Do Actors Ever Lose Their Own Characters from Playing So Many Different Ones?

This is a common myth perpetuated by a short story by Harlan Ellison, where an actor playing an ax murderer becomes one himself. However, such a scenario is not typical of the profession. Actors retain their personal identities, even after delving deeply into various roles.

Experience and Personal Identity

Many actors, such as Peter Sellers, have expressed that the roles they play can affect them on a personal level. However, these changes are often due to deeper personal issues rather than the acting itself. For instance, while Peter Sellers did note some personal changes, it was more likely due to underlying mental or emotional factors rather than the role itself.

The Role of Perspective and Identity

Actors often find it easier to play characters vastly different from themselves. Playing such roles can enhance their perspective and understanding of the world. For example, I played Rutherford Selig in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson, a deeply racist character. Despite this, the role did not change me. Instead, it lent a new perspective without altering my core identity.

Challenges in Portraying Similar Characters

Conversely, portraying characters similar to one’s own can be more challenging. In preparation for playing Troy in an upcoming Deen TV web series, I found it difficult to consistently embody the differences between me and Troy. Eventually, I would fall back into my own identity, which detracted from my overall performance.

Mental Health and Actors

Mental health is a complex issue, and everyone, including actors, can experience mental health challenges. However, serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, are not a result of acting. According to Nasrallah (2012), schizophrenia is characterized by a global malfunction in self-integration and personal identity. Actors, in fact, tend to have a well-developed sense of identity due to their explorations of various characters and empathetic understanding of human experiences.

Risk Factors and Professional Help

Actors, with their complex and evolving identities, are not at a higher risk of developing serious mental health issues than the general population. However, if an actor feels a loss of personal identity, they should seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Seeking support can help manage and address any emerging mental health concerns effectively.

Conclusion

Actors do not lose their own characters from playing so many different ones. The roles they play can deepen their understanding of themselves and others, but do not inherently change their core identity. Mental health is a concern for everyone, and actors are no exception. Seeking professional help is crucial for addressing any potential issues, ensuring both personal and professional well-being.

Refer to professional literature such as Nasrallah, H. A. (2012) for further insights into the relationship between identity and mental health in the context of acting and beyond.