Article: 14 Cis Gen Actors Have Played TG Roles

[Carolyn Marie]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/cisgender-actors-transgender-roles-elle-fanning-eddie-redmayne-more-998984

 

Carolyn Marie

[Jani]

While I am not someone who goes to a lot of movies I can see the directors point when they say "This is only added to by the fact that transgender actors are underrepresented in Hollywood,..."  How many transgender actors, with talent and experience are out there?  I suppose experience is gained just as every other actor gets it, through summer theater, open auditions, commercials, etc.  I don't know but I can imagine many would not want to out themselves and then either be typecast or looked over because they are TG.  It's certainly seems like a chicken and egg situation.   

Jani

[VickySGV]

2 hours ago, Jani423 said:

While I am not someone who goes to a lot of movies I can see the directors point when they say "This is only added to by the fact that transgender actors are underrepresented in Hollywood,..."  How many transgender actors, with talent and experience are out there?

Considering that there is actually a talent agency out here exclusively for Trans* entertainment folks that has over 300 registered clients, we at least have some representation and being as close to this as I am have seen that we do have people who are very talented.  At the present time there are small independent production companies that are giving Trans* folk exposure in their work but those are not big box office shows that draw the money in, but do give experience.  One of the people mentioned in this list, Jeffrey Tambor has been working with that agency to coach Trans* performers and get them ready for better roles in the industry.  Things are looking up

[Carolyn Marie]

While it would be wonderful to cast trans actors in lead roles to play trans characters, I understand a bit about the business of making movies.  Most ideas for a film, most screenplays, never make it to production.  Those that do have a lot going for them, not the least of which are lead actors who are known to the public and who can help a movie succeed.  Without that, most movies, even Indy type films, will never see the inside of a theater.

At the moment, there are probably just two trans actors who are well enough known to carry a movie.  How many roles are out there for them, and should they be limited to only trans roles?  Most people would say no. So if they should not be limited in that way, should cis-gen actors not be allowed the same freedom?

In a perfect world, trans roles should always go to trans actors.  But if movies about trans folk are going to be made, then we have to allow producers and directors the freedom to choose the cast of players that will allow the movie to get funded and get made.  In that way, non-starring roles might (and should) be made available to trans actors, who will gain the experience and exposure to be cast in bigger roles in future films.

Becoming a star in Hollywood is not an overnight deal.  We should not expect actors within our community to have it any easier than anyone else.  When producers know that Laverne Cox can carry a picture to success, then she will get those roles.

Carolyn Marie