'Posh boys' playing gangsters: Eddie Marsan on TV and film industry's obsession with upper-class actors
Eddie Marsan, a versatile British character actor known for roles in Sherlock Holmes, Mission: Impossible III, Ray Donovan, and Supacell, has spoken about the challenges faced by actors from working-class backgrounds. He highlights the industry's preference for performers backed by financial support from family.
The class barrier in acting
Marsan observes that actors from disadvantaged backgrounds must be exceptional to succeed, while those from privileged families can afford to be mediocre and still have a career.
“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.”
He also points out criticism from figures like Laurence Fox, who fear that increasing representation of diverse backgrounds will “level the playing field”.
Marsan's journey and support for young actors
After being named vice president of drama school Mountview, where he himself trained, Marsan reflects on his early career struggles. He credits Mountview for offering him a chance when he was working as a printer without clear direction.
“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.”
Marsan emphasizes the need to support aspiring actors who lack the financial means to pursue their careers in the arts.
Summary
Eddie Marsan exposes how social privilege influences acting careers and advocates for better support of talented performers without financial backing from their families.