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! 

Where applicable, each article offers a link to Shop Amazon where you may obtain additional materials on the subject.

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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
John Getz | "Timeless" (2016)

John Getz - He makes people happy!

John Getz was born and raised in the Mississippi River Valley of Northern Illinois and Iowa. His mother, who'd abandoned aspirations toward an acting career to raise four children, and his father, who thought Cole Porter was right about most things, imparted their love for music and theater. Getz's intention was to write and teach but a long stretch of college, with a Shakespeare teacher who was passionate on the subject and a theatre teacher whose pleasure in his work was palpable, waylaid him.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Anne Gee Byrd | Working Actor

Anne Gee Byrd - Following her own dream!

Anne Gee Byrd grew up a cowgirl in Ohio and was introduced to acting at the University of Toledo playing straight woman to the comic ingenue. She married David Byrd at the Erie Playhouse and had seven years working, mostly together, in repertory theatres in the east. "We noticed that many of the best roles were going to what we then arrogantly referred to as 'half assed television stars' so we decided to come to L.A. and become same", She told us.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Scott Wilson" Bosch" (2014)

Scott Wilson - Had the courage to follow his imagination!

Scott Wilson's 1967 motion picture debut was nothing less than spectacular as he appeared in two of the motion picture industry's most classic films, "In the Heat of the Night" for director Norman Jewison and "In Cold Blood" for Richard Brooks, Scott Wilson has consistently achieved the highest industry and critical response.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Mario Roccuzzo | Working Actor

Mario Roccuzzo - Doing service to the role!

Mario Roccuzzo was born in Boston, Mass. The son of parents who performed on the Italian stage. His mother and father traveled up and down the New England coast performing with a repertory company. Watching rehearsals as a little boy, he became completely entranced with the idea of becoming an actor.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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John C. Moskoff | "Pitch" (2016)

John C. Moskoff - Knows the Satisfaction & Reward!

John C. Moskoff was born in Illinois and raised in Redwood City, California. He began studying acting in High School. He attended San Francisco State University and performed in numerous stage productions including "Kiss Me Kate", "Poor of San Francisco", "Antigene", "The Balcony", "Talk to Me Like the Pain" etc. John apprenticed during two summers at the Bridgebay Summer Theater and at the Pancake Summer Theatre working backstage and performing in many plays.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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James Reynolds | Working Actor

James Reynolds - Just keeps breaking those records!

James Reynolds, it is believed, may have logged more hours on television than any other African-American actor in the U.S. (since 1981). We made that statement in May of 2002 when we first published this profile. At that time, with over 19 years on "Days of our Lives" and another year as an Emmy nominated lead of NBC-TV's "Generations", he had averaged over 100 hours of airtime each year. Today that number has been blown out of the park. Mr.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Mindy Sterling | "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" (1999) [a]

Mindy Sterling - Always busy acting!

Mindy Sterling remembers what happened when she told her father, comedian Dick Sterling, that she wanted to become a performer. 'At the age of 13 my dad decided to get me private acting lessons to do Shakespeare', the Florida-raised Sterling recalls. He said: 'If you learn Shakespeare, you'll be a great actor'. 'And I was hideous - when you're thirteen years old, Shakespeare is NOT how you want to spend your free time! Needless to say, to this day I hate doing Shakespeare.'

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Chelcie Ross | Working Actor

Chelcie Ross - Does it the old-fashioned way

Chelcie Ross was born in Sacramento, California, the eldest of three sons of a career Air Force Officer. A military "brat", he attended many schools in the United States and abroad, graduating Stateside from Pemberton Township High School in New Jersey. Very athletic, Chelcie lettered in Baseball, Football and Basketball. Up until this point, he still had yet to discover acting.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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