What Makes an Actor Obnoxious: A Deep Dive into Professional Struggles

Actors can be perceived as obnoxious if their behavior veers into rudeness, self-centeredness, and a lack of respect towards others. This means they might ignore people, act as if they are better than others, or always crave the limelight. This article delves into the factors that contribute to the obnoxious behavior of actors and highlights why it typically stems from the belief that someone with a specialized talent should equally excel in other fields.

The Psychological Makeup of Actors

Acting is a profession where individuals create roles and personas, often dissociating themselves from their true selves. This element of acting might also mean that actors, who are already seen as performing, tend to believe that their opinions are valid, often despite the lack of real-world experience or expertise. Consequently, actors who take their fame or recognition seriously can turn obnoxious, particularly when they overestimate their general knowledge or opinion.

The Role of Actors and Their Performances

Actors are trained to be convincing in roles they adopt, and sometimes, this talent can be so compelling that the actor struggles to return to their authentic self after shedding the character. The significance of acting lies in its ability to portray individuals, places, and events convincingly, but this does not make the actors experts in those fields. Unfortunately, many people are led to believe that acting in a particular role confirms general knowledge about the character or their historical impact. This misconception often leads to undeserved authority and self-importance in the public eye.

Notorious Examples in Acting

Take Jennifer Lopez as a prime example. At 55 years old, while she may give valuable advice on skin care and physical appearance, her insights on Trump and politics, especially within the context of the US Presidential Election, might not be as reliable. This scenario often reflects a pattern where media personalities, particularly those in the entertainment industry, cross a line into obnoxious behavior due to bias, self-righteousness, and a refusal to acknowledge their limited expertise outside of their profession.

Dissecting Personal Anecdotes and Key Examples

During my time in the British Army in 1975, I observed three groups that worked to keep the obnoxious actors in check. Firstly, there were wealthy and well-connected individuals who viewed military service as an extended gap year. They didn't need their jobs and were unashamed in telling others to go to hell. Secondly, volatile individuals who didn't shy away from a physical confrontation. Lastly, there was Mr. Hong Kong, a Royal Artillery Gunner who was offering to drive me for a car fee during an unusual late-night request, which turned out to be a side gig as an adult film actor. This encounter has led me to be skeptical of actors ever since.

While the entertainment industry might have its share of talented and respectable professionals, it is the tendency to overshadow expertise with perceived authority that often leads to public figures being labeled as obnoxious. When actors and media personalities overextend their influence, it is the public, especially politically or culturally sensitive topics, that suffer from their perceived infallibility.