By: DApper

DApper — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:39:49 +0000

Historically, American television actors have rarely ‘crossed over.’ It seems we have been very segregated into film and TV genres, with Broadway formerly being its own world with very few stars from big or small screens trodding the boards. As Bway has become more and more expensive and competitive to keep a show running, producers have turned to big names to draw crowds. Many a TV star has left his or her series to pursue film careers only to have them fizzle. If they succeed, they never come back (like Travolta or Tom Hanks). The ‘big’ stars that are now doing TV are the senior set for whom romantic leading parts and big paydays are starting to wane a bit. (Glen Close, Kevin Costner & Dustin Hoffman for example.) Britain’s stars have the best of all worlds, except perhaps the financial one. They are accepted by producers and audiences in so many types of roles, which is wonderful when you see the range of talent and roles they can play, and they have the time to play them. Good for them. I think the lower payouts also lead to hustling for more parts and taking more chances to earn while the iron is hot. Established American stars never seem to hustle as hard as the Brits. Maybe there are just more people competing in the different areas and fewer projects because of the enormous cost, or maybe they are more complacent. Either way, thank god for the British talent and work ethic!

Comments on: ‘Downton Abbey’ season 3: How is Hugh Bonneville being recognized now?

By: DApper