Actor (6do encyclopedia)



Introduction:

In the world of entertainment, actors play a pivotal role in bringing characters to life on stage, television, and the big screen. An actor is someone who embodies a character and brings to life the emotions, thoughts, and actions of that character. They are storytellers, conveying the story to an audience through their performance. In this article, we will explore the world of acting, its history, techniques, and the various paths one can take to become an actor.

History of Acting:

Acting has been around for thousands of years and has always been an integral part of human culture. From the ancient Greek theater to the modern-day theater, actors have been an important part of the performing arts. In ancient theater, actors were masked and had to use exaggerated gestures and movements to convey emotions and actions. However, over time, acting techniques evolved, and with it came a more naturalistic approach to acting.

In the 20th century, cinema emerged as the dominant form of entertainment, and with it came a new type of acting. Actors adapted their performances to the camera, and the close-up became an essential part of acting. Additionally, television brought further changes to the industry, as actors had to adjust their performances to fit the smaller screen.

Types of Actors:

There are many different types of actors, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some actors specialize in theater, while others focus on film or television. There are also voice actors, who lend their voices to animated films, video games, and commercials. Additionally, there are character actors, who specialize in playing specific types of roles, and method actors, who immerse themselves completely in a role.

Becoming an Actor:

Becoming an actor is not easy and requires significant dedication and hard work. The first step in becoming an actor is to gain experience through community theater, school plays, or independent films. Networking is also crucial, as many roles are obtained through personal connections.

Actors may also choose to attend an acting school or conservatory to hone their craft. These programs offer rigorous training in acting techniques, voice and movement, and stage and screen performance. Many successful actors have come out of these programs, including Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro.

Techniques of Acting:

Acting is a complex art form that requires a combination of skills and techniques. Actors must be able to harness their emotions and portray them convincingly on stage, screen, or in front of a microphone. Some of the techniques actors use to achieve this include:

  • The Stanislavski Method: Developed by Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski, this method emphasizes emotional memory, character development, and the actor’s connection to the text.
  • Meisner Technique: Developed by American actor and teacher Sanford Meisner, this technique focuses on emotional responsiveness, listening, and honest reactions to impulses.
  • Method Acting: This technique, popularized by American actors such as Marlon Brando and James Dean, emphasizes complete immersion in a character, often using personal experiences to connect with the character’s emotions and actions.

Conclusion:

Acting is a challenging and rewarding profession that requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling. From the early days of theater to today’s modern films and television shows, actors have always played a crucial role in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for decades, acting is an ever-evolving art form that requires continuous learning and growth.


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Peter Howell: At Cannes, stardom belongs to the oldest celebrities

The Toronto Star

23-05-18 19:00


The presence of older actors at Cannes Film Festival 2023 is evidence that familiarity counts for more than age when it comes to film star popularity and and box office sales, according to a National Research Group survey. It found the average age of the top 20 actors who viewers would pay to see in theatres was 58, with only one actor being under 40. The oldest stars often have a bigger appeal for audiences compared to younger actors, regardless of declining physical appearance and age. Potential star talent for Cannes in 2023 include Tye Sheridan, Talia Ryder, Lily Gladstone, Charles Melton and Lily-Rose Depp.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2023/05/18/at-cannes-stardom-belongs-to-the-oldest-celebrities.html
The bullwhip is back: Harrison Ford in Cannes for 'Indiana Jones' premiere

Reuters

23-05-18 18:55


Harrison Ford returned to Cannes for the premiere of the latest Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Directed by James Mangold, the fifth movie in the series also stars Mads Mikkelsen and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Taking place in 1969, Indiana Jones is sent to find a dial that can change the course of time along with his goddaughter and must battle against a Nazi. Ford, who reprised his Indiana Jones role after 15 years, has stated this would be his last. The film was released to wider audiences in late June.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/bullwhip-is-back-harrison-ford-cannes-indiana-jones-premiere-2023-05-18/
Pierce Brosnan unveils deeply personal paintings in 1st solo art exhibit

The Toronto Star

23-05-18 22:08


Pierce Brosnan has debuted his first solo art exhibition – a collection of paintings and drawings titled "So Many Dreams", which he created between the 1980s and present day. Brosnan began painting as a young boy living in Ireland and resumed the hobby in 1987, when his late wife, Cassandra Harris, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Brosnan has kept his first painting in the exhibit as the painting was created by touching the paint with his fingers while his wife recovered from chemotherapy treatment.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2023/05/18/pierce-brosnan-unveils-deeply-personal-paintings-in-1st-solo-art-exhibit.html
‘Career suicide’? Heath Ledger and the battle to make Brokeback Mountain

Telegraph

23-05-19 16:00


As the stage adaptation of Annie Proulx's story "Brokeback Mountain" hits the West End, Ed Cumming takes a reflective look back on Heath Ledger and the role that made him an unforgettable talent. Prior to Brokeback Mountain, Ledger had struggled to find fulfilling work within the industry and described to Time Magazine in 2005 how he had been "spoon-fed" his career by a studio who believed they could make a product out of him. Despite tough competition for the role from the likes of Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix, Ledger convinced the filmmakers his more introverted and less showy nature was what made him the right choice to play Ennis del Mar. Annie Proulx even went so far as to credit Ledger for "erasing her original character" and replacing her own interpretation with something far more visceral and effective. The role took an emotional toll on Ledger and he found himself seeking reassurance from the screenwriter, Diana Ossana, during filming. Ledger died in 2008, leaving behind a career marked by incredible talent and potential.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/brokeback-mountain-heath-ledger-jake-gyllenhaal-controversy/
Sienna Miller reveals why she is leaving New York for London

