‘Posh boys’ playing gangsters: Eddie Marsan on class bias in acting
Eddie Marsan, one of Britain’s most distinguished and adaptable character actors, has spoken about the growing dominance of upper-class talent in the acting industry and the challenges faced by performers from working-class backgrounds.
"If you want to be an actor in this country, and you come from a disadvantaged background, you have to be exceptional,"
Marsan argues that figures like Laurence Fox fear that better representation in film and television will “level the playing field.” He says that aspiring actors without financial backing face greater barriers to success than ever before.
Having starred in major productions such as the Sherlock Holmes films, Mission: Impossible III, as well as TV shows like Ray Donovan and Supacell, Marsan notes the rarity of castmates who share his working-class roots.
"If you come from a privileged background, you can be mediocre,"
Recently appointed as one of the vice presidents of the Mountview drama school, where he originally trained, Marsan emphasized the importance of supporting students who lack financial means.
"I came here when I was in my twenties… I was a bit lost, to be honest. I was serving an apprenticeship as a printer when Mountview offered me a place,"
Summary
Marsan highlights the growing financial and social inequality in acting, calling for greater support for aspiring performers from less privileged backgrounds.