MovieChat Forums > Kevin Spacey Discussion > "Character actor"

"Character actor"

posted 10 years ago by tanncord
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They say he's a "character actor" versus a "leading man." When I think of a character actor, I think of a guy who's a bit less than conventionally handsome - Steve Buscemi, Willem Dafoe (depending on the lighting), Kurt Russell, or the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.

I think Kevin is very handsome, and he was downright pretty in his 30s and 40s. He has a lovely smile and actually nice facial features and pretty lips. I like his voice also.

He's played the lover/husband in many movies - so, while I understand he is an extremely capable and nuanced actor - perhaps one of our top actors these days? - why is he seen as a character actor almost exclusively?

[–] spaceman88 10 years ago

Who ever said that a character actor can't be handsome and a leading man?

What makes you say the likes of Dafoe, Buscemi or Hoffman are by default not handsome? Hollywood conventions mean nothing when it comes to art.

Look at DiCaprio, Brando, Day Lewis. Character, goodlooking AND lead actors.

I believe a leading man can be any pretty talentless face that fills the seats, but a character actor can be great AND be a lead if offered the chance.

You need to think outside the hollywood/popcorn movie box.

Plus, the way you describe Spacey is rather superficial, he dedicated his life to the craft, not to the business.