Two posts here today got me thinking. First there was the news that well known actor Sue Johnston may be joining Coronation Street as Stella's mother. Then there was Scott's great post about changing Stella's character to inject a bit of her inner cow but perhaps not changing her into Cindy Beale mark II, Cindy being the character she played on that Other Soap for many years. Michelle Collins is still identified with that role after a long time away from it and Sue Johnston is also well known for her previous roles.
Corrie has sometimes cast other parts with well known faces, both for long term characters and short term "guest" spots. They may be known for other soaps, other tv shows or even films. They've also recast characters with new actors, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. Over the years I've read comments on blogs and forums about this and in many cases, the feedback is negative. People seem to prefer unknown actors rather than see someone they identify as a different character.
My view? Why not use a known actor? You don't have to cast them all the time, but by the very nature of the business, actors play a variety of roles. Sometimes they get known for a particular role and sometimes we are used to seeing them as all manner of characters.
I've blogged a bit more about it over here. I say, bring it on.
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Wednesday, 7 March 2012
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5 comments:
I think it worked well with Lloyd. I don't see him as Lister. Nigel Havers is just playing Nigel Havers though.
It works if there's good writing. I didn't get the point of Robert Vaughn, at all. Quite unlikely as a story line, concocted just to get a 'name'. I agree with Rachel, Nigel Havers plays the suave, debonair gentleman whatever he's in. For me, the point about using well-known (and therefore probably successful actors) is that they may not wish to be in the soap for very long so the story is written around their availability rather than a thought-out plot. I still hope Lisa Tarbuck may get a part sometime as she would be great.
It can work very well - look how well Stephanie Cole has worked out. Also Sue Nicholls was a pretty well known tv face when she first arrived as Audrey Potter.
I'm in strong agreement with you, Humpty, about Lisa tarbuck. Some actors just seem so right for a part in Corrie and she's certainly one of them. I've said the same for years.
The well known face that just didn't fit for me was Norman Wisdom. Hated every minute he was there.
On the other hand, the face I have been dying to see forever is Julie Walters, they keep dropping hints but it never happens.
Well, in fairness, Norman Wisdom was only there for minutes ;)
I've been hoping for Julie Walters for years!
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