Typecasting

Typecasting occurs when an actor or actress is strongly identified with one type of role. Typecasting makes it harder for these actors and actresses to find work playing characters outside of this role. After actors and actresses are successful in one type of role, they are usually placed in the same type of role because that is what they know how to do and they do it well. Sometimes actors just can't act outside of a certain role and they are typecasted. Typecasting is usually seen as a negative thing, but some actors and actresses welcome because it is steady work. The negative aspect is that an actor is so strongly identified with one role that it is impossible for them to find work as different characters. Child actors are very prone to being typecasted. Most of the child actors don't make that step into acting as an adult. It seems to make them less marketable. To escape typecasting, actors usually try to get roles that are the complete opposite from what they are used to playing. Jackie Chan is an example of a typecasted actor. He only plays roles in action movies. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also typecasted in action movies and is seen as a tough guy. Adam Sandler is an example of an actor who is typecasted as only an actor who plays in comedies and is seen as the goofy, kind of angry guy. Even though some actors and actresses embrace typecasting, it is more likely that they try to fight it and break from the mold that they were placed in.