"Fifteen years before I became a screen actor, I was in the theatre. A lot of my work was comedy, which I loved doing. It's harder"
About this Quote
In the quote by Ben Kingsley, the popular actor reviews his professional journey, providing insights into his profession shift from theatre to the screen, with a specific focus on his experiences in comedy. Kingsley, understood for his diverse roles and transformative acting skills, succinctly records the essence of his developmental years as a performer with the phrase, "Fifteen years before I ended up being a screen star, I was in the theatre". This opening line highlights the significance of his theatrical background, recommending that his early experiences on phase were foundational to his advancement as a star.
The theatre has a long-standing custom of developing an actor's craft, mostly because it requires a thorough understanding of character development, timing, and audience engagement. Kingsley's fifteen years in theatre most likely provided him with a robust skill set, offering him the tools needed to browse the complexities of screen acting later in his career. His statement highlights the significance of this duration as a necessary stage in his creative evolution.
Kingsley goes on to point out, "A great deal of my work was comedy, which I loved doing. It's harder". Here, he acknowledges his affinity for comical roles while simultaneously recognizing the unique challenges they provide. Funny demands accurate timing, a keen sense of rhythm, and the ability to engage an audience's emotions. The observation that funny is "harder" indicates a nuanced understanding that making individuals laugh requires not just skill but also a deep connection with the audience. It is typically said that stars who master funny have an extensive understanding of humanity and life's subtleties, qualities that are transferable to any acting genre.
By sharing this retrospective insight, Kingsley emphasizes the often-underappreciated complexity of comical performing and credits his theatrical experiences, especially in funny, as essential to his success. His reflection functions as a testimony to the worth of diverse experiences in a star's journey, underscoring the complex layers of skill and devotion required to master the craft of acting throughout various mediums.
More details
About the Author