'Posh boys' playing gangsters: Eddie Marsan on TV and film industry's obsession with upper-class actors
Eddie Marsan, known for major roles in Sherlock Holmes, Mission: Impossible III, and TV series like Ray Donovan and Supacell, highlights a growing issue in the acting world. He observes that new actors often need financial support from their families to succeed.
"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 criticizes the industry’s preference for upper-class actors and mentions that people like Laurence Fox fear increased representation would "level the playing field." He points out how rare it is to find castmates sharing his working-class roots.
Supporting Young Actors
After being named vice president of drama school Mountview, where he was once a student, Marsan emphasizes the need for backing actors who lack financial resources.
"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."
He stresses the importance of supporting young talent without wealth to help them navigate the challenging path into acting.
Industry Implications
- The acting industry favors those with privileged backgrounds, often overlooking genuine talent from harder circumstances.
- This dynamic limits diversity and representation on screen.
- Financial backing from family often acts as a gatekeeper to success, rather than merit alone.
By advocating for broader support, Marsan calls for a fairer, more inclusive industry where talent from all backgrounds can thrive.
Author's summary: Eddie Marsan highlights the film and TV industry's bias toward privileged actors, urging support for talented performers from disadvantaged backgrounds to foster true diversity.