‘Posh Boys’ Playing Gangsters: Eddie Marsan on the Industry’s Preference for Upper-Class Actors
Eddie Marsan, a renowned British character actor known for roles in Sherlock Holmes, Mission: Impossible III, Ray Donovan, and Supacell, highlights a troubling trend in the acting industry. He observes that aspiring actors from disadvantaged backgrounds must be extraordinary to succeed, while those from privileged backgrounds can afford to be mediocre.
After being appointed vice president of drama school Mountview, where he also trained, Marsan shared his insights on the barriers faced by working-class actors:
“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 notes the rarity of actors with working-class roots among his castmates and stresses the importance of supporting young talent who lack financial backing.
“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 also mentions the resistance from people like Laurence Fox, who fear that increased diversity on screen might “level the playing field.”
Key Points
- New actors often need support from wealthy families to break into the industry.
- The acting world favors those from privileged backgrounds over equally or more talented working-class performers.
- The drama school Mountview remains a vital platform for nurturing diverse talent.
Summary: Eddie Marsan exposes how class privilege impacts acting careers, urging greater support for talented but financially disadvantaged performers to ensure a fairer industry.