The Independent

23-05-19 13:16


Actor Sienna Miller has decided to move back to London from New York, where she has lived for many years. She said that, while she loved the city when she was younger, she has since grown tired of the environment, partly due to distressing incidents she experienced there, particularly one involving human feces she found on her doorstep. Miller also expressed concern about the rate of gun violence and emergency medical services in the city. She added that the pandemic had forced her to reconsider her priorities, and that she wanted to live close to the people she loves.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sienna-miller-new-york-london-b2342137.html
NFL great and civil rights activist Jim Brown dies aged 87

Deutsche Welle

23-05-19 22:03


US football Hall of Famer, Hollywood actor and Civil Rights activist Jim Brown died on Thursday at the age of 87 at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family spokesperson. Brown, one of American football's greatest stars, was also an accomplished Hollywood actor, appearing in more than 30 films. He used his profile to amplify the voices of Black Americans in the fight for equality and later worked to help curb gang violence in LA with the founding of Amer-I-Can, a program designed to help disadvantaged inner-city youth and ex-convicts. Although Brown faced allegations of domestic violence, he was never convicted.

https://www.dw.com/en/nfl-great-and-civil-rights-activist-jim-brown-dies-aged-87/a-65683019
On ‘Succession,’ This Season Has Turned Us All Into Tom

NY Times Opinion

23-05-20 11:00


The HBO show “Succession” examines American attitudes towards class and wealth, analysing who is allowed to accumulate status and power. This distinction is shown through the characters, who are allowed to act ruthlessly to get rich because this is how they got rich in the first place, by being born into wealth. The up-and-coming, on the other hand, are ridiculed for their ambition to achieve similar wealth and power. The show, which ends soon, skewers the idea that the rich are better, smarter and more competent than others. Its larger moral point is the price to be paid for sacrificing integrity, relationships and the public interest to reach selfish goals.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/20/opinion/succession-wealth-striving.html
Harrison Ford defends de-ageing technology in new Indiana Jones film

The Independent

23-05-20 14:01


Harrison Ford has defended his use of digital de-ageing technology in the opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this week. Many reviewers had questioned the believability of the technology, which shows a digitally recreated Ford at the start of the film, despite the action occurring many years after previous Indiana Jones movies. “I know that that is my face,” he said. “It’s not a kind of Photoshop magic – that’s what I looked like 35 years ago."

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/harrison-ford-indiana-jones-deaging-b2342672.html
Joe Swash says Stacey Solomon ‘puked up the walls’ on an early date

The Independent

23-05-20 12:13


During a special episode of I'm a Celebrity...South Africa, actor Joe Swash told an anecdote of one of the first evenings he spent with presenter Stacey Solomon, now his wife. The couple, who married last July, share three children together and both have emerged triumphant from the show in the past. However, the memory that Swash shared on the all-star version of the programme held particular resonance. “One of the first times I met Stacey we got drunk on red wine, but Stacey is definitely not a drinker,” he said, before describing the mess that resulted.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/joe-swash-stacey-solomon-first-date-b2342632.html
Has the onscreen sex scene gasped its last climactic breath?

The Toronto Star

23-05-21 10:00


The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the way intimate scenes are being filmed and displayed in TV shows and movies. After the #MeToo movement, there is more awareness about how such scenes get made. A decade ago, the role of intimacy coordinator didn't even exist but it is now essential on sets. Intimacy coordinators ensure that it is flagged upfront if nudity or simulating a sex act is expected in a role, and they dig into granular details to ensure that consent is given on specifics. They facilitate a 'mindful moment' of separation between professional and personal lives after a kissing scene. The pandemic has made things more complicated as well as led to innovations, such as digital backgrounds and face shields, to make intimate scenes safer for actors. Overall, intimacy coordinators and policies in place to protect actors are steps in the right direction to ensure that such scenes can be filmed in a safe and consensual way that is comfortable for all involved.

https://www.thestar.com/life/2023/05/21/has-the-onscreen-sex-scene-gasped-its-last-climactic-breath.html
Thor star King Arthur actor Ray Stevenson has died aged 58

The Independent

23-05-22 20:00


Irish actor Ray Stevenson has died aged 58. The actor was known for his roles in films such as King Arthur, Punisher: War Zone and Marvel’s Thor films and was due to star in upcoming Star Wars spin-off series Ahsoka. Stevenson played Volstagg in the Thor trilogy and appeared in a number of other Hollywood movies such as The Book of Eli, GI Joe: Retaliation and Divergent, as well as television shows including HBO’s historical drama Rome. The actor’s publicist confirmed his death but did not give a cause of death.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/ray-stevenson-death-actor-age-movies-b2343663.html