Second Chairs in Hollywood: The 'Number Two' Performers in Classic and Current Films

The world of Hollywood is filled with talented actors whose success stories often go beyond the leading roles. These #34;number two#34; performers, though less in the spotlight, have made significant contributions to cinema, often taking on roles that the top stars may not have been interested in or couldn't get due to various reasons. Here, we dive into the profiles of such performers in both classic and contemporary Hollywood.

James Whitmore: The Poor Man's Spencer Tracy

James Whitmore, often referred to as the #34;poor man’s Spencer Tracy,#34; had a long and distinguished career in Hollywood. Spencer Tracy, one of Hollywood’s finest actors, held a place of prominence, and it’s said that Whitmore often filled in for Tracy. This was due to his impressive on-screen presence and ability to carry a film without becoming the lead. Whitmore’s roles in films such as The Defiant Ones and The Long Gray Line further attested to his talent and versatility.

Ted de Corsia and Howard da Silva: The Blacklisted Challenge

Veteran heavy actors Ted de Corsia and Howard da Silva faced unique challenges due to one of them being blacklisted. It's believed that de Corsia often secured roles over da Silva, who had a similar look and specialized in similar acting roles. The blacklisting of one actor can often dictate the career path of another, sometimes closing doors for the blacklisted and opening them for their colleagues.

Neville Brand and Frank Sutton: Villain Specialization

Veteran actors Neville Brand and Frank Sutton often took on villain roles, a choice that was likely influenced by the preferences of the industry. They were known for their intense, transformative performances, which often made their roles stand out in a sea of dunderheads and goody-goodies. Their similar physicality and on-screen chemistry likely made them suitable substitutes for one another in roles that required a tough, menacing presence.

Richard Egan and Charlton Heston: The 'B' List Alchemy

Another interesting scenario involves Richard Egan and Charlton Heston. It’s often speculated that Egan was the secondary choice for certain roles that Heston turned down. One such example is the film The 300 Spartans. While Egan may not have attained the level of superstardom that Heston did, his performances were no less impactful. Similarly, Egan and John Russell both had similar physiques, leading to comparisons of their roles in films like Yellow Sky. Egan's performance might have even caused him to be considered for some of the roles that star Heston had to pass up.

John Russell: The B List Gregory Peck

John Russell was often referred to as the #34;B List Gregory Peck.#34; While the comparison was more about their physical appearance rather than dramatic ability, their similar physiques made Russell a potential substitute for Peck in various roles. Their shared appearance can be observed in Yellow Sky (1949), where they appeared together. This serves as a reminder that in Hollywood, sometimes the physicality of an actor can be a deciding factor for a role.

Current Performers: Margot Robbie and Alice Eve

In the current landscape of Hollywood, we can observe a similar scenario where Margot Robbie often steps into roles that might have been pursued by another talented actress, Alice Eve. Both actresses bring a unique set of skills to their craft, and in certain projects, Robbie’s blonde beauty and versatility have consistently placed her front and center, often overshadowing Eve in terms of lead roles. This type of subtle competition is common in Hollywood, and it reflects the dynamics of the industry.

James McAvoy: Ewan McGregor’s Alternative

James McAvoy has spoken about getting parts that Ewan McGregor is too expensive for. This statement underscores the financial pressures that often influence casting decisions. Nowadays, budget constraints and star power can dictate which actors secure roles, a fact that McAvoy has undoubtedly witnessed firsthand.

Yale Drama School and Beyond: Sigourney Weaver and Meryl Streep

Even in graduate school, some stars-to-be faced competition. Sigourney Weaver often understudied Meryl Streep during their time at the Yale School of Drama. This experience likely permitted Weaver to understand the nuances of lead acting and paved the way for her eventual career success. Similarly, Robert Redford frequently filled in for the roles Warren Beatty turned down, highlighting the often spontaneous and flexible nature of casting decisions in Hollywood.

Errol Flynn and Judy Garland: The Lost Opportunities

There are some missed opportunities that, while not definitive, add to the intrigue of Hollywood’s untold stories. For example, it was rumored that Errol Flynn and Bette Davis were both considered for the roles in Gone with the Wind.#34; However, their conflict ultimately derailed the idea. Similarly, Judy Garland was considered for the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, but Shirley Temple’s handlers demanded too much money, and an opportunity was lost.

In conclusion, the ranks of "number two" performers in Hollywood span both classic and contemporary eras, with actors from James Whitmore to Margot Robbie making significant contributions to film. These understated talents are often the backbone of many beloved classics, and their stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the complex and dynamic world of Hollywood casting.