William Shakespeare said "There are no small parts*--". William Shatner may have said it too, but the longhair with the tights was first, or so the reports go. In this feature we will explore what it really means to be an actor working in Motion Pictures and Television.

Broad public acknowledgment may have eluded some who find their way to these pages, or perhaps they may have brushed against what is referred to as stardom by virtue of one or more remarkable performances. However for many, the rewards of plying their craft in a field which has allowed them to earn a living may exceed the burdens of public acclaim. Given the chance, some in this clan might prefer the longevity offered by anonymity over the potential for short lived fame.

These individuals, either by design or fate, have managed to sustain a career by crafting performances which rendered them a good casting choice. They are usually thought of as a face you recognize, but you just can't get the name past the tip of your tongue.

Most of these folks have spent countless hours on stage in theaters ranging from 20 seats to 2000, building characters from the works of Ibsen, to Eliot, to Williams, to yes even Shakespeare, and so many of the modern Playwrights. They have rounded their skills doing drama, comedy, & musicals. Their work is a serious venture.

These people have given us screen performances which quite often were the catalyst that brought an Oscar or Emmy to another and yet they continue to work as "Characters" or "Co-Stars" without the trophies and plaques adorning their mantle.
* Technically, it was Konstantin Stanislavski who coined the phrase "There are no small parts, only small actors", but we like the "William" references just for fun!
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James Reynolds | Working Actor

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James Reynolds, it is believed, may have logged more hours on television than any other African-American actor in the U.S. (since 1981). We made that statement in May of 2002 when we first published this profile. At that time, with over 19 years on "Days of our Lives" and another year as an Emmy nominated lead of NBC-TV's "Generations", he had averaged over 100 hours of airtime each year. Today that number has been blown out of the park. Mr.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Tue, 03/20/2018 - 08:16
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Mindy Sterling | "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" (1999) [a]

Mindy Sterling - Always busy acting!

Mindy Sterling remembers what happened when she told her father, comedian Dick Sterling, that she wanted to become a performer. 'At the age of 13 my dad decided to get me private acting lessons to do Shakespeare', the Florida-raised Sterling recalls. He said: 'If you learn Shakespeare, you'll be a great actor'. 'And I was hideous - when you're thirteen years old, Shakespeare is NOT how you want to spend your free time! Needless to say, to this day I hate doing Shakespeare.'

Profiles of the Working Actor
Sat, 03/10/2018 - 08:12
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Chelcie Ross | Working Actor

Chelcie Ross - Does it the old-fashioned way

Chelcie Ross was born in Sacramento, California, the eldest of three sons of a career Air Force Officer. A military "brat", he attended many schools in the United States and abroad, graduating Stateside from Pemberton Township High School in New Jersey. Very athletic, Chelcie lettered in Baseball, Football and Basketball. Up until this point, he still had yet to discover acting.

Profiles of the Working Actor
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Barry Jenner | "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993)

Barry Jenner (1941 - 2016)

Barry Jenner was born January 14, 1941 and raised in North Philadelphia near Connie Mack Stadium. His father was a factory worker and his mother was a part time waitress and homemaker. An only child, Barry graduated from Lincoln High School in Philadelphia and West Chester State College in Pennsylvania. His major was Political Science with a minor in American History.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Tue, 02/20/2018 - 13:12
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John Aylward | Working Actor

John Aylward- Firing on All Cylinders

John Aylward may be best known for his portrayal of the hard-nosed Dr. Anspaugh on NBC's "ER", however, he has spent decades on theatre stages throughout the U.S. and Canada and has performed everything from Shakespeare & Moliere to Shepard & Mamet. And while audiences of TV and film have generally seen him play serious men and downright curmudgeons, Aylward's comic prowess is legend. His versality and talent have made him one busy actor.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Sat, 02/10/2018 - 01:10
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Denis Arndt | Working Actor

Denis Arndt - Serving the text!

Denis Arndt, was born in Ohio near the shores of Lake Erie, He was moved West with the rest of the country after WWII, and went to High School in Spokane, Washington. It was there, at John R. Rogers High School, that Denis found a teacher -- or a teacher found a pupil -- one Dale F. Brannon who was head of the Drama and Speech Department, a decorated Infantry Veteran wounded at Anzio, with a communicable passion, a passion for Literature and it's voice and action onstage.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Thu, 02/01/2018 - 13:14
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Alice Hirson | "Full House" (1987)

Alice Hirson - Keeps nurturing her gifts!

Alice Hirson was born on March 10, 1929 in New York City as Alice C. Thorsell. She is an actress, known for "The Glass House", "Being There" and "Revenge of the Nerds". She is the widow of actor Stephen Elliott see August 2001 whom she met while both were appearing on Broadway in "Traveller Without Luggage" in 1964. She has two sons from her first marriage to writer Roger O. Hirson; David Hirson a playwrite, and Christopher Hirson.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Wed, 01/10/2018 - 08:09
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Warren Stevens | "Star Trek: By Any Other Name" (1968)

Warren Stevens (1919–2012)

Warren Stevens was born, November 2, 1919 in Clark's Summit, Pennsylvania, and died on March 27, 2012 (age 92) in Sherman Oaks, California. He became an actor by way of Annapolis. Stevens, followed the family's wishes and joined the Navy when he turned seventeen. During four years as an enlisted man he studied for an appointment to Annapolis and was accepted.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Tue, 01/02/2018 - 13:19
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Stephen Elliott | "Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Stephen Elliott (1918–2005)

Stephen Elliott was born on November 27, 1918 in New York City. He died on May 21, 2005 (age 86) in Woodland Hills, California. He performed literally thousands of roles on stage and screen for well over half a century. His characters have shared the big and small screen with some of the most famous and decorated actors of all time.

Profiles of the Working Actor
Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:15
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