How to Avoid Typecasting

Actors and actresses whose breakout roles become blockbuster movies often find themselves trapped within the shell of the same class of character from then on. I have here ten submitted tutorials, possibly not all "sure fire", of methods for breaking the mold.

[caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="11 Terminally Typecast Actors"][/caption]


None of these have been edited, but that doesn't mean I can resist commenting on them.

1. The "Ugly Duckling" method.

1. Find a slightly obscure historical character who is *ahem* interesting looking, or disabled in some way. (Unless you are already typecast in this type of role, of course).


2. Star in a biopic about them. Make sure the makeup/prosthetics/cgi leaves you practically unrecognisable. Bonus points if it is an indie flick.


3. Promote the movie looking gorgeous, so everyone wonders "is it really x in this movie???"


4. No more typecasting for you! Who knows, you may even win an oscar for this type of role. Or at least a Golden Globe.

Cameron Diaz in Being John Malcovich wasn't disabled, but giving her a frizzy explosion of dirt-colored hair and a smooth, plain face made her into a stranger.

2. Breaking the Mold

1. Make new connections for films normally outside of comfort zone.


2. Receive a makeover; haircut, clothes, etc. Be recognizable but look different.


3. Get married to someone completely ridiculous. Examples include someone no one has heard of or somebody with a really bad reputation.


4. Adopt several kids from a third world country and give them weird names!!!

I'm not sure how adopting kids helps unless you aren't getting tabloid attention.

3. Avoiding casting as a "dumb blonde"

1. If you are a natural blond, don't enhance your looks by dyeing your hair to be more blond. Put on a brunette wig.


2. Wear glasses. The kind with rhinestones in the corners to look intelligent.


3. Don't say anything. You'll appear smarter if you don't open your mouth too much.


4. Make comments about a limited number of subjects: the economy, computers, the latest election. Avoid comments about the latest TV shows, your hair and any cosmetic.

Most gem-encrusted glasses don't lend much to intelligence. Didn't a recent Miss America try this with some inflammatory political statements? This route is fraught with danger, beware!

4. Break Out Before You Break Down!

1. Begin with an "opposite" fashion makeover-- whatever your look, turn it aroudn 180 degrees.


2. Go out and been seen ("scene"?) -- act your new persona to the hilt -- from sex pot to serious babe? Ham to Hamlet?


3. Take the very next job that is NOT your usual.


4. But the, things being as they are -- take ANY job you're offered!

Is Hollywood suffering in this recession? I suppose taking on any commercial might be soft bullets in killing your prior reputation.

5. Channeling Paul Newman

1. Maintain mystery. Don't share every detail of your life on Twitter.


2. Have an interest outside of acting. Run a dude ranch, market your grandma's secret chocolate chip cookies, or sell your paintings.


3. Don't hang out at celebrity get togethers. Show up at Prairie Home Companion or a public radio quiz show.


4. Eschew the latest in clothing & style trends. Wear flats, just have your own hair (no added tresses), wear your own nails, and have normal size lips.

Make good popcorn, mmmm.

6. PRETEND THAT YOUR REAL LIFE IS YOUR REAL LIFE.

1. The Paris / KISS Approach. Let someone film you having sex. A sleazy motel setting works best for this. You need to be willing to play low-lifes after this. (or just BE ONE!) Highly recommended for over-the-hill musicians and over-exposed heiresses.


2. The Britney Approach. Flash your coochie. Shave your head. Check into rehab. This approach works especially well for adorable child stars.


3. The Travolta Approach. Your idealism is your worst enemy. Pick roles that make you feel BAD. Recommended for anyone who has starred in a toe-tapping musical or a bad hair dance flick.


4. Whatever Happened To? Take twenty years off. Then stage a stunning comeback. By then, no one will cast you in those silly old parts anyhow! Do something meaningful with your life instead.

Self-help with anecdotal evidence.

7. The Fake-out Break-out

1. Do the exact opposite of what you are typecast for. For instance, if you're known for goody-goody roles, get busted for drugs and end up in rehab.


2. Record a video diary of your struggles and allow it to be "stolen" and posted on the web. Again, portray the opposite of your typecast persona.


3. Develop a Borat/Bruno style alter-ego, and appear in public and on talk shows in this get-up, ala Andy Kaufman. Do not break with your portrayal; be completely deadpan.


4. Join a cult and disappear from the public scene for however long it takes for the stereotype to fade from the public view.

Starts of strong, I definitely think there's something to purposeful "leaks". For example, what if Paris Hilton's cell phone contained pictures of her reading quietly in a library without wearing fancy clothes or make-up?

8. How to avoid being typecast

1. Consider taking role that are out of the norm for you.


2. Go out and look for roles that are the opposite of what you usually do.


3. Be humorous and goofy, you might get those comedy roles.


4. Think like a psychopath so that you can play a character who is a killer or stalker.

I think the author here started off taking the literal route (just do the opposite, duh!) and then forgot what they were writing about.

9. Change Your Method

1. Never take on any science fiction/horror roles unless you want to do only science fiction/horror roles for the rest of your career.


2. Take on a very risky role every other movie - insist on playing a character that's completely different from who you really are.


3. Learn how to gain weight/lose weight really fast. Research what Robert DeNiro did for Raging Bull.


4. Remember, it's better to be typecast and work regularly than not to work at all. Vincent Price and Boris Karloff were pretty happy, so don't worry about it too much.

Another observation on the economy of acting and life philosophy: just be happy? Though, learning the skill of changing weights is truly a helpful hint.

10. Freedom from the typecast jail

1. Evaluate the other types of roles you want to play.


2. Evaluate the roles you're strongest in out of the type of roles you want to play.


3. Act in character as often as possible. This can be done outside at a park, home, school, alone or with others.


4. Time to show off your new talent. Audition as if this is your typecast and your passion.

Obvious words or the humor is lost on me.

Well there you have it, and if these don't work for you then try a different profession for a while and let someone else take a crack at it.