What type of Actor are you?

MGM’s classic The Wizard of Oz has been entertaining audience for over 76 years. The reason that this movie is so enduring over time is not only due to the iconic cinematography, costuming, and special effects of the time. It is also due to the actors who brought this picture to life. Each of these actors brings their talents together to make memorable characters but not all are the same, “Just as there are different types of acting, there are also different types of actors.” (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014)
Character Actors:

Frank Morgan would fit into the category of a character actor playing several roles in The Wizard of Oz. A character actor is someone who can adapt invisibly into a variety of roles. (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014) This is exemplified by the several roles he played in the film such as the Professor Marvel, The Wizard, The Gatekeeper, The Carriage Drivers, and the Guard. In Hollywood, Frank Morgan was already a well known actor at MGM who had starred in such hits as “The Great Ziegfeld” and received $2,500 a week for his work in the Wizard of Oz compared to Judy Garland’s salary of $500 per week. (Dennis, 2015) While he was never classified as a star, he was a well known face in many films and on stage.

Personality Actor:

Bert Lahr who portrayed the character of Zeke the farmhand and The Cowardly Lion can be classified as a Personality actor. These types of actors usually have distinctive personalities and in some form are playing themselves on screen. (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014) Lahr was this type of actor who brought a distinctive personality and charisma to the roles he played. He was a bigger than life personality with a background in vaudeville, musical comedy, film, and television. In this scene where Dorothy, the tin man, and the scarecrow meet the lion for the first time we see the personality of the actor as he laughs asking the Tin man, “How long can you stay fresh in that can?” ( ) There is also the dynamic when Dorothy swats him on the nose as he “cries” confessing that he is indeed a coward.

The Star, someone who well known and creates a distinctive screen persona. (Goodykoontz & Jacobs, 2014)

1946
Judy
photo@Warner Brothers

Obviously, Judy Garland is the star of The Wizard of OZ. The talent and legacy of Judy Garland has impacted Hollywood for many years. She was a talent actress and singer who became an icon for many generations. Judy Garland would be considered to be in this category based on all her screen work and the cultural phenomena she became later in life. Personally, I have been a fan of her work all my life. She was had a natural presence and innocence that many actress of her era lacked. She was extremely funny, especially when she worked with Mickey Rooney in the Andy Hardy movies. She has also been one of the great inspirations for me as a singer.

References:
Dennis, K. (2015). Archives: Story. Retrieved August 1, 2015, from http://www.filmsofthegoldenage.com/articles/2008/01/24/current_issue/morganfrank.txt
Garland, J. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2015, from http://www-tc.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/files/2008/10/610_garland_about.jpg
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. This text is a Constellation™ course digital materials (CDM) title.
Lahr, B. (n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2015, from http://image1.findagrave.com/photos/2009/224/597_125020316684.jpg
TheManThatGetsAway, (May 26, 2011) Judy Garland – I’m Always Chasing Rainbows (Ziegfeld Girl, 1941) https://youtu.be/2TzgjCmmdxc
Morgan, F.(n.d.). Retrieved August 1, 2015, from http://www.latimes.com/includes/projects/hollywood/portraits/frank_morgan.jpg
MovieClips, (May 26, 2011) The Cowardly Lion – The Wizard of Oz (6/8) Movie CLIP (1939) HD Retrieve from https://youtu.be/z2itQkiQUOE