What does typecast mean?

For an actor or actress to be typecast means that they are so known for a specific role or character they cannot get other work. They are so well known for it that the studios think the audience can’t identify with something new and they only offer specific roles. Personally I like typecast actors because it’s easier for me to pick movies to watch for my movie reviews and movie explanations.

Is being Typecast bad?

There is always two sides to the coin of being typecast. Anyone that looks at the positive side would see guaranteed work for something you are obviously good at. The other side would look at it like a curse. If you always fancied yourself to be a serious actor and only did that one horror movie role to pay the bills, you may feel stuck. You may think, “Sure I played Norman Bates, see how well I did? On to the next thing right?” Typecast actors come in all varieties of acting talent, gender, race, and age. Even back in the 30′s and before there were typecast actors. Look at Bela Lugosi (Dracula) or Lon Chaney Jr. (The Wolfman) for example.

Lets take a look at some really typecast actors

1. Hugh Grant – This guy plays the same character in every friggin movie he is in.  If you write a script with a spluttering Englishmen in it, then you’re basically asking for Hugh Grant.
2. Michael Cera – I’ll have to stop saying “same person in every movie”… After Michael Cera.  This guy is an awkward geek in everything he plays.  The SAME awkward geek.
3. Samuel L Jackson – This guy is the example of an AWESOME typecast actor.  Samuel L Jackson is a badass in every movie he is in almost.
4. Jim Carrey – Jim is the slapstick goofball.  Although he has launched a new campaign to redo his image starting with The Truman Show, Jim Carrey will always be the guy that made it look like his butt was talking.
5. Seth Rogan – Overweight loser that needs to wash himself yet remaining lovable at the same time.  Except for his role Donnie Darko… that’s right he was the bully.  Watch it again.
6. Charlie Sheen – Smug witty smart ass.
7. Morgan Freeman – Friendly old guy with wisdom with a great narrator voice.
8. Vince Vaughn – The fast talking funny man.
9. Michelle Rodriguez – The Badass manly chick.
10. Jason Statham – Over the top hard ass.

Some of these typecast actors have only been successful because of their specific roles.