William Shakespeare (among others) said "There are no small parts*--". William Shatner may have said it too, but the longhair with the tights was first, or so the reports go. In this feature we will explore what it really means to be an actor working in Motion Pictures and Television.

Broad public acknowledgment may have eluded some who find their way to these pages, or perhaps they may have brushed against what is referred to as stardom by virtue of one or more remarkable performances. However for many, the rewards of plying their craft in a field which has allowed them to earn a living may exceed the burdens of public acclaim. Given the chance, some in this clan might prefer the longevity offered by anonymity over the potential for short lived fame.

These individuals, either by design or fate, have managed to sustain a career by crafting performances which rendered them a good casting choice. They are usually thought of as a face you recognize, but you just can't get the name past the tip of your tongue.

Most of these folks have spent countless hours on stage in theaters ranging from 20 seats to 2000, building characters from the works of Ibsen, to Eliot, to Williams, to yes even Shakespeare, and so many of the modern Playwrights. They have rounded their skills doing drama, comedy, & musicals. Their work is a serious venture.

These people have given us screen performances which quite often were the catalyst that brought an Oscar or Emmy to another and yet they continue to work as "Characters" or "Co-Stars" without the trophies and plaques adorning their mantle.
* Technically, it was Konstantin Stanislavski who coined the phrase "There are no small parts, only small actors", but we like the "William" references just for fun!

Quill
Attn Actors, Agents, Managers, Publicists: We are now seeking recommendations for new Working Actor Profiles to extend this series.
If you have a recommendation of an actor (who meets the above criteria with the appropriate credit history) we welcome your request. Please get in touch via our contact page
Richard Roundtree | Working Actor

Richard Roundtree (1942 - 2023)

Although with consistency being the benchmark for stardom in Hollywood, Richard Roundtree proved to be a star in every sense of the word. As a leading actor and co-star of over forty-five years, he established himself as a constant force with his stellar work in both feature films and television. And yet this "Working Actor" still fit the bill as his roles had varied and his appetite for continued acting assignments never wavered!

Profiles of the Working Actor
0 comments
John Aylward | Working Actor

John Aylward- Firing on All Cylinders

John Aylward may be best known for his portrayal of the hard-nosed Dr. Anspaugh on NBC's "ER", however, he has spent decades on theatre stages throughout the U.S. and Canada and has performed everything from Shakespeare & Moliere to Shepard & Mamet. And while audiences of TV and film have generally seen him play serious men and downright curmudgeons, Aylward's comic prowess is legend. His versality and talent have made him one busy actor.

Profiles of the Working Actor
0 comments
Tom Bower | Working Actor

Tom Bower (1938-2024): he's been in hiding for a long time!

Tom Bower is truly the essence of the working actor. His many varied screen performances have rewarded him with a stable career in Hollywood. His tireless work with the Screen Actors Guild and in support of his fellow actor make him an example for all to follow.

Profiles of the Working Actor
5 comments
Erin Connor | Working Actor

Erin Connor - Bringing her characters to life!

Erin Connor, although not yet widely known in the U.S. truly fits the category of "Working Actor" to a "T". Born and bred near Byron Bay in Australia, Erin grew up on a tropical fruit farm with a menagerie of animals to look after. With a rural upbringing, Erin learnt early on the lessons earned by hard work and community.

Profiles of the Working Actor
0 comments
Art Hindle discusses playing Dr. Geoffrey Howell | "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978)

Art Hindle - Lucky? ... Indeed!

Art Hindle, born Arthur Hindle on July 21, 1948, in Halifax to a Royal Canadian Navy father, Art's mother soon had him back in their home town of Toronto, Ontario. He grew up in the "Beaches" of Toronto a big fan of Elvis Presley and rock n' roll. Although shy as a child, he grew to be a rebellious and independent teenager.

Profiles of the Working Actor
1 comment
James Morrison | Working Actor

James Morrison - Acting is about being human!

James Morrison, filmmaker, playwright, poet, actor, singer/songwriter and yoga teacher, was born in Utah and is a product of Alaska. He began his acting career as a clown and wire walker for the Carson and Barnes Wild Animal Circus and served his theatrical apprenticeship with the Alaska Repertory Theatre.

Profiles of the Working Actor
2 comments
Miguel Sandoval | Working Actor

Miguel Sandoval - He's demon free!

Miguel Sandoval has appeared in over one hundred and sixty film and television roles, including the popular boxoffice hits "Jurassic Park", "Clear and Present Danger", "Do the Right Thing", "Get Shorty", and "Up Close and Personal".

He has guest starred on such television series as "Seinfeld", "Frasier", "Murder One", "Law and Order", "E.R.", "Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her", and "The Crew".

Profiles of the Working Actor
1 comment
Subscribe to Profiles of the Working Actor