If you’re new to acting, you may be wondering what the terms “typecast” and “typecasting” really mean. In simple terms, typecasting is when an actor becomes strongly identified with a particular kind of role or character type, which often leads to repeated casting in similar parts. This guide will break down what typecasting is, why it happens, examples of commonly typecast roles, and whether being typecast is a blessing, a curse, or somewhere in between.
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At its core, typecasting refers to the practice of repeatedly casting actors in roles that fit a specific type. It could happen because of the way they look, or because of their voice, mannerisms, or previous roles. An actor with natural comedic flair, for example, may be constantly cast in funny roles. Just look at Jim Carrey: He is known for rubber-faced, high-energy comedy thanks to films like Yes Man, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber.
From a commercial standpoint, typecasting makes sense. Audiences come to expect certain actors in certain roles, which creates a reliable formula.
There are several reasons actors may be typecast, including “their personality, body type, race, or physical appearance,” says actor Aslin Wolfe. “They also can be cast in the same type of role based on their previous experiences and what they are known to do well.” Casting directors typically consider your previous roles to inform their decisions.
More often than not, typecasting happens at the start of an actor’s career. As a result, “many actors, particularly early in their careers, are wary of taking similar roles to avoid being pigeonholed to a specific type of character,” Benjamin Dzialdowski wrote for Buzzfeed.
Helena Bonham Carter, for example, was typecast as the “English rose” in her early acting days, in films such as A Room With a View and Lady Jane. But it can lead to disappointment. Bonham Carter was frustrated by her initial typecast, saying, “I hate this image of me as a prim Edwardian. I want to shock everyone.” She successfully broke out of that mould by embracing eccentric, unconventional, and often morally ambiguous roles, from Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd to Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter franchise, building a career defined by unforgettable characters rather than traditional leading-lady parts.
“Hunger Games” Credit: FlixPix/Alamy
Here are a few familiar roles actors often find themselves in:
- The hero: This is usually the person at the centre of the narrative. You’ll see leading actors such as Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook) and Idris Elba (Luther, Pacific Rim) in these roles.
- The villain: This is the antagonist. Actors like Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and Amon Göth in Schindler’s List, tend to take these roles.
- The comic relief: These are the characters that bring laughter to our screens and stages. They’re played by the likes of Danny DeVito (Matilda, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, Saturday Night Live)
- The romantic lead: They’re the person looking for love. Actors such as Ryan Gosling (La La Land, The Notebook) and Lily James (Baby Driver, Rebecca) often play these roles.
- The everyman: These actors play relatable, ordinary roles, and they’re often very funny. Jennifer Aniston, for example, couldn’t shake her role as Rachel on Friends: “I could not get Rachel Green off of my back for the life of me,” she told the Hollywood Reporter. “I could not escape Rachel from Friends, and it’s on all the time and you’re like, ‘Stop playing that fucking show!” Other everyman actors include Ethan Hawke (Before Sunrise, Boyhood), who is frequently cast as a relatable, introspective man, and Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, The Last Five Years), who plays quirky and approachable girl-next-door types.
- The action star: These roles are played by physically strong actors, who might also be up for stunts. The obvious one is Tom Cruise, star of the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick.
It depends on your perspective. “Being typecast can be lucrative,” according to City Headshots. The positives can include steady work, recognition for a particular acting style, and the continued chance to develop your craft.
There are downsides, however. Once typecast, actors can find it difficult to break away into different roles, which can lead to creative frustration. For nonwhite actors, the challenges can be even more pronounced. Even after his breakthrough in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel told the Guardian that for years he had to “wait for an Indian role to come by, where I could put on a thick accent.” Fortunately, Patel’s talent shone through and he was eventually able to break free from those early constraints to play complex leads in films like Lion, The Green Knight, and The Personal History of David Copperfield – paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
Although typecasting can be limiting, for some actors the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Craig Fairbrass, who is repeatedly cast in thrillers, put it bluntly to the Independent: “Being typecast is better than not being cast.”
If you want to understand your own casting type, consider asking other people how they see you. Also think about the roles you’ve played before. Are there any similarities? “The key defining factors that make up your type are as follows: your age, gender, appearance, ethnicity, hair, physicality, and voice,” according to StageMilk. Knowing your casting type can help you tailor your showreel to the roles you are most likely to land.
As an actor, it’s useful to consider your type. It may feel slightly restrictive, but typecasting can give you a solid career foundation, especially when starting out. Remember: The key is to balance steady work with trying to develop and expand your dramatic range