Character actor

A character actor is a supporting actor who plays unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters.^[2][3][4][5] The term, often contrasted with that of leading actor, is somewhat abstract and open to interpretation.^[6] In a literal sense, all actors can be considered character actors since they all play "characters,"^[7] but in the usual sense it is an actor who plays a distinctive and important supporting role.^[1][8]

A character actor may play characters who are very different from the actor's off-screen real-life personality, while in another sense a character actor may be one who specializes in minor roles. In either case, character actor roles are more substantial than bit parts or non-speaking extras. A character actor can also be the leading actor in their films, such as Wallace Beery, whose major silent film career exploded during the sound era.

The term is used primarily to describe television and film actors.^[9] An early use of the term was in the 1883 edition of The Stage, which defined a character actor as "one who portrays individualities and eccentricities."^[10] Actors with a long career history of playing character roles may be difficult for audiences to recognize as being the same actor.^[5]