'Posh Boys' Playing Gangsters: Eddie Marsan on the TV and Film Industry's Obsession with Upper-Class Actors
One of Britain's most versatile and acclaimed character actors, Eddie Marsan, has highlighted the challenges faced by actors from disadvantaged backgrounds. He says new performers often need financial support from family wealth to succeed in the industry.
"If you want to be an actor in this country, and you come from a disadvantaged background, you have to be exceptional to have a hope of a career. If you come from a privileged background, you can be mediocre."
Marsan, known for his roles in the Sherlock Holmes films, Mission: Impossible III, and TV series like Ray Donovan and Supacell, noticed very few of his colleagues share his working-class roots.
Recently named a vice president of drama school Mountview, where he also trained, Marsan stressed the importance of supporting young actors who lack financial backing.
"I came here when I was in my 20s… I was a bit lost, to be honest… I was serving an apprenticeship as a printer when Mountview offered me a place."
Marsan also mentioned that people like Laurence Fox fear that increased representation of diverse backgrounds on screen will "level the playing field."
Key Points
- Actors from disadvantaged backgrounds must be exceptional to break into the industry.
- Privileged actors have an easier path, sometimes succeeding despite mediocre talent.
- The film and TV industry tends to favor upper-class actors.
- Financial support plays a crucial role in an actor's ability to develop a career.
Marsan's comments draw attention to the ongoing class divides in the UK acting world and the need for increased support for talented individuals without privileged backgrounds.
Author's summary: Eddie Marsan exposes how British acting favors the privileged, urging stronger support for talented actors from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve fair representation.