Advice for Christian Actors and Actresses

Here's a little wisdom which a devoutly Christian actor/screenwriter friend shared with me about playing evil characters (because the baddies are necessary, otherwise there would be no one with whom to contrast the virtuous hero). These are two important requirements for playing unsavory persons.

1. - The characters' evil deeds aren't glorified, but portrayed truthfully as sinful (an example of this is the cautionary tale).

2. - If the sin in question is something which can be simulated/implied (e.g., lying, murder), you're okay. Things which can't be faked (like taking the Lord's name in vain, using curse words, or appearing naked) should be avoided. To which I add: the audience isn't stupid - they understand implied actions, and it's much more powerful to hint at something and let them fill in the blanks rather than fling it all in their faces, which insults their intelligence. Besides, if you ever want to leave the acting business, get married, and settle down, do you really want to have to explain your immoral acting choices to your kids? If you truly want to serve as an example of a devout follower of Christ and as a virtuous person overall, take care to avoid those roles now, and you'll save yourself embarrassment then. And even if you say, "it's not me, it's the character," ultimately you're the one doing the action, and thus you're responsible. Walk in the way of truth; the best thing to do if you're confused about a role is to pray, and talk it over with firm Christians you trust. Faith and good counsel will see you through.

The stage is set, the cameras are rolling, and you're on - light up the stage and screen with the radiance of God's love!

Image: Edwin Booth (actor and brother to John Wilkes Booth) as Iago in Othello by Thomas Hicks (circa 1864)