The Absurdity of Hating Actors for Their Characters

Have you ever found yourself hating an actor for playing a particularly despicable character? This phenomenon is more common than you might think, and it goes beyond just one case. Let's explore some notable instances from film and TV where actors were disliked for their characters, and discuss why this is a critical issue in the entertainment industry.

Danny Glover in The Color Purple

One prominent example is Danny Glover in Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of The Color Purple. Given his role as Albert Butler, many viewers felt they couldn't watch him even after acknowledging it was just acting. This demonstrates a common challenge actors face: the potential for their on-screen performances to impact public perception far beyond the character.

Full Metal Jacket (1987) - Bill McKinney and Stanley Kubrick

Interestingly, even before The Color Purple, Stanley Kubrick originally wanted Bill McKinney to play the role of the Drill Sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. However, Kubrick changed his mind at the last moment, which Monaco noted was due to his fear of meeting McKinney, who played the role of the immensely threatening character known as the 'Mountain Man' in Deliverance. This highlights how powerful and influential character portrayals can be.

Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle

Another extreme case is Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad. His portrayal of Walter White, a teacher turned drug kingpin, gained worldwide attention, both positive and negative. Many viewers loved or hated his character, Walt, but it's arguable that Cranston's performance made Walter White a deeply complex and memorable character.

Some believe that seeing an actor in such a complex role might make you dislike them as a person. However, it's important to recognize that a character's flaws don't reflect the actor's character. Walter White was a masterfully portrayed character that Cranston's dedication to his craft brought to life. The dislike, if present, is often more about the nature of the role than about the actor's personal qualities or appeal.

Sandy Duncan in Roots

Another fascinating case involves Sandy Duncan. In the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, Duncan played the character Missy Anne Reynolds. Before Roots, she had played a series of "perky" characters and briefly had a sitcom. When her show was canceled, she likely needed a new role to sustain her career. The role of Missy Anne, who was a bratty and bitchy character, was a stark contrast to her previous roles.

Many viewers found it challenging to forget the negative aspects of Missy Anne's character, and some, including the author, couldn't look at Duncan the same way after Roots. Her career post-Roots saw her take on roles that allowed her to play more perky characters, which may suggest that she did indeed regret the impact of this role on her career and public perception.

Conclusion

While it's understandable to feel a certain disdain for a character, it's crucial to separate the on-screen persona from the actor's real-life personality and career. Actors can take on a wide range of roles that challenge them and push the boundaries of acting. As an audience, we should appreciate these performances for what they are: incredible feats of creativity and storytelling, rather than holding grudges against the actors who portray these memorable characters.