Acting : Why Some Characters Ae Like Burs! by Alan Powell

I don't think I have had that issue. Though I have not played the same character for decades. I would like to hear what Mark Harmon and Mariska Hargitay and other actors who have been on long running shows what they would have to say about this topic and what they do to separate themselves when not working.

Yes. It seems to be more common than not. Actors like Mandy Patinkin have experienced it in positive way when he was working on Homeland. His Character had a profound impact on him. Nicole Kidman is very open about how her Characters have impacted her while filming. See Little Big Lies. Apparently she didn't have time to take care of her mental health while filming that.

There are many stories not just from those who are famous but from actors who tread the boards, and are or have been regulars on TV shows around the world. When it comes to boundaries there are many actors that figure it out as they work. Kind of a 'trial by fire' thing. They figure out what works when they are in desperate need to ground themselves. Sometimes it's healthy practices like Yoga, exercise, reading, spending time with friends/family. Other times it's unhealthy practices. An Australian ACTORS’ WELLBEING STUDY revealed that out of nearly 800 professional actors - Over 40 percent of them drink to ‘let go’ after a demanding performance. This isn't a casual drink after the show - This is drinking to potentially harmful levels - The same study revealed that 80% self -medicate with either legal or illegal drugs to alleviate the general, long-term pressures of their work and lives and that includes the intense burden of demanding roles!

Mostly I think of Broadway actors who play not only the same character 8 times a week, but the same show.

This is an interesting topic, Alan. I've not had this issue and don't think I ever will as I am using certain exercises to detach myself from the character and the script after filming. But I am aware that many actors have this issue after years of playing the same character

Hi Brigitte! It's good to hear that you take care of yourself. It's so important. And like you say, playing the same character for many years does have its challenges.

Thank you, Alan. I would love to play a character for years and see how all that works for me. I have however played dark characters and used thees exercises to detach myself, These are exercise that work both on a practical as well as energtic level to detach yourself from the character and script. Usually I use these to keep what is good, posisitve uplifting about my character and detach from what is unwanted, negative etcetera. :-)

Wonderful! that's an excellent practice! After all, each character is an opportunity to reflect on who we are as artists, and to grow/learn from them - what to take, what to leave behind, what to change within ourselves....