Why are actors on American TV shows nearly always attractive?

Question

Compared to TV from other countries, where the actors look more like people you might see walking down the street? Are good looks more important in America?

I'm thinking mostly of British TV. Some good acting, but attractive? Not so much.

Answer 1

Probably. But there's also a larger pool of people to choose from. I mean, India, China, and maybe Russia have more people, but I don't think quite as many of them are trying to be actors. So if every director were casting for looks, then the American shows might have prettier people just because for every British actor there may be 10 or more American actors.

Another possibility (assuming you are American) is that American actors are more attractive to you because they look American.

Just some thoughts. It's also quite possible that you're right, that we as a nation are just more obsessed with looks than most other countries.

Answer 2

Yes, in most cases. We are such a shallow nation to some degree that yes, looks mean almost everything. Now I will say, alot of commericals advertising home products use normal people that look like your average housewife or neighbor.

Could you picture a commerical with Pamela Anderson modeling with a swift jet mop in her scantily clad denim daisy dukes and your average consumer really thinking they should go out and get it? Men, yes, until they find out that the boobs don't come with it. But really you're right, being hot and handsome puts you more in heavy demand in a lot of cases.

Answer 3

Because Americans are attractive. So much inter-cultural mixings with immigration, you are bound to find something that sticks out. Some people you see here, you'd never see in a place such as Europe.

Answer 4

Because in America girl everyone looks good. That is the real reason that people from other countries hate us. That and the fact that we dropped a bomb on the country they live in.

Answer 5

Because who will pay $100 a month for cable to look at everyday people?

Plus, truth be told, when the actors take off the makeup, they look very much like everyday people or worse!

Answer 6

Oh yes. Americans are very focused on looks. We spend billions every year trying to look our best.

As an actor - it drives me nuts. I'd much rather see talent in a role - than looks.

Answer 7

I Dont Know Its Not Like Real Americans Are All A Size -0 And Pretty!

Answer 8

Americans are obsessed with beauty, white teeth, anorexia, compared to European actors who look like normal people and play their roles more believable.

Answer 9

Because sex sells. The better looking the people, the more likely one is to watch a particular show or movie.

Answer 10

And on Spanish soap operas. All the women look like models. It's for ratings