'Posh boys' Playing Gangsters: Eddie Marsan on Class Bias in Acting
One of Britain's most respected character actors, Eddie Marsan, has highlighted the challenges faced by aspiring actors from disadvantaged backgrounds. He notes that without financial support from family, breaking into the industry is extremely difficult today.
Barriers for Working-Class Actors
Marsan, known for roles in the Sherlock Holmes films, Mission: Impossible III, and TV shows like Ray Donovan and Supacell, observes a stark class divide among performers. He says:
“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.”
He contrasts this with the experience of privileged actors:
“If you come from a privileged background, you can be mediocre.”
Concerns About Industry Representation
Marsan also critiques figures like Laurence Fox, suggesting they fear broader on-screen representation because it threatens to “level the playing field” for actors from less privileged backgrounds.
Supporting Young Actors Without Means
Recently appointed a vice president of drama school Mountview, where he himself trained, Marsan emphasizes the need to support young talent lacking financial backing:
“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.”
He stresses the importance of funding and support pathways to allow diverse voices to thrive in acting careers.
Despite some progress, the acting industry remains heavily influenced by class, requiring exceptional resilience for those without financial privilege to succeed.
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