a character actor. these are artificial terms made up by snooty stage actors who look down on film actors and who think acting is this great art form. (gag)

Answer 4

Give the 10 to your first answer,,,smiles.

"Leading Men/Women are often in that status through beauty or being handsome, and in their popularity as far as being a DRAW for audiences. Certainly they portray "Characters" but usually, as the young lady states, are type cast.

A "Character" actor actually has a wider range, and becomes known for that range. They are able to FIT into a role on many levels. They may never be LEADS? BUT they may get more work over a lifetime?

You might consider it this way also.

Think of Harrison Ford,,, A great, and kinda varied Actor,,, but known in certain roles, and maybe narrowly? He has recently been approached to do another Indiana Jones film. No offense to him, but I can't imagine him, as Indiana, at whatever age they portray him, in his actual age.

The better Character actors, evolve and grow into and through their various roles, and as they age chronologically, are able to, and get accepted for roles appropriate to there advancing age.

Steven Wolf